Cat's Claw - Odd Name, Big Alternative Medicine Potential

Cat's claw is a traditional medicine used by South Americans to treat a variety of ailments. As society starts looking for more natural ways to treat illnesses and low-level, underlying conditions, there has been a greater exploration of the benefits of different plants and herbs taken close to their natural form. Cat's claw is one alternative medicine that has come under investigation in recent years -- we look at what it can do for your health.

Plant species

Be aware that if you are in the Southwestern United States, the plant you know as cat's claw is probably not the same one that alternative medicine has been so interested in. The American cat's claw is acacia greggii; the plant used in alternative health products is uncaria tomentosa. You should always use FDA checked and approved products rather than eating plants from the wild, or from your backyard.

(Uncaria tomentosa)

What alternative medicine uses does cat's claw have?

South Americans have been using cat's claw for centuries as both a preventive and curative alternative medicine. It is said to support the immune system and promote good kidney health. It is also used as a contraceptive and can induce spontaneous abortion (miscarriages). It is currently being investigated for potential in treating Alzheimer's disease, viral infections, arthritis and cancer.

Be aware that…

• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you should not take cat's claw.
• The studies looking at whether cat's claw can help human conditions have been limited
• However, there are few counter indications and side effects for cat's claw as an alternative medicine. Immune system conditions and pregnancy are the only two mentioned by the NCCAM, but always check with your doctor!

Who can use cat's claw as an alternative medicine?

People with inflammatory diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), oxidative diseases (like cancer) and microbial conditions, like digestive ailments, could benefit from taking cat's claw. Other conditions that this alternative medicine shows promise for include:

• Crohn's disease
• Gastric ulcers
• Tumos
• Parasites
• Gastritis
• Diverticulitis
• Leaky bowel syndrome