Top 4 Reasons Cat’s Claw Is The Cat’s Meow of Supplements

Herbology

The original medicines came from plants – and indeed, one estimate says that today plant compounds contribute to 25% of all medicines.

Plants and herbs have played an enormous role in transforming the health of my family and of my clients.

Cat’s claw (uncaria tomentosa) is typically one of the top supplements I recommend the most (except in certain situations – see below), and here are 4 reasons why…

 

First, What Is Cat’s Claw?

Close-up of cat's claw vines and yellow blossoms

Cat’s claw (or uncaria tomentosa) is a woody vine that roots in the ground in the Amazonian rainforests in Peru and the surrounding countries. The plant gets its name from its barbs that are shaped like a cat’s claw. It has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory and for many other medicinal uses. Typically, the root or the inner bark of the vine is used and is produced as a powder (in capsules), as a tea, or as a tincture.

 

Cat’s Claw is Anti-inflammatory.

Most dis-easements in the body have to do with inflammation (read more about why here). Besides eating an anti-inflammatory diet, staying hydrated, getting good sleep, moving your body, and managing your stress, there are certain herbs and supplements that can help. Cat’s claw is definitely among them! Reducing your body’s inflammation can help the body heal faster and reduce pain.

For many years, cat’s claw has been used for anti-inflammatory purposes, and modern research now backs up ancient medicine. Cat’s claw has been shown to reduce hypertension in pregnancy, reduce and protect against respiratory inflammation, decrease inflammation in osteoarthritis, and even decreased endometriosis so much that the research recommended it as part of treatment.

 

Cat’s Claw Fights Viral & Bacterial Infections.

High in quinovic acid glycosides, cat’s claw is a powerful antiviral and antibacterial. It contains compounds that prevent a virus from attaching to your cells – making many researchers recommend its use for modern medicine. Taking cat’s claw when you are in the early stages of feeling sick can do wonders to stop a virus from replicating and spreading in your body. However, I have recommended this to many clients to use against long-term, deeply embedded viruses as well.

 

Cat’s Claw Supports Your Immune System.

Your immune system is simply amazing. When you give it what it needs and take away what it doesn’t, your immune system can do wonders. Cat’s claw has been shown to be a highly beneficial support for your immune system – which is another reason I find myself recommending it often to clients. This plant also quickens wound healing (a sign of a functioning immune system), improves your gut (which has a strong connection to your immune system), and even supports bone health (an important player in your immune system). Cat’s claw has also been shown to improve brain health by increasing cognition, learning, and memory.

 

Cat’s Claw Can Assist A Cancer Journey.

Note: A cancer journey requires a detailed and very personalized protocol. Please consult with a trusted health practitioner before adding or adjusting any part of a regimen. To see my recommendations for a cancer journey, please go to my online course The Cancer Warrior: Building Resiliency The Natural Way.

Cat’s claw has been shown to fight and protect against cancer and oxidative stress. Because cat’s claw is such a powerful antioxidant, it can repair cells that have oxidative damage. Researchers have found cat’s claw to be promising for treatment and prevention of oxidative stress and cancer.

To see more about how to protect yourself from cancer, check out these articles:

 

Situations Where I DON’T Recommend Cat’s Claw

As much as I recommend cat’s claw to many clients, there are certain clients I do not recommend this for. If a client is trying to conceive a child or is pregnant, I would typically recommend not to use cat’s claw – or to use it with caution and under the direction of a trusted health practitioner. Instead, lemon balm is a great alternative with many of the same immune-supporting and antiviral properties. Read more about lemon balm and my top 5 supplements here. (The only reason I did not put cat’s claw on this list originally is because it wouldn’t be a good fit for those who are conceiving or pregnant.)

 

High Quality Sources of Cat’s Claw

I always vet a product and brand before recommending it to you, so please know that extensive research has gone into the brands I recommend. (See my full compilation of brands & products on my Resource Center here.) As always, please consult your trusted health practitioner before adding to or adjusting your supplement regimen. Here are my favorite sources of high quality cat’s claw:

Tinctures
Tea
Capsules

 

Cheers to a healthier you!

Ignite the Healer within,
Amber Bodily

P.S. If you want to see what else I recommend for a strong immune system, check out my online course UNDEFEATED: Your Passport To A Powerful Immune System (or get 20% off here).

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from the sale of these products. This assists my work in supporting others on their healing journey to health.

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