The Uncaria tomentosa, better known as a cat’s claw, is a plant native to Peru that has been used for more than 2000 years as a natural treatment for common ailments of the body due to its medicinal benefits. This plant’s name is due to its thorns, which have a claw shape similar to the nails of a feline and are used by the plant to hold onto trees.
Although the Peruvian tribes were the pioneers in using cat’s claw to treat flu to tumors, today it is common to find the root of this plant, which is the one that concentrates its medicinal benefits, in herbal shops, health food stores, and famous markets, since even the World Health Organization has recognized its properties worldwide. If you want to know the health benefits of a cat’s claw, continue reading this article by FastlyHealthat, exclusively dedicated to this plant.
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Boosts the immune system
According to the World Health Organization, the cat’s claw is the only plant, after the discovery of quinine, that managed to arouse the interest of the whole world thanks to the alkaloids it contains in its root since at least six of the that it possesses are capable of increasing the body’s immunity level up to 50%, to the point that it was scientifically proven that five of these substances have positive effects against leukemia, tumors, ulcers, infections, and arthritis.
When the immune system works effectively, it is easier for the body to fight bacteria, viruses, and germs that try to affect the health of the body. For this reason, one of the essential health benefits of a cat’s claw is that its intake helps prevent flu, infections, and viral diseases while maintaining optimal body defenses.
Antioxidant and anticancer
The alkaloid most active against the immune system is considered to be Isomer A, which means that in addition to stimulating the immune system, it has a powerful antioxidant effect that helps eliminate the negative impact of free radicals on the body’s cells, preventing them from benign cells become malignant and thus help prevent certain types of cancer.
In addition, the antioxidant effect of cat’s claw is also reflected in the health of the skin, and it is that antioxidants help prevent premature aging, allowing the dermis to delay the loss of elasticity and collagen and, therefore, the signs of aging such as wrinkles and furrows appear later than expected.
Prevents breast cancer
Among the health benefits of a cat’s claw, it stands out that it has been proven that the extracts of this plant exert a function in the body that prevents the proliferation of the MCF7 breast cancer cell line. This discovery has allowed cat claws to be used to treat people with breast cancer and AIDS, strengthening their immune system and increasing red blood cells to prevent the progression or complications that both conditions suggest, as well as the appearance of new pathologies.
It prevents the herpes virus.
One of the most commented effects of a cat’s claw on the body is that its powerful ability to increase defenses and keep the immune system active makes it possible to prevent or eliminate the genital herpes virus or herpes zoster from the body. But in addition, it has been shown that the consumption of a cat’s claw helps treat gonorrhea, urinary tract and respiratory infections such as asthma, sinusitis, cough, and allergy.
Anti-inflammatory effect
The alkaloids in a cat’s claw also exert an anti-inflammatory effect in the body that helps treat joint conditions such as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Likewise, its ability to relieve pain is ideal for reducing requirements derived from conditions such as osteoarthritis and gout.
Another benefit of a cat’s claw is that it helps to improve diseases of the circulatory system since it stimulates the correct blood flow preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and angina pectoris due to its ability to reduce platelet aggregation.
Other health benefits of cat’s claw
- It helps clean the intestinal tract, stimulating evacuations and eliminating waste and toxins accumulated in the body. This property is ideal for those who have colitis, constipation, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Stimulates wound healing quickly.
- Helps treat Candida infection.
- Improves stomach upset.
How to take cat’s claw for health
Preparing an infusion of a cat’s claw is the easiest and most natural way to receive all this American plant’s benefits.
Ingredients :
- Fifteen grams of cat’s claw root or cat’s claw extract.
- One cup of boiling water.
- Honey and lemon.
Preparation: Heat the water in a well until it boils, then add the cat’s claw and cook for 10 minutes. Then remove it from the heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, strain and drink. If you wish, you can add honey and lemon to improve the flavor of this infusion. Pregnant women should not consume a cat’s claw infusion without consulting their doctor.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.