| Cat's Claw | | | | The Peruvian Ashaninka Indians view the vine as "life |
| Cat's claw, also known as una de gato, belongs to | | | | giving." Cat's claw is traditionally used to treat arthritis |
| the genus Uncaria and is indigenous to the Amazon | | | | and rheumatism, ulcers and other disorders of the |
| rainforest and other tropical areas of South and | | | | gastrointestinal tract, asthma, wounds, gonorrhea, |
| Central America. Uncaria plants are woody vines with | | | | dysentery, and tumors; to help recover from |
| characteristic curved thorns, which resemble cat | | | | childbirth; and as a contraceptive (in large doses). In |
| claws, on their stems. The species most widely used | | | | North America and Europe, cat's claw is currently |
| for medicinal purposes in Western countries is Uncaria | | | | promoted for similar uses, with an emphasis on |
| tomentosa, but a related species, U. guianensis, is also | | | | stimulating the immune system to treat disorders |
| employed. Other species are popular in Asia. | | | | such as cancer, viral diseases (including AIDS), |
| Uses: | | | | gastrointestinal illnesses, and inflammatory disorders. |
| Cat's claw preparations have been employed by | | | | Anecdotal reports abound describing the healing |
| native populations of the upper Amazon basin for | | | | properties of cat's claw preparations for many |
| generations to treat a myriad of health problems. | | | | serious or chronic medical conditions. |