Cat’s claw tea is made from the bark of Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis and is believed to treat various ailments such as asthma, urinary tract infections, and arthritis. The vine is harvested every seven to eight years, and scientific studies show that the alkaloids found in the tea can slow the growth of cancer cells. However, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming it as it can cause negative reactions with some medications and side effects such as low blood pressure and diarrhea.
Cat’s claw tea is a tea made from the bark of Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis. Frequently used by tribes living in the Amazon region, this herbal remedy is believed to treat asthma, urinary tract infections, rheumatism, and arthritis. It is also believed to cleanse the kidney, treat inflammation and ulcers, and even cure cancer. In homeopathic medicine, practitioners claim that it stimulates the immune system. It is also commonly used to treat intestinal disorders and viral illnesses, such as shingles.
Cat’s claw is typically harvested in the rainforest from cultivated and wild crops. The plants used to make cat’s claw tea were aptly named because they have claw-like spines that cling to trees. The spines allow the vine to climb up into the rainforest canopy. U. tomentosa has white or yellow flowers, while U. guianensis has orange or red flowers. The vine is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, Peru, Costa Rica, Trinidad, and other tropical regions.
The vine rather than the root of the plant is typically harvested to make cat’s claw tea. About every seven to eight years, the cat’s claw vine becomes large enough to be harvested. In most cases, the vine is cut to about 2 to 3 feet (.61 to .91 m) from the ground. The bark is then removed from the vine and cut into smaller sections, dried, and made into cat’s claw tea.
Scientific studies are beginning to show the benefits of drinking cat’s claw tea. For example, in Austria, a study was completed on the alkaloids found in the stems and leaves used in tea. The study indicated that these alkaloids can slow the growth of leukemia or cancer cells.
Although the scientific studies are fairly new, cat’s claw tea has been used by tribes of people for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments. For example, it was used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the joints and muscles, such as rheumatism and arthritis. The tea continues to be used today in European and American cultures to treat many of these same conditions. As modern science becomes more aware of the benefits of cat’s claw tea, sustainable solutions will need to be applied to ensure that cat’s claw is not over-extracted.
As with any herbal remedy, people who drink tea made from cat’s claw bark should first consult a doctor. It is known to stimulate the immune system and can cause some immunosuppressive drugs to react negatively. Also, it can cause low blood pressure and diarrhea.
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