ENGLISH NAME: Cat’s Claw
LATIN NAME: Uncaria tomentosa
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Kočičí dráp
Turkey: Kedi pençesi
Bulgaria: Котешки нокът (Koteski nokat), Unha de gato
Georgia: კატას ბრჭყალი (K’atas brch’qali)
COUNTRY: Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Native to tropical rainforests of the Amazon
basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, etc.); found in gardens or greenhouses,
cultivated in Turkey and Georgia in limited quantities
Elevation: Sea level to 900
meters
Terrain: Tropical rainforests
with nutrient-rich, well-drained soils
DESCRIPTION:
Cat’s Claw is a woody vine native to
the Amazon and other tropical areas of Central and South America. It is
characterized by its climbing habit and distinctive hooked thorns, resembling a
cat’s claw, used for climbing. The plant can grow up to 30 meters long in its
natural environment.
USABLE PARTS: Inner bark and, to a lesser extent, the roots
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Valued for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory,
and antioxidant effects.
Used traditionally for a range of conditions including gastrointestinal issues,
inflammation, arthritis, and as a general tonic.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, or digestive discomfort in
sensitive individuals.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Cat’s Claw may interact with medications, possibly enhancing or reducing their
effects. Use cautiously and consult a healthcare provider before combining with
other treatments.
PREPARATION:
Prepared as a tea (decoction of inner
bark or roots), tincture, or capsules.
HARVEST TIME:
Usually harvested during the dry season when active compound concentration is
highest.
HARVEST METHOD:
Carefully cut sections of the vine’s inner bark or roots, ensuring sustainable
harvesting practices to allow plant regeneration.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Store dried bark or root in airtight containers away from moisture and direct
sunlight. Sustainable harvesting and habitat preservation are essential for
conservation.