Benefits and properties of cat's claw, remedies and contraindications
The Cat's claw It is a climbing and wild plant that comes from Central America and Peru. The common name with which it is known is "Uña de gato", this is due to the fact that its talons have claw-like spines that are very reminiscent of the small claws of this animal.
The scientific name of this medicinal plant is Uncaria tomentosa and belongs to the family of Rubiaceae, commonly it is known by other names besides cat's claw, scribble, bejucote.
The parts of this plant that are used to prepare various medicinal remedies are the root and bark.
The properties of this medicinal plant are the following: anti-inflammatory, defensive stimulant, antiviral, analgesic, anticoagulant, antioxidant, healing, analgesic and sudorific.
On the other hand, among its active ingredients we can mention the presence of oxindole alkaloids, glycosides, glycoacids, phenolics and antacids.
There are many benefits of the cat's claw and this medicinal plant is used since ancient times to cure various diseases, heal wounds, fight infections, for the relief of joint pain, as well as to increase defenses.
This medicinal plant can be obtained in herbalists, parapharmacies, natural products stores, online.
We can find cat's claw in different formats in herbalists and specialized stores. The most common? Dry plant or dry bark, in the form of capsules and extracts.
Learn about the benefits of Cat's Claw
And what are the most important benefits we find in the wonderful cat's claw? They are the following:
- To increase the defenses, tonic to avoid diseases.
- Lower the fever.
- Heal wounds.
- Purify the kidneys.
- Stomach problems.
- Joint pains
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
- Recovery after childbirth.
- Regulate acne
- It acts against fungi.
- Diarrhea.
How to prepare 3 home remedies with cat's claw
Infusion of Cat's Claw to raise the defenses
Among the properties of this medicinal plant is its action to strengthen the immune system so that we can prevent various diseases, as well as to cope with seasonal changes.
To make this infusion we need to make an infusion with the bark of a cat's claw.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 grams of crust of cat's claw well cut.
- 200 ml. From mineral water.
- A teaspoon of honey
Elaboration:
We wash the bark of the cat's claw well and chop it small.
In a saucepan we put the water to heat along with the crust.
Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and let it boil for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat, strain the infusion and when it is warm we can take it.
Add a teaspoon of honey to provide more beneficial properties or if honey does not like, we will sweeten to taste.
This infusion can take a cup 3 times a day, especially before the seasonal changes in Autumn and Winter to prevent colds and colds.
How to prepare a decoction of Cat's Claw to relieve pain associated with arthritis or arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal plant make it an effective remedy for the relief caused by both arthritis and osteoarthritis, also relieves muscle pain.
To prepare this decoction we need dry bark of cat's claw.
This decoction is for external use.
Ingredients:
- 10 grams of cat's claw bark.
- 400 ml. of water.
Elaboration:
In a pot put the water to heat along with the crust well cut.
Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and keep boiling for 15 minutes.
Cover the decoction and let it rest for 10 minutes.
We connect the decoction and when it is cold we moisten a cotton cloth or compress and apply it on the painful area.
How to prepare an antioxidant decoction with Cat's Claw
One of the medicinal and beneficial properties for our organism are the antioxidant properties that will help us to prevent the aging of the cells.
To prepare this antioxidant decoction we need to resort to the root of this plant.
Ingredients:
- A teaspoon of dried root of cat's claw.
- 200 ml. From mineral water.
Elaboration:
We put the water in a saucepan along with the cat's claw root.
Heat and when it starts to boil, lower the heat to the minimum and keep boiling for 10 minutes.
Remove from the fire and strain the decoction.
Once it is warm, we can take it.
We will sweeten to the taste, yes perhaps it will taste with sweet touch.
We can take 2 or 3 cups a day.
Contraindications of the Cat's Claw
Cat's claw is well tolerated as long as it is consumed at the therapeutically recommended doses, so before deciding to resort to this medicinal plant, we should consult with the doctor or therapeutic professionals and follow its guidelines and advice.
Uña de gato is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Children under 12 years old.
- In case of pregnancy.
- During the period of lactation.