Cat’s Claw
Cat’s Claw is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America. It’s named for its hooked thorns, which resemble a cat’s claws. The plant has been used in traditional Peruvian medicine for centuries, primarily for the treatment of arthritis, inflammation, and as an immunostimulant.
It is believed to help fight infections, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, only some of these benefits are supported by science. Cat’s Claw root and bark contain chemicals that might stimulate the immune system, kill cancer cells, and fight viruses. Multiple studies have confirmed using cat’s claw to naturally improve both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is also used to treat a wide array of digestive disorders, including colitis, diverticulitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
A dosage of 250 milligrams per day is a recommendation for Crohn’s sufferers. One gram of root bark given 2 to 3 times daily is a typical dose, while 20 to 30 mg of a root bark extract has been recommended. Cat’s claw appears to be safe when used orally for short periods of time. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, and vomiting in some people. As cat’s claw may interfere with some drugs, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer, and blood clotting, you should speak to your doctor before taking it. There is no good scientific evidence to support using cat’s claw for COVID-19.
