[Previous entry: "Fathers"] [Next entry: "Health Status Report"]
07/11/2007: "Una de Gato"
We have a Peruvian friend who just recommended that I look into Una de Gato or Uncaria Tomentosa or as we might know it as, Cat’s Claw. The Peruvians have used Una de Gato as a healing tonic for centuries. The U.S. has only learned of its capabilities in the last 20 years. This herb is considered one of the most beneficial from the Peruvian rain forest. The World Health Organization has recognized it as one of the most important medicinal plants in the world. It was also one of the plants researched by the National Institute for Health as an anti-cancer agent. Some of the properties attributed to this herb are Anti-microbial, Antioxidant, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-tumor.
“In Peru, Una de Gato tea is used as a medicinal herb with almost unlimited curative properties. This herb is a powerful cellular rejuvenator. It has been used for the treatment of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregularities of the female cycle, and acne. It is also used to treat organic depression. External applications of Una de Gato include the treatment of wounds, fungus, fistulas and hemorrhoids. European research shows that Una de Gato activates the immune system by increasing lymphocytic (white blood cell) activity." - Herbs of the Amazon - Traditional and Common Uses, by Dr. Donna Schwontkowski
Alkaloids are the active organic compounds found in herbs and the heart of most drug research. Six alkaloids are found in Una de Gato bark and are what give Una de Gato its ability to enhance the immune system and stomach. Four of the alkaloids have been shown to increase the ability of the white blood cells to attack and eat up harmful organisms.
Una de Gato is a woody vine that grows up trees in the Highlands of Peru. When the vine (which grows up to 100 feet in height) is harvested at about three feet above ground, it grows back to full size within a few years. If you purchase Una de Gato, be sure the supply was from the harvest of the bark only. It is also important to buy only Uncaria tomentosa. This is the true Una de Gato. Other herbs are informally called cat's claw and there is a version of Una de Gato from the lowlands of Peru, Uncaria guianensis. It does not contain the same alkaloids as Uncaria tomentosa.
Add this one to my supplement list.