Una De Gato
The Miracle Herb from the Amazonian rainforest of Peru
Cat’s Claw, a large, woody vine that grows up trees with hook-like thorns that grow along the vine which resemble the claw of a cat, comes to us from the highlands and foothills of the Andes mountains and along the Amazon riverbanks of South America. It may take twenty years to mature, climbing to over 100ft.
There are over 30 species of Cat’s Claw which is commonly known by its Spanish name Una De Gato. The two closely related species that are harvested for their medicinal uses are the Uncaria tomentosa and the Uncaria guianensis. It is the Uncaria tomentosa which contains the alkaloids oxindole which gives its amazing spectrum of beneficial qualities.
The indigenous peoples in the Andes had been reported to use the leaves, barks and roots of Una De Gato for medicinal purpose for at least 2,000 years. The Ashninka use it to treat asthma, inflammations of the urinary tract, to recover from childbirth, as a kidney cleanser, to cure deep wounds, for arthritis, rheumatism, and bone pain, to control inflammation and gastric ulcers and for cancer. The tribes in Colombia use the vine to treat gonorrhea, dysentery. The Cashibo tribe of eastern Peru believes Una de Gato "normalizes the body", treat fevers, abscesses and to cleanse the body system. Other documented natives uses include hemorrhages and impurities of the skin, blood cleanser, irregularity of the menstrual cycle, as a birth control, diabetes, urinary tract cancer in women, cirrhosis. However, it is the inner bark of the vine which is of primary source of pharmacological activity.
Immunostimulant
Many studies indicated that at least six of the Oxindole alkaloids present in Una de Gato can increase immune function by up to 50%. This has led to its use around the world as an adjunctive treatment for cancer and AIDS, as well as other diseases that negatively impact the immunological system. Five of the oxindole alkaloids have been clinically documented with anti-leukemic , anti-tumorous and anti-mutagenic properties.
Anti-Cancer
Patients taking Una de Gato in conjunction with traditional cancer therapies like chemotheraphy and radiation noted fewer side-effects such as hair loss, weight loss, nausea, secondary infections and skin problems.
In some cases for brain tumor patients, the use of Una de Gato in combination with surgery and alternating with chemotherapy and radiation, there is an increased in the survival rate.
Digestive System
Because of its ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and its effectiveness in treating stomach and bowel disorders(Crohn’s disease, leaky bowel syndrome, ulcers, gastritis, diverticulitis), Una de Gato is refer to the “opener of the way” by Dr Brent Davis.
Anti-Inflammatory
Glycosides found in Una de Gato could inhibit inflammation from 46% to up to 69% in various clinical tests.
Gastritis, gastric ulcers, arthritis, asthma
Blood
When taking Una de Gato, red blood cells has the ability to resist breakdown. This is important for people with anemia, and people undergoing chemotherapy and radiation where red blood cells are often destroyed.
Alkaloids has also shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombosis and may help prevent blood clots in blood vessels, as well as relax the blood vessels of endothelial cells, dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower the heart rate and lower blood cholesterol.
Anti-oxidant
Phyto-chemical in Una de Gato help with the body’s anti-oxidant response and serve as free radicals scavengers. Free radicals (air pollution, smoke, pesticides, dietary fat, ultra-violet and x-rays) can damage and mutate healthy cells..
Precautions
European practitioners avoid combining this herb with hormonal drugs, insulin or vaccines. Una de Gato is contra indicated in multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis. Pregnant and lactating mothers are advised from taking this herb.