In this time of tremendous global change, one of the greatest opportunities we have is the increased possibility for sharing among the peoples of the world. The technological innovations of our culture, combined with the profound understandings of unity and ecological attunement of the indigenous cultures of our world, provide the “raw material” for a powerful and unprecedented synergy that can uplift all of mankind.

Our culture is now being gifted with the healing herbs (and the information about how to use them) from the Amazon Rainforest … and we have the opportunity to not only heal ourselves with these gifts … we have the power to help insure that the land and the people who steward the land that provide these gifts are cared for and honored … But I am getting ahead of my story.

In future articles I will discuss the importance of preserving the Amazon Rainforest, and introduce you to many powerful healing herbal formulas — but today, I want to tell you about a single herb that many believe is one of the most important healing herbs on our planet: Uña de Gato (also known as Cat’s Claw and Unicaria tomentosa).

Without making any medical claims, I can share with you that even a cursory review of available literature (see below) supports the view that this herb has the following actions:

• Stimulates the immune system
• Fights inflammation
• Protects against cell mutation
• Is Anti-ulcerous

Research also supports the following properties of Uña de Gato:

• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-viral
• Anti-depressant

Other properties/actions documented by traditional use:

• Analgesic (pain-reliever)
• Anti-coagulant (blood thinner)
• Blood cleanser and detoxifier
• Diuretic (increases urination)
• Gastro-tonic (tones, balances, and strengthens the digestive tract)
• Tonic (tones, balances, and strengthens overall body functions)
• Wound healer

Based on my personal experience of using Uña de Gato, one unique aspect of the herb is that while it is “cooling” — in the sense that it reduces pain and inflammation, it is also “warming” — in the sense that it is tonifying to the body, making it a good choice for people that feel weak, cold, and rundown. It can also be safely taken for a long period of time.

Uña de Gato is convenient to ingest. Fluid extracts and powdered capsules are easily available and quite affordable. A monthly supply is often less than $30.00.

Many people have reported significant benefits while taking Uña de Gato. For example, I recommended it for one of my patients with a clogged breast duct. She felt better within hours. By the second day she reported that her pain and swelling were gone.

I do not believe that Uña de Gato is treating or curing anything. Instead, it catalyzes the body’s own innate healing energies — and the body heals itself!

If you review the above lists summarizing the major properties and actions of Uña de Gato, I’m sure you can begin to appreciate its potential value for those of us dealing with the challenges of “modern” life.

Uña de Gato has been a blessing in my life and in the lives of many others. I encourage you to do your own investigation to see if it might be appropriate for you. You can find more information on this remarkable herb on my website.

Until Next Time.

Published Research

Immunostimulant & Immunomodulatory Actions:

Spelman, K., et al. Altern. Med. Rev. 2006 Jun; 11(2): 128-50.
Eberlin, S., et al. Int. Immunopharmacol. 2005; 5(7-8):1235-46.
Deharo, E., et al. 2004 Sep; 11(6): 516-22.

Anti-inflammatory Actions:

Hardin, S. R. Ther. Clin. Pract. 2007 Feb; 13(1): 25-8.
Allen-Hall, L., et al. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan; 109(2): 312-7.
Valerio, L. G., et al. Toxicol. Rev. 2005; 24(1): 11-35.

Anticancerous & Antitumor Actions:

Gonzales, G.F., et al Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 2006 Sep; 6(5): 429-44.
Bacher, N., et al. Br. J. Haematol. 2006 Mar; 132(5): 615-22.
Riva, L., et al. Anticancer Res. 2001; 21(4A): 2457-61.
Sheng, Y., et al. Anticancer Res. 1998; 18(5A): 3363-68.

Cellular Protective & Antioxidant Actions:

Mammone, T., et al. Phytother. Res. 2006; 20(3): 178-83.
Pilarski, R., et al. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Mar; 104(1-2): 18-23.
Sheng, Y., et al. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000; 69(2): 115-26.

Actions on the Brain and Memory:

Mohamed, A. F., et al. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2001; 52(12): 1553-61.
Castillo, G., et al. Patent-Pct. Int. Paol. 1998; 00 33,659: 67pp.

Antimicrobial Actions:

Kloucek, P., et al J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jun; 99(2): 309-12.
Aquino, R., et al. J. Nat. Prod. 1989; 4(52): 679-85.

[Ed Note: David Kamnitzer, D.C. is an expert at helping people achieve high levels of health and well-being -- far beyond what is available simply through drugs and surgery alone. He combines his 20-year clinical experience and extensive knowledge in structural, nutritional, and energetic balancing to offer individuals cutting-edge approaches to healing. To learn more, click here.]

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