15 Things Cat’s Claw Can Help You to Heal

This woody vine hails from the Amazon rainforest, and it’s one of the best antiviral herbs for treating a wide variety of conditions. Cat’s claw has an extensive history among the South American nations, where traditional healers value it for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic properties.

Recent research into the effects of supplementing with cat’s claw shows that’s it’s an excellent treatment for reducing the symptoms of inflammation and pain associated with various chronic disease, including arthritis. The antiviral properties of cat’s claw make it useful for fighting off influenza infection, limiting the spread of the virus in the body while reducing the intensity of symptoms.

Studies also show that consuming cat’s claw enhances immune response, making you more resistant to disease. The antioxidant properties of the vine help to clear the bloodstream of free radicals, dangerous particles that cause cellular oxidation and cell death. Here are eight health benefits of supplementing your diet with cat’s claw.

1. Manage Degenerative Bone Disease

Millions of Americans live with degenerative bone diseases like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions cause pain and inflammation in the joints, reducing mobility and quality of life in affected individuals. Seniors over the age of 65 are most at risk of developing a form of bone disease, with most seniors learning how to cope with the effects of swollen and stiff joints.

However, there may be a natural alternative to using drugs to manage pain and inflammation symptoms. Studies show that supplementing with 100-milligrams of freeze-dried cat’s claw every day for four weeks reduces pain and inflammation associated with degenerative bone disease.

A “double-blind” study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows that patient receiving cat’s claw supplementation experienced a reduction in pain and inflammation in their joints when compared to the placebo group. The 24-week study concludes that cat’s claw has benefit for seniors struggling to cope with the pain and inflammation effects of degenerative bone diseases.