Saturday, September 26, 2009

Cat's Claw Extract Supplement: Keep You Healthy

By Kelvin Hall

Cat's claw should not be confused with cat's foot, the red and white flowers of Antennaria dioica, or devil's claw, Harpagophytum procumbens, a shrubby vine that grows in southwest Africa and is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, there are several other plants that may be confused with cat's claw. They may be given the name cat's claw, but they are actually quite different.

Cat's claw has been used in folk medicine as a tonic and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcers, gastritis, colitis and other intestinal ailments, tumors, dysentery, and as a contraceptive. Today some have promoted it for the treatment of Crohn's disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cat's claw has been used, in combination with the drug AZT, for individuals who are HIV positive. Research continues to explore the usefulness of cat's claw for viral infections such as HIV and herpes.

The immune enhancement usually results from the body's increasing its production of interferon to fight a viral infection, making antibodies to immobilize a hostile antigen, or producing a greater number of lymphocytes and other white blood cells that police the highways of the body and fight invading microorganisms.

The active ingredients in Cat's Claw are alkaloids, tannins and several other phytochemicals such as oxinole alkaloids, triterpines, glycosides, and sterols. These phytochemicals have adaptogenic, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

But what are cat's claw benefits? Helps the body fight off infections by helping the body's immune system, helps Protect the body against degenerative diseases and aging. Seen to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks by reducing the heart rate lowering blood pressure, improving circulation as well as controlling cholesterol

It is also Used to treat and protect against arthritis and rheumatism, as well as, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, PMS, lupus, and prostrate problems, and used in the treatment of cancer, acne, diverticulitis, parasites, hemorrhoids, as well as varicose veins. Helps treat digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and conditions involving chronic inflammation, used in the treatment of herpes infections, and acts as an all round powerful antioxidant to help protect the body from free radicals.

When looking at essential herbs to take for better overall health don't overlook Cats Claw, as we have seen its benefits are immense.And, what is most important: it is natural medicine.

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