Sacred Herb Rainforest Amazon Herbs

Sacred Herb of the Rainforest
By Kosa Ely

Una de Gato (uncaria tomentosa) is recognized as one of the most important medicinal plants of the whole world pharmacopoeia. Named after the small thorns at the base of its leaves, Una de Gato, more commonly known as Cat’s Claw, is a vine growing in the rainforest and jungle areas in South America and Asia. With the help of the claws, the vine attaches itself around the trees it climbs, often reaching a height of over 100 feet.

Native people’s of the Amazonian rainforest the have used Una de Gato for more than 2,000 years by the local Aguaruna, Ashanika, Cashibo, Conibo and Shipibo cultures, consider Una de Gato a valuable medicinal resource, and is a protected plant. During harvest the vine is cut three feet above the ground leaving the root undisturbed and allowing the vine to quickly grow back to its full size within three to four years.The Ashanika are considered the most knowledgeable about the use of this plant and refer
to it as the ‘Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest.’ They have the longest recorded history of use with the plant, using it to treat asthma, various forms of inflammation and joint pain, to recover from childbirth, cleanse the kidneys, control gastric ulcers, and maintain a strong digestive system.

Since the 1970’s scientific studies have substantiated many of the traditional uses for this sacred vine. Scientists have found that Una de Gato stimulates immune functions and possesses phytochemicals in the bark and roots that carry strong anti-inflammatory properties. Una de Gato is available in different varieties and strengths, Kosa Ely explains her experience. “The first time I heard about Cat’s Claw was seven years ago. My husband had a severe case of the flu and a friend recommended I try the new miracle herb that strengthens the immune system. I went straight to my local health food store and purchased a bottle of Cat’s Claw.

Unfortunately it didn’t seem to make a difference, and I resorted to fresh ginger tea. But I don’t give up easily. Over the following year I tried several bottles of Cat’s Claw from different companies with no tangible results. I couldn’t figure out why the research and testimonials weren’t matching my real life experience.

It wasn’t until a couple years later that I listened to an audiocassette by Phillip N. Steinberg, a Nutritionist who had become the leading authority in North America on Cat’s Claw. The following information from Mr. Steinberg solved my dilemma.”

“It is important to note there are approximately 60 different uncaria species that grow in tropical rainforests throughout the world. However,
only two are known to be native to Peru: uncaria tomentosa, and uncaria guianerisis. Both have similar qualities and both are commonly known as
Cat’s Claw or Una de gato. However, the general consensus among Peruvian physicians and researchers is that uncaria tomentosa is somewhat superior, based on chemical analysis and clinical evaluation.

Dr. Ramon Ferrara, a Harvard educated botanist at San Marcus University in Lima, Peru, says, “There are 10 other herbs native to Peru which are called Cat’s Claw, or Una de gato. To make it even more confusing, there is an acacia species that grows in the southern United States also known as Cat’s Claw, or Una de gato. I mention this because the worldwide demand for uncaria tomentosa is growing at a very rapid pace. Because of this, many unscrupulous companies are jumping on the bandwagon in an attempt to cash in on this growing phenomenon. There is even one company that claims to be selling a unique variety of uncaria tomentosa, when in fact there is only one variety. It is most important you purchase the correct Cat’s Claw from a reliable source if you expect to see the kind of results I am going to be talking about.”

Kosa continued, “OK. Now it all made sense. I had purchased from the wrong companies. So what were the right companies? Mr. Steinberg endorsed the Amazon Herb Company whose operation was based in Peru, and was harvesting the real thing, uncaria tomentosa. I listened further.”

“Traditionally, the indigenous people of Peru have used both the inner bark and root of uncaria tomentosa to prepare a tea in the form of a
decoction. This tea would then be consumed several times per day as a treatment for tumors and other growths, arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, diabetes, acne, PMS, female hormonal imbalances, and prostrate problems in men.”

Mr. Steinberg continued, “On a more personal note, I use Cat’s Claw daily. I use it with my children, and have shared the herb with numerous friends and relatives. I have seen ear and upper respiratory infections clear up in 48 to 72 hours. I have used drops of tea in the eyes to clear up conjunctivitis. I have used the powdered herb between the toes to clear up athlete’s foot. And I know of other individuals having positive results with sinus infections, hypoglycemia, allergies, shingles, menstrual irregularities, prostrate problems, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even lupus. Unlike herbs such as goldenseal and echinacea, which generally should only be taken for acute conditions short term, Cat’s Claw is a powerful adaptogen with significant antioxidant properties. This makes it suitable to be used as a preventative measure long-term.”

Kosa says, “Now, when I buy Cat’s Claw I purchase the real thing, uncaria tomentosa, and what a difference! Within days of drinking Peruvian uncaria tomentosa tea my husband and I feel a strengthening of our body systems, clear minds, and an awakening of energy. Over the next several months of drinking this tea daily our immune systems were noticeably stronger, allergies disappeared, blood sugar levels balanced, and memory improved. For our teenagers, hormone levels balanced and negative attitudes
disappeared.”

So what makes uncaria tomentosa effective for such a large variety of conditions? The scientific researchers may answer that it is because of the wealth of beneficial phytochemical compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, bioflavonoids, plant sterols, and more.

The Ashaninka had the answer two thousand years ago recognizing Una de Gato as the ‘Sacred Herb of the Rain Forest.’