In the South American cultural area, cat’s claw tea is a popular indulgence and remedy for all kinds of ailments. In Germany, the versatile hot drink has only been known since the 1960s. FITBOOK explains the health-promoting properties of tea.
The cat’s claw is a tropical liana plant that can reach a height of up to 30 meters and forms claw-like thorns that snake along the trees. The characteristic shape gives the plant its name, but it is also known as «Uncaria Tomentosa» or «Una de gato». Especially in South America, especially Peru, cat’s claw tea is one of the most popular types of tea because of its health-promoting effect.
What ailments should cat’s claw tea help with?
The immune system in particular should be strengthened and activated by regularly enjoying the hot drink. In addition, the tea is said to help with viral and bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate symptoms of rheumatic diseases and arthritis. In natural medicine, cat’s claw tea is also used for and against cancer to support healing and as a complementary measure to reduce the side effects of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.
What active ingredients are in cat’s claw tea?
The bark and thorns of the cat’s claw are particularly rich in oxindole alkaloids. These influence the production and activation of white blood cells and are an important mediator in inflammatory diseases. The more oxindole alkaloids available to the body, the better white blood cells can be produced and activated. In addition, oxindole alkaloids can absorb and remove unwanted foreign bodies and pathogens. Cat’s claw tea is also high in flavonoids and terpenoids. The plant substances are said to have an anti-cancer effect and bind water, thus ensuring regulated hydration.
Also interesting: Mate tea wakes you up and inhibits the feeling of hunger
Is the effect of cat’s claw tea scientifically proven?
The effect of cat’s claw and cat’s claw tea on the immune system, on arthritis and osteoporosis symptoms has only been scientifically examined in isolated cases. The results give sometimes more and sometimes less promising indications of a potential health-promoting effect of the plant. A small 2001 study of 27 men found that taking 700 milligrams of cat’s claw extract for two months increased the number of white blood cells.1
In addition, some study results suggest that taking cat’s claw extract can relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In a study of 40 arthritis sufferers, it was found that a daily intake of 60 milligrams of cat’s claw extract combined with regular use of prescribed medication resulted in a 29 percent reduction in joint pain compared to the control group. However, due to the still very limited number of studies on the effects of cat’s claw and cat’s claw tea, one cannot be sure of a health-promoting effect.2
Also interesting: The effect of lady’s mantle tea on menstrual cramps and skin problems
Are there possible risks and side effects?
In principle, the consumption of cat’s claw tea is considered harmless and well tolerated by healthy people. However, the high content of vegetable tannins in tea can cause nausea and gastrointestinal problems in some people. Accordingly, one should approach the tea with caution and pay attention to one’s own perception of how well one tolerates the drink.3
However, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with previous illnesses such as leukemia should avoid the tea or only drink it after consulting a doctor. Even if you take medication regularly, you should not consume the tea, as there is a risk of interaction.
Also interesting: mallow tea relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes
Where can you get cat’s claw tea and how is it prepared?
Cat’s claw tea can be found online and in well-stocked health food stores and organic markets. Since the tea is only slowly gaining popularity in Western Europe, it is currently only available in a few supermarkets. For the preparation you need about 1.5 tablespoons of tea mixture, which is boiled with a liter of water and then has to simmer for about five minutes. The tea must then steep for 15 minutes and can then be consumed both hot and cold.
Also interesting: jasmine tea and its diverse effects on health
What does cat’s claw tea taste like?
Cat’s claw tea is one of the herbal teas, which is reflected both in its color and in its taste. It has a particularly bitter aroma that becomes more intense the cooler you drink the tea.
Sources
- 1. Lamm S, Shend Y, Pero RW (2001). Persistent response to pneumococcal vaccine in individuals supplemented with a novel water soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa, C-Med-100. phytomedicine.
- 2. Mur, E. et al. (2002). Randomized double blind trial of an extract from the pentacyclic alkaloid chemotype of uncaria tomentosa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology.
- 3. Erowele, GI, Kalejaiye, A (2009). Pharmacology and therapeutic uses of cat’s claw. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.