PREPARATION AND DOSING CONSIDERATIONS
Traditional Preparation
Typically, the indigenous people of Peru boil 20-30 grams of Uncaria tomentosa inner bark in a liter of water for 30-60 minutes to prepare a tea. (If the tea is shredded, 30 minutes is sufficient.) This is then consumed throughout the day for several days to several months.
Liquid Extract
The usual therapeutic dosage of Uncaria tomentosa liquid extract is 1 to 4 ml per day. The liquid extract may be taken directly under the tongue or added to water or juice.
Infusion
Whole World Botanicals also offers Royal Cat’s ClawTM tea.
DIRECTIONS
For Immediate and Urgent Use: Take 1 teaspoon with water at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating, 2 to 3 times daily for up to 3 months or as directed by a physician.
Maintenance Dosage: Take 1-2 teaspoons on an empty stomach once a day, 4 to 5 days a week.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Organ/Bone Marrow Transplant: Since Cat’s Claw activates and strengthens the immune system, its use is contraindicated before or following any organ or bone marrow transplant or skin graft.
Anti-fertility: Cat’s Claw taken at a high dosage has been documented with anti-fertility properties and is contraindicated in persons seeking to get pregnant, but may not be considered as a reliable contraceptive.
Warning about Pharmaceutical Blood Thinners: Since Cat’s Claw contains chemical compounds which can reduce platelet aggregation and thin the blood, consult your physician if you are taking Coumadin® or other blood thinning drugs. Discontinue use one week to ten days prior to any major surgical procedure.
Warning about Low Pressure: Since Cat’s Claw might lower your blood pressure, people with low blood pressure need to increase fluids and salt when taking Cat’s Claw more than once a day. Two alkaloids in Cat’s Claw have been documented to lower blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure or taking antihypertensive drugs should consult their physician and monitor their blood pressure levels while taking Cat’s Claw. Medications may need adjusting.
Keep away from children. Not to be used if you are pregnant or nursing.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Stomach: Cat’s Claw requires sufficient stomach acid to help break down the tannins and alkaloids during digestion, and to aid in absorption. Avoid taking liquid extracts directly by mouth and dilute first in water or acidic juice. Smaller more frequent amounts may be taken by individuals with digestive issues.
Tannic acid: If the tannic acid in Cat’s Claw is not well tolerated, try preparing Cat’s Claw tea with added lemon juice because it lowers the amount of tannic acid released from the Cat’s Claw bark.
Gastrointestinal Problems: Large dosages of Cat’s Claw (3–4 ml—approximately one teaspoon of liquid extract) may cause abdominal pain or gastrointestinal problems in some individuals. This is related to the tannin content. A small portion of people may experience diarrhea or loose stools, but this tends to be mild and dissipate with continued use. Discontinue use or reduce dosage if diarrhea persists longer than 3–4 days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Due to its immunostimulant effects and the possible interference of Cat’s Claw it should not be used with medications intended to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine or other medications prescribed following an organ transplant.
