Cat's Claw (Uña de Gato): The Amazon's Immune Herb Explained
The Amazon vine
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon there's a woody climbing vine the Asháninka people call "the sacred vine that heals everything." Its Spanish name is Uña de Gato — Cat's Claw — named after the small curved thorns on its stem that look like a cat's claws. Today, this vine (Uncaria tomentosa) is one of the most-studied immune-supporting herbs anywhere.
What it is
Cat's Claw is a tropical vine native to the Amazon — Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. The medicinal part is the inner bark and roots, dried and prepared as tea, capsules, or extract. The active compounds are oxindole alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides, and triterpenes. Bit of a mouthful — the takeaway is they're what gives Cat's Claw its effects on the immune system.
How Peruvians use it
The Asháninka have used Cat's Claw for at least 2,000 years for general wellness, immune resilience, and joint comfort. They prepare it as a strong tea or boiled decoction. In modern Peru it's a household herb during cold and flu season, a daily wellness tonic, and part of long-term inflammation routines.
What people use it for
Immune support
This is the big one. The herb's alkaloids have been studied for their ability to modulate immune response — meaning they help support a balanced, responsive immune system rather than just turning the volume up. That's why a lot of people take it daily during seasonal changes.
Inflammation
One of the most respected traditional anti-inflammatory herbs in the Amazon. Its compounds appear to support a healthy inflammatory response throughout the body, particularly in joints. It's often combined with other herbs for joint comfort and mobility.
Antioxidants
Cat's Claw is rich in plant polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals.
Joint and mobility
A lot of our customers take Cat's Claw daily as part of a joint-support routine. It pairs well with Graviola (soursop) for inflammation.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cat's Claw is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Tea or capsules?
Capsules
A precise daily dose of pure Cat's Claw bark powder. Convenient, travel-friendly, and the easiest way to make it part of a daily routine.
- Cat's Claw Capsules — 150 count (Peruvian Naturals brand, 100% pure)
How to take: 1–2 capsules with water, 1–2x daily.
Tea
The most traditional preparation. You get a wider range of plant compounds in a single cup, and there's the bonus of the calming brewing ritual. The flavor is earthy.
- Cat's Claw Tea (Uña de Gato) — 25 or 50 tea bags
- Te de Uña de Gato Loose Leaf
How to brew: 1 tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf) in 8 oz of hot water for 7–10 minutes. 1–2 cups daily.
Pairings
Cat's Claw stands on its own, but a lot of customers stack it with:
- Graviola (Soursop) — for joint and inflammation support
- Camu Camu — for added vitamin C and immune wellness
- Chanca Piedra — when supporting overall body cleansing
Side effects
Generally well tolerated. Talk to your doctor before using if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (Cat's Claw is traditionally avoided during pregnancy)
- Take immunosuppressants, blood thinners, or blood pressure medication
- Have an autoimmune condition
- Have surgery coming up
FAQ
How long until I notice anything?
Cat's Claw works gradually. 2–4 weeks of consistent use is usually enough to start noticing changes. For seasonal immune support, start before the season changes, not after.
Can I take it long-term?
Yes — many traditional users take it daily for years. For continuous use, take occasional breaks (e.g., 2 weeks off every 2 months).
Bark or root?
Both are used traditionally. Bark is more commonly available and considered just as effective. Ethical suppliers — including us — prioritize sustainable bark harvest from mature vines to protect the plant.
Where's yours from?
The Peruvian Amazon. Our Cat's Claw is harvested by traditional gatherers from mature Uncaria tomentosa vines using sustainable methods.
Try it
Whether you're focused on immune wellness, joint comfort, or just want one of the Amazon's most respected herbs in your routine, Cat's Claw is worth trying. See our full Immune Support collection for everything Cat's Claw and the herbs we usually pair it with.
Cat's Claw Capsules (Uña de Gato)
Amazonian immune and joint support, 2400mg per serving. 150 vegan capsules.
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