How to Use Cat's Claw to Treat Ulcers
Ulcers are abrasions of the skin or internal tissue structures that persist due to inflammation or infection. Because cat's claw extracts are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, you can use them to treat ulcers, most effectively in combination with medicinal treatments.
Instructions
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Begin by consulting your doctor or primary health care provider. You'll need professional guidance to determine the proper dosage of cat's claw and to understand the possible interactions cat's claw may have with other medications you're using.
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Purchase a cat's claw supplement at a health food or herbal remedy store. Cat's claw is generally available in three forms: capsules, tinctures and ground extracts that can be used to brew tea. Each form has different dosage requirements.
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Use cat's claw daily to keep inflammation down if you have severe, chronic ulcers, or for a fixed period to manage less serious ulcers. Ulcers persist due to impeded healing, and cat's claw reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system. This can speed the healing of external and internal ulcers.
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Take cat's claw to benefit from its muscle relaxant properties. Cat's claw may relax smooth muscle structures, such as those found in your intestines. This can be helpful to patients who suffer from chronic stomach ulcers.
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Avoid using cat's claw if you are pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant. While scientific studies have been inconclusive, there is some evidence that cat's claw may heighten the risk of a miscarriage.
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Discontinue using cat's claw if you experience prolonged side effects. Though cat's claw's side effects are relatively mild, it sometimes causes persistent dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. These should go away after a few days. Talk to your doctor if they don't.
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Tips & Warnings
Always read the label of any cat's claw extract you are considering buying. Some manufacturers don't include enough of the herb's active ingredients to be of any benefit to people with ulcers or any of the other conditions cat's claw is commonly used to treat.
Relatively few scientific studies have been conducted in regards to cat's claw's effectiveness. You should not use it as a primary means of managing ulcers.
