PLANT MEDICINE OF THE AMAZON

CATS CLAW
HOWARD G CHARING

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Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Ua de gato a study by Pablo Amaringo

Ua de gato (Cats Claw) is a large tropical woody vine indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest. It derives its name from the small hook-like appendages that grow along the vine at the base of the leaves. These hooks resemble the claws of a cat and enable the vine to wind around trees, climbing to a height of up to 150 feet. The two closely related species; Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis, are homologous and both are used medicinally. The inner bark of the vine and the roots has been used in the Amazon for generations to treat inflammations, colds, viral infections, arthritis, and tumours. It also has anti-inflammatory and blood-cleansing properties. It is used to clean out the intestinal tract to treat a wide array of digestive problems such as gastric ulcers, parasites, and dysentery. It is also used to heal arthritis, and rheumatism, and to enhance the immune system. It also strengthens bone marrow. Cat's Claw can be used as tonic to boost the body's immune system, and is considered by many as a balancer returning the body's functions to a healthy equilibrium. Ua de gato has been used for many hundreds of years by traditional curanderos and shamans, and now the medicinal properties of this plant are officially recognized by the Peruvian government. There is a significant worldwide demand for this plant as herbal medicine and supplements, and it has led the Peruvian authorities to regulate the harvesting to protect the plant. Now only the vine itself can be harvested and not the roots. This measure allows the vine to re-grow for sustainable harvesting. The plant is widely available in health food stores in the West, typically in capsules containing the shredded bark or in powder form. The 16th century alchemist and philosopher Paracelsus held that the inner nature of plants may be discovered by their outer forms or signatures. He applied this principle to food as well as medicine, remarking that it is not in the quantity of food but in its quality that resides the Spirit of Life. According to Paracelsus, then, the appearance of a plant is the gateway to its spirit or consciousness.

Shamans recognise the spiritual powers and qualities of plants in many ways: the colours of the flowers, their perfumes, the shape and form of their leaves, where they are growing and in what ways, the moods they evoke, and the wider geographical, cultural, or mythological landscapes they occupy. Steve Beyer in his book Singing to the Plants; sees the system in the Upper Amazon as probably more mnemonic than philosophical. Signatures provide a way to remember the uses of a plant. For example, Ua de gato, cats-claw (Uncaria guianensis), is a vine whose stems have small hook-like appendages, so the plant is used to claw out tumours and inflammations. The doctrine of signatures treatise is not something known by indigenous shamans, but they understand the principles behind it well enough, that nature has spirit and can communicate with us. These principles are not regarded as fanciful at all, but so important that they can save lives.

Howard G. Charing, born in London, and has lived in the Netherlands, the USA, and Peru. He worked in the computer industry from 1970 to 1991. He quit the industry following an elevator crash in which he suffered serious injuries; a broken neck and severe spinal damage. In this accident he had a near-death experience that transformed his life. This accident closed the door to his normal prosaic life, however new doors leading to exploration and adventure opened. Over the last 24 years he has become acknowledged as an international workshop leader on shamanism, an author and visionary artist. For over twenty years he has worked with some of the most respected and extraordinary shamans and elders in the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Philippines. He has run training and developmental courses on behalf of the prestigious Foundation for Shamanic Studies (USA), and for many years worked with Eagles Wing Centre for Contemporary Shamanism one of the foremost training organisations in Europe. He has co-authored Plant Spirit Shamanism published by Destiny Books (USA), and The Ayahuasca Visions of Pablo Amaringo published by Inner Traditions (USA). Visit his website for articles, art galleries, and information regarding Plant Spirit Shamanism Retreats.

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