Learning About Cat's Claw for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease affects about 16,000 people each year and the general course of treatment is antibiotics. It is important to know that no natural remedies have been proven as effective as antibiotics and cat's claw should only be used to supplement medical treatment. Lyme disease can get very dangerous when left untreated - I know because I have chronic Lyme disease due to not showing symptoms in the early stages - so you need to seek medical treatment if you do suspect you have it. Here we will talk about cat's claw as a complementary treatment to conventional medical treatment.

How Can Cat's Claw Help Lyme Disease?

This herb is believed to have antibacterial and and anti-inflammatory properties. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection so if these properties are strong enough this herb may help to kill the infection. Lyme disease can also cause inflammation, such as that seen in arthritis (ie, affecting the joints), so if these herb has strong enough anti-inflammatory properties it may help in reducing pain, stiffness and related inflammatory symptoms. It is also said that this herb is helpful in supporting this immune system. This could be beneficial when you are fighting off the bacteria responsible for causing Lyme disease.

How is Cat's Claw Administered?

The inner bark is used to make capsules, teas and liquid extracts. Preparations can also be made and applied directly to the skin. It is important that this herb is dosed correctly and you should talk to your health care provider about this. Never self-dose this herb.

Cat's Claw Side Effects and Warnings

Do not take this herb if you are pregnant. One believed use of this herb is aborting and preventing pregnancy, so taking this while pregnant could be very dangerous. You should also avoid this if you are trying to conceive.

If you have a condition affecting your immune system, this herb may not be a good idea for you because it stimulates the immune system. Examples of such conditions would be autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus.

After or during surgery, this herb may make it difficult to keep your blood pressure under control. Because of this you should avoid this herb when you know you will be having surgery. Let your surgeon know that you have taken it in the past in the event of emergency surgery. Talk to your doctor about how long you should refrain from taking it prior to surgery.

Side effects are said to not be very common with this herb, but like all herbs, side effects can occur. Some side effects may include dizziness, vomiting and headaches.

Resources

University of Maryland Medical Center: Lyme Disease