Witnessed by: TCM
Cat's claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla), of the Rubiaceae family. Woody climbing vine bearing paired recurved hooks at the nodes; native range: southern China and Southeast Asia. Globally recognized as gou teng (钩藤) in Chinese, and gambir vine, uncaria, hook vine in English. The part used is hook-bearing stem. Reddish-brown hooked stem segments, nearly odorless, faintly sweet.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CAT'S CLAW
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cat's claw
- Scientific name
- Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq. ex Havil.
- Family
- Rubiaceae
Form
- Part used
- hook-bearing stem
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Pericardium
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- extinguishes Liver wind, stops tremors and convulsions, clears heat, and calms ascendant Liver yang
Cautions
- Contraindications
- caution in the absence of heat or wind; add late in cooking to preserve potency
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