Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a climbing vine native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. Traditionally, indigenous peoples have used cat's claw for a wide range of ailments, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. In folk medicine, cat's claw has sometimes been used in the context of respiratory issues, including coughs, but this is not one of its most prominent traditional applications. The reasoning for its use in cough is largely based on its general anti-inflammatory effects, which could, in theory, soothe inflamed throat tissues and reduce cough reflex.

However, scientific evidence supporting cat's claw specifically for treating or relieving cough is very limited. There are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies directly evaluating its efficacy for coughs. Most modern research on cat's claw focuses on its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly for conditions like arthritis or viral infections, rather than respiratory symptoms like cough. As such, while there is some traditional precedent for its use, the evidence base is weak, and its use for cough should be approached with caution. The overall rating reflects the primarily traditional use, and the absence of strong scientific validation for this specific indication.

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