Functions and Benefits of Cat's Claw
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Maozhuazi (Cat's Claw) refers to the roots and rhizomes or the whole herb of *Thalictrum delavayi* Franch., a plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and the *Thalictrum* genus. It has effects including clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules, reducing swelling and detoxifying, anti-inflammatory action, and regulating immunity. Maozhuazi possesses the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, effectively removing internal heat toxins and improving various inflammatory and infectious symptoms caused by heat toxicity.
Generally, "Mao Zhuazi" refers to the roots and rhizomes or the whole herb of the plant species Thalictrum delavayi Franch., belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and Thalictrum genus. It has various medicinal functions and effects, including clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules, detoxifying and reducing swelling, anti-inflammatory action, and regulating immunity. Details are as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Mao Zhuazi has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, effectively removing heat toxins from the body and improving symptoms of inflammation and infection caused by such toxins. It is commonly used to treat diseases caused by heat toxicity, such as acute conjunctivitis and infectious hepatitis.
2. Resolving Phlegm and Dispersing Nodules
Mao Zhuazi can resolve phlegm and disperse nodules, alleviating symptoms such as scrofula and phlegm nodules caused by phlegm-fire stagnation. This effect provides certain therapeutic benefits in treating diseases like lymphatic tuberculosis and thyroid nodules.
3. Detoxifying and Reducing Swelling
Mao Zhuazi contains multiple active components that can detoxify and reduce swelling. For external injuries such as abscesses, venomous sores, and insect or snake bites, Mao Zhuazi can rapidly neutralize toxins, reduce inflammatory responses, and promote wound healing.
4. Anti-inflammatory
The polysaccharides, flavonoids, and other active components in Mao Zhuazi have anti-inflammatory properties, effectively alleviating various inflammatory symptoms within the body and promoting inflammation resolution and physical recovery.
5. Regulating Immunity
Mao Zhuazi can also regulate immune function and enhance the body's immunity. By modulating the immune system, Mao Zhuazi helps resist invasion by external pathogens and prevents the occurrence of various diseases.
Mao Zhuazi should be used under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-administration. Additionally, special populations such as pregnant women and lactating mothers should use Mao Zhuazi cautiously to avoid potential adverse effects on the body.
