Can Cat's Claw be consumed by steeping directly in water?

Apr 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Cat's Claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla) has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. It can generally be consumed as an herbal tea by steeping directly in water. If Cat's Claw is purchased through正规 channels and has undergone proper drying and cleaning processes, it can be safely used directly for preparing herbal infusions. In such cases, drinking Cat's Claw tea is safe and may provide certain health benefits.

Cats claw can generally be consumed directly by steeping in water, but it is recommended to take it in a reasonable dosage under a doctor's guidance.

As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, cats claw has effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting diuresis to relieve swelling. Generally speaking, it can be directly steeped in water for consumption. If the cats claw is purchased through legitimate channels and has undergone drying and cleaning processes, it can be safely used to make water infusions, which can provide certain health benefits.

Steep with boiling water for about 15 minutes and it can be consumed as a tea substitute. Cats claw can also be steeped together with other Chinese herbs, such as Prunella vulgaris, to enhance its effects of dispersing nodules and reducing swelling. However, one should be cautious about interactions between herbs and individual suitability. Use boiled mineral or purified water, slice the cats claw into thin pieces or use its powder for infusion, and wait for its components to be released before drinking.

Excessive use of herbs may irritate the digestive and nervous systems, causing symptoms such as nausea, nausea, and dizziness. Therefore, excessive consumption of cats claw tea should be avoided.