Cats claw is technically considered to be a vine rather than an herb and has been used in Peruvian medicine for many years. Just recently it has made its way into the Western culture because of the benefits that it offers. It has been used to treat a variety of health problems such as arthritis, digestion issues, stomach problems, cancer, and common wounds not to mention Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and colitis. It is the oxindole alkaloids that are found in both the bark and the root of Cats claw that has made it so beneficial to ailments. It works by stimulating the immune system and has many healing properties that work throughout the body. It also works as an antioxidant to rid your body of toxins that can cause disease. It can at the same time kill viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies that inhibit your healthy cells. Because of the MCF7 that Cats claw contains it has even been used in treatment for cancer and AIDS as well as other immune system diseases. Also because of the glycosides that it contains it provides anti-viral and anti-inflammatory support for your body which works well in people with arthritis, gout and other inflammatory issues. Because its primary function seems to be as an anti-inflammatory as well as promotion of the immune system you can pretty much use this supplement for almost anything that ails you. Whether you want to cleanse your intestinal tract or deal with a common cold, Cats claw is perfect for overall health and prevention of disease. One of the real benefits of Cats claw is that it can be combined with other herbs that promote a healthy immune system such as Echinacea. This works even more to reduce inflammation in your body, helps the healing of wounds faster, and can help relieve chronic pain. It is perfectly safe with other herbs with similar healing properties so they both can do double duty for your health.