Cat's claw is a vine native to the Amazon rainforest. Native South American tribes have used the herb to treat a number of ills, and early clinical research indicates that cat's claw may lower blood pressure as well as improve the immune system and rid the body of excess fluids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However medical research on cat's claw is still in its infancy, and although the herb can be an effective part of a program to lower blood pressure, users should be cautious when taking it.
Step 1
Talk to your physician. As with all self-treatment therapies, cat's claw should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. Even if you are under the care of an herbalist, naturopath or other alternative healer, high blood pressure is a serious disorder and should be monitored by a qualified medical professional.
Step 2
Avoid cat's claw if you are pregnant, since there is some evidence that it causes miscarriages, or if you are nursing, since its effect on newborns has not been studied. Don't take cat's claw if you have an autoimmune disorder, as the immunity boost can make your condition worse. The herb should not be taken with certain pharmaceuticals, including blood thinners, diuretics, or hypertension medication.
Step 3
Start with a low dose of approximately 1g per day. Cat's claw can be taken in capsules, tinctures or teas, as the user prefers. Even if your herbalist has advised taking high dosages of 20g or more per day, it is better to start small and build up so your body can get used to the effects.
Step 4
Monitor your progress. Continue to take and record your blood pressure daily so you can gauge whether the cat's claw is having the desired effect. It is unknown how long it will take to see results, and some herbal remedies require weeks to produce any change. Your monitoring should include regular visits to your doctor.
Step 5
Discontinue the cat's claw if you experience serious negative side effects. The most common side effect is mild diarrhea, and this typically goes away in a few days as your body adjusts, another reason to start with a small dose and build up. Other people have reported dizziness or nausea. If any symptom gets too severe, stop taking the cat's claw to see if the side effect clears up.
