Experience with Cats Claw?

Hi, and welcome to the community! I am glad you found us!


When it comes to natural treatments for symptoms, it can be pretty hard to find relatable data. Since supplements are not regulated by the FDA (well, they are, but as Foods, which has much different guidelines than medications and other health aids), companies are not held to the same standards when making claims about their products and they don't have to 'prove' the quality of their products, either. So, while there is, in theory, some oversight for supplements, I still tread lightly in this area. That said, many folks have found that certain natural options really do help with their symptoms.


I don't have any personal experience with Cat's Claw and like you, while researching, I found conflicting information. However, I do generally trust the Mayo Clinic website and they had this interesting article on natural remedies (including Cat's Claw) -- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-how-a-healthy-diet-can-help-manage-pain/. Really, like many things with conditions like Lupus, it sometimes comes down to trial-and-error. I would definitely run this by your doctor before proceeding, but you have every right to try the treatments that sound right to you.


Should you proceed, I would do your best to buy from reputable retailers and keep track of any improvements in symptoms or side effects you may experience. And, since some herbs and supplements can react with medications, make sure you let your doctor and pharmacist know if you start taking Cat's Claw regulary, just to be safe!


Apologies for the novel here and for not having any personal insight on this. I look forward to seeing you around the community and if you do try Cat's Claw, I would be interested in reading what you think of it!


Best, Erin, Lupus.net Team Member.