By: Steve Smith
The many potential benefits of cat's claw make it a hugely exciting prospect for advocates of herbal remedies. But there is an important caveat in that most of the research so far has been conducted in the laboratory rather than on live human subjects. Against that, however, must be set the many centuries of use of the herb amongst older civilisations.
Orthodox medicine, moreover, is always keen to stress, quite correctly, that the mere fact that a remedy is described as "natural" or "herbal" does not mean it is necessarily free of potential side effects. Herbal remedies, after all, often provide the raw materials for the manufacture of conventional drugs, and are highly active biochemical compounds in their own right. They could not be of any benefit if they were not.
But in the case of cat's claw the only contraindications for its use appear to for pregnant women and those suffering from disorders of the immune system. For all others, the herb appears to be completely safe, although very rare cases of minor gastric upsets and headaches have been reported.
The inner bark of the plant is the source of cat's claw's active alkaloid compounds, but the bark itself is indigestible and poorly absorbed, if at all, by the human digestive system. Fortunately, however, cat's claw is now readily available in the form of easily absorbed teas, tinctures and capsules, but it's probably best to start with low doses to ensure freedom from any possible side effects. And as recommended therapeutic doses vary between 750 and 3,000 mg per day, it's always worth talking things over with your physician or a reputable herbal practitioner before beginning any program of supplementation. But the potential benefits of cat's claw appear so promising that this is not a herb you should ignore.
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Why Cat's Claw May Be One Of Nature's Most Powerful Healers1
By Steve Smith
Cat's claw, known as una de gato in Spanish, is a herb derived from a vine-type plant which grows widely in the countries of Central and South America, and is particularly common in the Amazon rainforests and Peru. So vast and botanically rich are the wilds of the Amazon rain forest that many herbal practitioners still look to it as a potential source of powerful, but as yet undiscovered, herbal remedies. Although this hope might seem to some like wishful thinking, the example of cat's claw suggests that it may not be entirely fanciful; because although the herb has only very recently become known in the West, it has been used as health tonic and treatment by the indigenous peoples of the region for many centuries. But the claims made for the benefits of cat's claw need to be treated with some caution, because there are those who would have you regard it as something akin to a miracle herb or universal panacea; and orthodox medicine, as always, is rightly sceptical of the wilder claims of the herbal or "natural" remedy lobby.
Rendered into liquid form, however, extracts of cat's claw have been found to have potent adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and these are therefore used by herbal therapists to tackle a wide variety of common ailments. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the herb indicate potential benefits in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis; as well as digestive problems and ulcers, whilst as an adaptogen and anti-oxidant cat's claw is believed to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help in the fight against cancer.
Serious research into the benefits of cat's claw has been underway in Europe since the 1970s, and although, as noted above, conventional medicine remains reluctant to confirm the herb's therapeutic value, the fact that cat's claw is only available on prescription in certain countries is a clear indication of its biochemical potency. Cat's claw's power as an immune system booster appears to be related to unique properties in the alkaloids derived from it, certain of which appear directly to enhance the ability of the body's white blood cells to destroy potentially harmful foreign matter. These alkaloids also seem to stimulate the production of the vital T4 lymphocyte and leucocyte immune system cells which are crucial in fighting viral infections.
One particular such alkaloid, rynchophylline, is also believed to be of great benefit to the cardio-vascular system in preventing blood "stickiness", or the potentially catastrophic formation of clots in circulating blood in the heart and brain. Like other anti-oxidants, cat's claw may also help to prevent the oxidation of low density lipids (LDL), or "bad cholesterol", and the consequent build up of deposits inside the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Recent research also suggests that the anti-oxidant action of cat's claw may also help to prevent the deposit of the plaques within brain tissue which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Cat's claw, known as una de gato in Spanish, is a herb derived from a vine-type plant which grows widely in the countries of Central and South America, and is particularly common in the Amazon rainforests and Peru. So vast and botanically rich are the wilds of the Amazon rain forest that many herbal practitioners still look to it as a potential source of powerful, but as yet undiscovered, herbal remedies. Although this hope might seem to some like wishful thinking, the example of cat's claw suggests that it may not be entirely fanciful; because although the herb has only very recently become known in the West, it has been used as health tonic and treatment by the indigenous peoples of the region for many centuries. But the claims made for the benefits of cat's claw need to be treated with some caution, because there are those who would have you regard it as something akin to a miracle herb or universal panacea; and orthodox medicine, as always, is rightly sceptical of the wilder claims of the herbal or "natural" remedy lobby.
Rendered into liquid form, however, extracts of cat's claw have been found to have potent adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and these are therefore used by herbal therapists to tackle a wide variety of common ailments. The anti-inflammatory qualities of the herb indicate potential benefits in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis; as well as digestive problems and ulcers, whilst as an adaptogen and anti-oxidant cat's claw is believed to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and even help in the fight against cancer.
Serious research into the benefits of cat's claw has been underway in Europe since the 1970s, and although, as noted above, conventional medicine remains reluctant to confirm the herb's therapeutic value, the fact that cat's claw is only available on prescription in certain countries is a clear indication of its biochemical potency. Cat's claw's power as an immune system booster appears to be related to unique properties in the alkaloids derived from it, certain of which appear directly to enhance the ability of the body's white blood cells to destroy potentially harmful foreign matter. These alkaloids also seem to stimulate the production of the vital T4 lymphocyte and leucocyte immune system cells which are crucial in fighting viral infections.
One particular such alkaloid, rynchophylline, is also believed to be of great benefit to the cardio-vascular system in preventing blood "stickiness", or the potentially catastrophic formation of clots in circulating blood in the heart and brain. Like other anti-oxidants, cat's claw may also help to prevent the oxidation of low density lipids (LDL), or "bad cholesterol", and the consequent build up of deposits inside the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. Recent research also suggests that the anti-oxidant action of cat's claw may also help to prevent the deposit of the plaques within brain tissue which are implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in direct marketing and with a particular interest in health products. Find out more at http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/Information.htm
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Diabetes in Cats and Dogs2
By: Michelle Reynolds
The most common form of treatment for diabetes in dogs and cats is injectable insulin. The treatment regimen may be slightly different between the species, but the basics are the same. For cats the usual course of treatment includes two doses of long acting insulin given throughout the day combined with a low carbohydrate diet. It is not recommended to only inject them once a day because their metabolism is so fast. For example, if the medication will last 12 hours in a human, it will only last 6 hours in their cat. This means you have to go with double the doses to have the same effect.
Dogs can be on the same regimen with their high fiber and moderate carbohydrate, or it can vary slightly. Some dogs seem to do better with long acting injections either once or twice a day with a short acting agent given before meals. In both species you may have to try a few different brands before you find the right fit. Just like with humans, you have to find what works best with their individual body chemistry in order to achieve success.
Now that we have covered the more common prescription treatment methods, it is important to point out that more and more pet owners are finding real success in natural treatment methods. With a condition like diabetes it is very important to exhaust all your options before making a final treatment decision, this cannot be done with out first considering natural cures. Some pet owners have even managed to put their pet’s diabetes into remission using nothing more than a healthy diet and natural supplements. Long-term exposure to any chemical can have negative results in both pets and humans. If it is possible to minimize this exposure or even eliminate it completely then it is worth at least looking into.
Finding out that your dog or cat has diabetes can be a scary thing, but it is not the end of the world. Find a vet that you trust and like and then work with them on your pet’s treatment. If you can get control of the disease early then chances are very good that your pet can still live a full life with you. You just have to be willing to take the time to learn about what it is that they need.
I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
The most common form of treatment for diabetes in dogs and cats is injectable insulin. The treatment regimen may be slightly different between the species, but the basics are the same. For cats the usual course of treatment includes two doses of long acting insulin given throughout the day combined with a low carbohydrate diet. It is not recommended to only inject them once a day because their metabolism is so fast. For example, if the medication will last 12 hours in a human, it will only last 6 hours in their cat. This means you have to go with double the doses to have the same effect.
Dogs can be on the same regimen with their high fiber and moderate carbohydrate, or it can vary slightly. Some dogs seem to do better with long acting injections either once or twice a day with a short acting agent given before meals. In both species you may have to try a few different brands before you find the right fit. Just like with humans, you have to find what works best with their individual body chemistry in order to achieve success.
Now that we have covered the more common prescription treatment methods, it is important to point out that more and more pet owners are finding real success in natural treatment methods. With a condition like diabetes it is very important to exhaust all your options before making a final treatment decision, this cannot be done with out first considering natural cures. Some pet owners have even managed to put their pet’s diabetes into remission using nothing more than a healthy diet and natural supplements. Long-term exposure to any chemical can have negative results in both pets and humans. If it is possible to minimize this exposure or even eliminate it completely then it is worth at least looking into.
Finding out that your dog or cat has diabetes can be a scary thing, but it is not the end of the world. Find a vet that you trust and like and then work with them on your pet’s treatment. If you can get control of the disease early then chances are very good that your pet can still live a full life with you. You just have to be willing to take the time to learn about what it is that they need.
I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Diabetes in Cats and Dogs1
By Michelle Reynolds
While most of us commonly associate diabetes as being a human problem, it is becoming more and more common in dogs and cats. In fact, the most recent numbers show that as many as 1 in every 400 cats has the disease, and that figure is growing all the time. With the numbers for dogs being very similar, it seems as that diabetes is now a worry in our vet’s office as well as our doctor’s office. If you are in the dark about this increasingly common issue, then read on while we shed some light on the subject.
Our cats and dogs can develop the very same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that we can. Most dogs are affected by Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes, and generally have an earlier onset of the disease. While cats can be diagnosed with Type 1 they are much more likely to have the Type 2 form of diabetes. This is the type most commonly associated with obesity in humans. It is rare for a cat to develop diabetes any younger than the age of seven, but, like we pointed out, the disease tends to manifest earlier in dogs.
Overall the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are very similar to those found in human patients. You are watching for a sudden change in weight or appetite, either increased or decreased. The animal might start drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating frequently. If it is a cat, they tend to become obsessed with water, hanging around faucets or sinks. Cats sometimes develop weakness in their back legs, and may start walking much slower. Dogs develop vision problems. This can range from blurred vision, to cataracts, to a sudden onset of blindness.
If you think your pet is affected by this condition then head to your vets office. Just like in humans a simple blood or urine test can determine whether or not your pet has diabetes. The blood test measures the amount of sugar in your pet’s blood, while the urine test looks for glucose. If the sugar is high in either scenario, your pet has diabetes. Luckily if you catch it early and follow the treatment set up by your vet, then your pet still has a great shot at leading a full life.
The first step in treating diabetes in dogs and cats is to set up a proper diet. For cats this means going low carb. Since most cats develop Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that a strict low carbohydrate diet can put the disease into remission. Dogs are usually put on a high fiber diet with a moderate level of carbohydrates. However, some dogs are left on a regular healthy diet but given a short acting oral insulin at meal times. This is called an insulin bolus supplement.
There are oral medications out there, but they are not commonly used in today’s environment. Mostly because studies are showing that these medications may actually do more harm to the pancreas then has already taken place. Since dogs are generally Type 1, pills are not usually an option for them. And since it is easier to give a cat an injection than it is to give them a pill, it makes more sense to go with the more reliable form of medication.
I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
While most of us commonly associate diabetes as being a human problem, it is becoming more and more common in dogs and cats. In fact, the most recent numbers show that as many as 1 in every 400 cats has the disease, and that figure is growing all the time. With the numbers for dogs being very similar, it seems as that diabetes is now a worry in our vet’s office as well as our doctor’s office. If you are in the dark about this increasingly common issue, then read on while we shed some light on the subject.
Our cats and dogs can develop the very same Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that we can. Most dogs are affected by Type 1 or Juvenile Diabetes, and generally have an earlier onset of the disease. While cats can be diagnosed with Type 1 they are much more likely to have the Type 2 form of diabetes. This is the type most commonly associated with obesity in humans. It is rare for a cat to develop diabetes any younger than the age of seven, but, like we pointed out, the disease tends to manifest earlier in dogs.
Overall the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are very similar to those found in human patients. You are watching for a sudden change in weight or appetite, either increased or decreased. The animal might start drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating frequently. If it is a cat, they tend to become obsessed with water, hanging around faucets or sinks. Cats sometimes develop weakness in their back legs, and may start walking much slower. Dogs develop vision problems. This can range from blurred vision, to cataracts, to a sudden onset of blindness.
If you think your pet is affected by this condition then head to your vets office. Just like in humans a simple blood or urine test can determine whether or not your pet has diabetes. The blood test measures the amount of sugar in your pet’s blood, while the urine test looks for glucose. If the sugar is high in either scenario, your pet has diabetes. Luckily if you catch it early and follow the treatment set up by your vet, then your pet still has a great shot at leading a full life.
The first step in treating diabetes in dogs and cats is to set up a proper diet. For cats this means going low carb. Since most cats develop Type 2 diabetes, there is a chance that a strict low carbohydrate diet can put the disease into remission. Dogs are usually put on a high fiber diet with a moderate level of carbohydrates. However, some dogs are left on a regular healthy diet but given a short acting oral insulin at meal times. This is called an insulin bolus supplement.
There are oral medications out there, but they are not commonly used in today’s environment. Mostly because studies are showing that these medications may actually do more harm to the pancreas then has already taken place. Since dogs are generally Type 1, pills are not usually an option for them. And since it is easier to give a cat an injection than it is to give them a pill, it makes more sense to go with the more reliable form of medication.
I have been interested in pet health issues since finding out how sad and painful some pet illnesses can be. As an advocate for natural healing in pets and humans, I have done intensive research to bring information to all pet owners and pet lovers alike. I hope this helps you. For natural healthy treatments visit: http://pethealthymeds.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Pet Health Insurance For Your Cats - Worth The Small Monthly Fee
By Madonna Jeffries
I am an animal lover and have been since I was a child. Today I own a couple of dogs as well as four cats. As other pet owners would know you take on a huge responsibility when you decide that you want to own a domestic animal. Not only do you have to feed them good nutritious food you also need to provide them with regular exercise so that you can ensure that they remain healthy and free of ailments.
I am quite astonished that many pet owners ignore the opportunity to buy pet health insurance for cats. Statistics show that people who own dogs as well as cats are more inclined to insure their dog rather than their cat. I am not sure as to why they decide this, perhaps it is because they have the belief that because dogs are more active they are more likely to get injuries requiring veterinary treatment, rather than cats who are considered to be more homely and less likely to sustain injuries. In reality cats, even those that remain mostly indoors, are just as likely to require treatment for health problems as dogs.
In some cases it is cats who are more prone to having health related problems than dogs. Cats are inclined to suffer in silence, meaning that although they may have a serious health problem you may not necessarily realize because they don’t jump about complaining as is the case with most dogs.
Furthermore, cats are known to have an incredibly high threshold for pain and suffering. It is because of their ability to mask the fact that they have serious health problems that your cat may suffer right before your eyes and you may never even know it. A cat could well be suffering a life-threatening ailment for many years but if you don’t take it to the vet for regular checkups the problem may never be discovered.
In the case of pet owners who have more than one cat, if one gets sick it is highly likely to pass on the problem to your other cats resulting in you incurring quite sizable vet fees and ongoing treatment costs. So rather than insure your dog and ignore your cat you should go out and buy pet health insurance for cats as well. When you talk to the average pet owner you get a variety of different responses when you mention something as important as taking your cat for regular veterinary check ups. Often, people will say things like "Well, if there is nothing wrong with my cat then I usually don’t bother taking them to the vet’. This response shows that the cat owner is somewhat irresponsible.
Like humans our pets should be subjected to frequent check-up so as to maintain good health and identify any potential problems. Taking preventative measures for our animals is a much better option than having to source a cure. The cost of preventative animal health is also much cheaper than having to fix up a particular problem. With the peace of mind offered by pet health insurance for cats you will be able to control the cost of providing regular health checks for your much adored pet. Check out the prices for pet health insurance online for all your domestic animals - you will be pleasantly surprised at the small amount you need to pay for peace of mind.
For further details about pet health insurance for cats and general pet insurance information visit Family Pet Health Insurance.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
I am an animal lover and have been since I was a child. Today I own a couple of dogs as well as four cats. As other pet owners would know you take on a huge responsibility when you decide that you want to own a domestic animal. Not only do you have to feed them good nutritious food you also need to provide them with regular exercise so that you can ensure that they remain healthy and free of ailments.
I am quite astonished that many pet owners ignore the opportunity to buy pet health insurance for cats. Statistics show that people who own dogs as well as cats are more inclined to insure their dog rather than their cat. I am not sure as to why they decide this, perhaps it is because they have the belief that because dogs are more active they are more likely to get injuries requiring veterinary treatment, rather than cats who are considered to be more homely and less likely to sustain injuries. In reality cats, even those that remain mostly indoors, are just as likely to require treatment for health problems as dogs.
In some cases it is cats who are more prone to having health related problems than dogs. Cats are inclined to suffer in silence, meaning that although they may have a serious health problem you may not necessarily realize because they don’t jump about complaining as is the case with most dogs.
Furthermore, cats are known to have an incredibly high threshold for pain and suffering. It is because of their ability to mask the fact that they have serious health problems that your cat may suffer right before your eyes and you may never even know it. A cat could well be suffering a life-threatening ailment for many years but if you don’t take it to the vet for regular checkups the problem may never be discovered.
In the case of pet owners who have more than one cat, if one gets sick it is highly likely to pass on the problem to your other cats resulting in you incurring quite sizable vet fees and ongoing treatment costs. So rather than insure your dog and ignore your cat you should go out and buy pet health insurance for cats as well. When you talk to the average pet owner you get a variety of different responses when you mention something as important as taking your cat for regular veterinary check ups. Often, people will say things like "Well, if there is nothing wrong with my cat then I usually don’t bother taking them to the vet’. This response shows that the cat owner is somewhat irresponsible.
Like humans our pets should be subjected to frequent check-up so as to maintain good health and identify any potential problems. Taking preventative measures for our animals is a much better option than having to source a cure. The cost of preventative animal health is also much cheaper than having to fix up a particular problem. With the peace of mind offered by pet health insurance for cats you will be able to control the cost of providing regular health checks for your much adored pet. Check out the prices for pet health insurance online for all your domestic animals - you will be pleasantly surprised at the small amount you need to pay for peace of mind.
For further details about pet health insurance for cats and general pet insurance information visit Family Pet Health Insurance.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com