Today, I would like to introduce a new herb that is relatively rare in various famous formulas.It has always lived in the background, not seeking attention, yet its efficacy is outstanding and should not be underestimated.It has a very special name—Cat’s Claw Herb.Let’s get to know it, since we will all be friends from now on (image from Baidu).
What do you think? Doesn’t it look like a cat’s paw? It has thick pads, almost like it’s about to knead.The Cat’s Claw Herb (Mao Zhua Cao) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, with clusters of fleshy small tuberous roots, and its hard tip resembles a cat’s paw, hence the name. It has a sweet and warm nature, and is associated with the Liver and Lung meridians. It has detoxifying properties and can resolve phlegm and disperse nodules. It is primarily used to treat scrofula; tuberculosis; pharyngitis; carbuncles; snake bites; malaria; migraines; and toothaches.It is particularly effective in treating scrofula, which we commonly refer to as cervical or axillary lymphadenitis, and is even better than Summer withered grass (Xia Ku Cao).The treatment method is quite simple:200 grams of Cat’s Claw Herb, boiled in water, simmered for half an hour, then filtered to obtain the juice. Add a small amount of yellow wine and take it in three to four doses. If severe, the Cat’s Claw Herb can also be powdered and applied externally to the affected area.The purpose of adding yellow wine is to enhance the dispersing effect, which further aids in breaking up stagnation and dispersing nodules.
It is said that King Goujian of Yue, while preparing to restore his country, suddenly fell ill with a strange disease—a hard lump inexplicably appeared near his throat, causing continuous pain, and the royal physicians were at a loss.As the hard lump grew larger and more painful, it distracted King Goujian from his work and made him very anxious.He then issued a royal decree, offering a reward for a cure, but for three consecutive days, no one came forward.One of his advisors, Fan Li, seeing the king’s distress, secretly sought a remedy from the common people. After much effort, he finally found it.The life-saving herb that Fan Li discovered was none other than Cat’s Claw Herb. During his search, he learned that this lump in the neck was called “scrofula,” locally known as “chestnut tendon.” The reason King Goujian developed it was due to the hardships and depression he experienced while imprisoned in Wu.Fan Li instructed that the Cat’s Claw Herb be boiled in water and given to King Goujian three times a day. As a result, after just three days of taking the medicine, the hard lump had significantly reduced, and after more than ten days of continuous use, King Goujian’s scrofula was completely cured.Afterward, King Goujian ordered the nationwide publication of the recipe for treating scrofula, and later, any commoner suffering from this condition quickly recovered after taking Cat’s Claw Herb.
Experts are found among the common people. In the “Record of Miraculous Effects of Folk Remedies,” there is a record about Cat’s Claw Herb treating scrofula: it says that a young man developed cervical lymphadenitis due to excessive study pressure and worry. As a result, he used 60 grams of Cat’s Claw Herb, boiled it in water, and drank it as tea. After several weeks of continuous use, the swelling disappeared and he was cured.Additionally, Cat’s Claw Herb can also treat migraines. Why? Because it enters the Liver meridian. Therefore, if the migraine is due to lack of sleep or anger, Cat’s Claw Herb can be boiled in water for treatment. Similarly, after boiling, adding a small amount of yellow wine enhances the effect. The wine acts as a medicinal guide, rising to the head and reaching the source of the ailment.Cat’s Claw Herb can also treat sore throats and swollen gums due to its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. It can be used alone or added to corresponding formulas, both yielding excellent results. In summary, Cat’s Claw Herb is a relatively obscure traditional Chinese medicine, but it is indeed effective. Especially for friends with lymphadenitis, it is worth learning more about it, as it may help avoid the pain of surgery.
