UÑA DE GATO
The sacred Amazonian vine for immunity, inflammation and energetic resilience.
THE AMAZONIAN VINE OF STRENGTH AND PROTECTION
UÑA DE GATO
Uña de Gato (Uncaria tomentosa), also known as Cat’s Claw, is a revered Amazonian vine used for centuries in traditional medicine across Peru and other parts of South America. Named for its curved thorns resembling a cat’s claw, this climbing liana is valued for its potent immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects.
In Amazonian mestizo vegetalists traditions, including those practiced at Madre Selva, Uña de Gato is respected as a plant that strengthens the energetic body and fortifies boundaries. While not visionary, it offers structural and spiritual support during healing and dieta processes. It is not considered a visionary plant, but one that provides structural and spiritual reinforcement during healing processes.
PLANT PROFILE EXPLAINED: UNCARIA TOMENTOSA
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Scientific name: Uncaria tomentosa
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Common names: Uña de Gato, Cat’s Claw, Vilcacora
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Family: Rubiaceae
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Plant type: Woody climbing vine (liana)
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Length: Can exceed 30 meters
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Habitat: Tropical rainforests of Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador
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Flowers: Small yellow-white clusters
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Climbing method: Uses curved, claw-like thorns
The curved hooks that give Cat’s Claw its name help it climb toward the rainforest canopy, drawing strength from both the earth and the sky.
WHERE UÑA DE GATO GROWS: HABITAT IN PERU
Native to the Amazon basin, Uña de Gato thrives in warm, humid lowland forests. In Peru, it is especially abundant in the regions of San Martín, Loreto, and Ucayali. It climbs along tree trunks in shaded areas near rivers and jungle clearings.
Uña de Gato is wild-harvested by local communities in Peru, who use it for both traditional medicine and export to herbal markets around the world.
GROWTH HABITS AND CULTIVATION
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Light: Partial shade to tropical sunlight
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Soil: Fertile, moist, and well-drained
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Propagation: Seeds or stem cuttings
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Climbing habit: Uses thorny hooks to ascend trees
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Harvest method: Ethically collected inner bark and root
While cultivation is possible in tropical climates, most Uña de Gato used in medicine is wild-harvested.
Ethical sourcing ensures the vine is not overharvested or destructively removed.
RITUAL USE IN PERUVIAN TRADITIONS
Among many other indigenous tribes in Peru, Uña de Gato is used for energetic protection and physical resilience:
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Brewed as a decoction to cleanse the body after illness or intense dieta work
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Used to strengthen the immune system and build resistance to energetic intrusions
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Considered a plant that reinforces one’s inner core and restores vitality
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May be included in non-visionary dietas for physical and structural healing
Its role is quiet yet essential — not opening visions but rather supporting the body’s ability to hold energy safely.
HEALING & ENERGETIC BENEFITS
Physical effects:
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Boosts immune response by stimulating white blood cells
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Reduces inflammation (helpful for arthritis, gastritis, and chronic pain)
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Contains antioxidants that support cellular repair
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Supports digestive and liver detoxification
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Shows antiviral and antimicrobial activity in lab studies
Spiritual/energetic effects:
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Helps restore energetic boundaries after psychic overload or trauma
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Encourages grounded focus and internal strength
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Aids recovery from spiritual fatigue or depletion
Scientific note: Uña de Gato contains oxindole alkaloids (immune modulating), quinovic acid glycosides (anti-inflammatory), and other active compounds. Studies suggest benefits for arthritis, immune regulation, and even tumor inhibition.
PREPARATION & CEREMONIAL CONNECTION
Decoction: The most traditional form, made by boiling bark for 30–60 minutes
Tincture: Alcohol-based extracts used in modern herbalism
Capsules/powder: Common in Western supplements
Dieta use: Taken in specific contexts with food and activity restrictions
In Amazonian traditions, decoction is preferred for its full-spectrum energetic and medicinal effects.
REGIONAL USE IN PERU AND BEYOND
In Peru, Uña de Gato is widely recognized for its role in immune support and physical recovery. At Madre Selva, this vine is used within the Cocama-inspired mestizo lineage as part of dieta protocols, offering protection, clarity, and resilience.
Its reputation has spread beyond the Amazon, with uses noted in Brazil and even in Western herbalism for immune-related conditions.
It is respected across traditions as a defender — a plant that restores the body’s integrity and keeps unwanted energies out.
PLANT SYNERGY: UÑA DE GATO WITH DIETA ALLIES
Uña de Gato combines well with other dieta and detox plants:
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With Tobacco: Adds a protection and all 4 being state strength
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With Bobinsana: Adds emotional softness to physical strengthening
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With Mucura: Deepens energetic protection while boosting immunity
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With Caapi (non-visionary): Helps ground and restore after spiritual work
These combinations are curated in dieta protocols to align physical and energetic healing.
WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE IMMUNE AND ENERGETIC SUPPORT
OF THIS POWERFUL VINE UÑA DE GATO?
And explore this sacred healing vine in its native environment.
Join our dieta retreat and experience the power of sacred plants in the heart of Madre Selva
SCIENTIFIC & ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT
Research highlights:
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Oxindole alkaloids: Immunomodulatory and studied for cancer inhibition
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Triterpenes and glycosides: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
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Investigated for: Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and chronic infections
Ecological notes:
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Grows abundantly in secondary rainforest
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Supports local economies through sustainable harvesting
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Promotes biodiversity when protected within traditional agroforestry
While clinical research is ongoing, Uña de Gato remains one of the Amazon’s most respected natural medicines.
SYMBOLISM & SPIRITUAL MEANING
Uña de Gato symbolizes inner strength and resilience:
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A vine that climbs and endures through adversity
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A guardian that helps maintain spiritual boundaries
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A quiet restorer of one’s energetic center
In dieta and ceremonial work, it is often given after more intense plants — helping individuals rebuild from within.
SUSTAINABILITY & RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP
Due to high demand, Uña de Gato must be harvested responsibly:
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Only harvest mature vines and never uproot entire plants
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Choose bark from cultivated sources when possible
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Support producers using regenerative and fair-trade methods
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Avoid overharvested products or unclear supply chains
At Madre Selva, we only use ethically sourced Uña de Gato, this master vine grows plenty in our jungle lands. Our retreats are designed to honor the plant and its forest home.
MADRE SELVA: WHERE THE FOREST TEACHES
Madre Selva lies deep in the Peruvian Amazon, near Pucallpa. Our 140 hectares of protected forest support dozens of medicinal species, including wild Uña de Gato vines.
Guests on retreat may work with Uña de Gato as part of a curated dieta process — drinking the decoction in silence, supported by nature, and receiving the plant’s quiet strength.
Want to connect with the spirit and strength of Uña de Gato?
Join our dieta retreats in Peru and meet the Amazon’s vine of resilience.
THE CENTERS SIGNATURE
MASTER PLANT RETREATS
ON REQUEST
Ignite your inner fire with this week-long retreat. Through three Ayahuasca ceremonies, cleansing plant medicines, flower baths, and shamanic workshops, you'll connect with your inner strength, clarity, and purpose. Perfect for those seeking a powerful yet focused introduction to plant medicine in a sacred jungle setting.
8-DAY MEDICINE & ART RETREAT
Apply for our 8-day Art & Ayahuasca Immersion – a transformative creative retreat, guided by a heart-led team, in the sacred setting of our center! We offer a program that transforms visions into art, supported by the healing wisdom of jungle medicines.
3 ayahuasca ceremonies, 1 cleanse vomotivo, Flower plant baths, Integration circles, Private consultations & 6 painting workshops.
ON REQUEST
Achieve harmony and alignment in this transformative retreat. With five Ayahuasca ceremonies, master plant dieta, and shamanic teachings, you'll uncover deeper layers of your spiritual journey. Integration workshops, visionary art, and sacred rituals guide you toward balance and personal growth.
Dive into profound transformation with this comprehensive program. Seven Ayahuasca ceremonies, a personalized master plant dieta, cleansing rituals, and shamanic coaching empower you to unlock your highest potential. Experience deep healing, alignment, and connection to your life's purpose in a supportive jungle environment.
1-2 MONTHS: THE MASTER PATH
Embark on a powerful 1-2 month Ayahuasca retreat, designed for those ready to experience deep healing and self-discovery. Under the guidance of an experienced team, you will journey through purification, awakening, and spiritual growth. This transformative experience invites you to reconnect with your essence, shed the past, and unlock the wisdom within. Step onto The Master Path and emerge reborn.
