Cats Claw Bark – Uncaria tomentosa – Herba Organica

Description

Cats Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa) – Premium Dried Bark by Herba Organica

Cats Claw Bark from Herba Organica offers 100% naturally dried Uncaria tomentosa, carefully collected and dried to preserve its natural structure, aroma, and earthy character. This premium bark is hand-packed to ensure quality and consistency. Known historically in South American traditions, Cats Claw has been valued for centuries as a versatile botanical ingredient, suitable for herbal infusions, teas, and a range of creative uses in modern kitchens and herbal practices.

Herba Organica’s Cats Claw Bark is presented in clean, uniform pieces, making it easy to store, measure, and incorporate into recipes or infusions. The natural texture and mild woody aroma make it a practical choice for both traditional preparations and contemporary herbal blends. Its adaptability allows home herbalists, enthusiasts, and culinary experimenters to explore its potential in beverages, broths, and specialty recipes.

Ingredients

100% dried Cats Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa) – carefully harvested, sun-dried or air-dried to maintain its natural appearance, texture, and aroma. No additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings are used. Each batch is inspected and hand-packed to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.

Why Choose Herba Organica Cats Claw Bark

Carefully Selected and Processed

Herba Organica Cat’s Claw is carefully dried and cut to preserve its natural characteristics. Hand selection and packing ensure uniformity and purity, making the product reliable for both infusion and culinary applications.

Versatile and Adaptable

Cats Claw Bark can be used in herbal teas, infusion blends, broths, or creative beverages. Its mild woody aroma and subtle earthy flavour make it easy to combine with other herbs, fruits, or spices. Whether used as a single ingredient or in layered herbal blends, it adds depth and interest without overpowering other flavours.

Practical Packaging and Storage

Each batch of Herba Organica Cats Claw Bark is hand-packed into resealable pouches, making storage convenient and maintaining freshness. The dried bark is durable and easy to handle, allowing for flexible measurement and use in various preparations.

Traditional Uses and Cultural Context

Historical Presence in South American Herbal Practices

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) has been traditionally harvested in the Amazon rainforest for hundreds of years. Indigenous communities in Peru, Brazil, and other South American regions valued the vine and its bark for everyday herbal preparations and rituals. The bark was carefully stripped, dried, and stored for year-round use in infusions, decoctions, and other domestic applications. What not to mix with Cat Claw? Cat’s Claw Bark is best used on its own or blended with complementary herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, or mint. Avoid combining it with strongly contrasting or overpowering flavours.

Culinary and Domestic Traditions

Historically, Cats Claw Bark was used to create warming herbal beverages or mild decoctions. It was often combined with complementary herbs, fruits, or spices to create balanced flavours in teas or infusions. Its mild woody taste and aromatic properties made it suitable for daily use in traditional households.

How to Prepare Cat’s Claw Infusions and Uses

Basic Infusion Method

• Serving: 1–2 teaspoons of bark per 250 ml of boiling water

• Water Temperature: freshly boiled

• Steeping Time: 10–15 minutes for a mild infusion, longer for a stronger flavour

Place the bark in a teapot or infuser, pour boiling water over it, and allow to steep. Strain before serving. The infusion releases a gentle woody aroma and earthy taste, suitable for a pure herbal beverage or as part of layered herbal blends.

Decoction Method

For a stronger flavour, simmer 1–2 teaspoons of bark in 250–300 ml water for 15–20 minutes. Strain before drinking or using in recipes. This method intensifies the aroma and creates a more robust base for herbal beverages or culinary experimentation.

Recipes and Practical Applications

1. Classic Cat’s Claw Herbal Tea

Ingredients: 1 tsp dried Cats Claw Bark, 250 ml boiling water
Instructions: Place the dried bark in a cup or teapot and pour over freshly boiled water. Allow it to steep for 10–15 minutes so the natural woody aroma and subtle earthy flavour are fully released. Stir gently if desired and strain before serving. Enjoy warm as a simple herbal infusion. This preparation allows the mild, earthy character of the bark to shine while providing a versatile starting point for creative herbal beverages.

2. Evening Herbal Blend

Ingredients: 1 tsp Cats Claw Bark, 1 tsp dried Valerian Root, ½ tsp Chamomile Flowers
Instructions: Combine the Cats Claw Bark, Valerian Root, and Chamomile Flowers in a teapot or infuser. Pour 300 ml of freshly boiled water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 10–12 minutes. Strain before serving to remove any solid particles. Enjoy warm as a soothing evening infusion. This blend provides a mild, aromatic beverage ideal for relaxing at the end of the day or as part of a nightly herbal ritual.

3. Spiced Herbal Brew

Ingredients: 1 tsp Cats Claw Bark, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp dried Ginger, 250 ml boiling water
Instructions: Place the Cats Claw Bark, cinnamon, and dried ginger in a cup or teapot. Pour 250 ml of freshly boiled water over the herbs and allow them to steep for 10–12 minutes. Strain before serving to remove any solids. Enjoy warm as a comforting, mildly spiced herbal infusion, where the earthy, woody base of Cat’s Claw complements the warming notes of cinnamon and ginger. This brew is perfect for cooler days or as part of creative herbal beverages, and it can be paired with honey or a slice of citrus for additional flavour complexity.

Additional Culinary and Botanical Applications

• Herbal blends: Combine with lavender, hibiscus, or rose petals for layered teas

• Cold brews: Steep the bark in cool water overnight for a light, refreshing herbal drink

• Syrups: Infuse in sugar or honey for lightly aromatic syrups to flavour beverages or desserts

• Baking: Incorporate finely crushed bark into bread, herbal cookies, or spiced biscuits for subtle botanical notes

• Crafts: Use in herbal sachets or potpourri for mild aroma and visual texture

Storage and Handling

Store Cats Claw Bark in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours. Keep the pouch sealed or transfer to an airtight container to maintain natural aroma, colour, and texture. Proper storage ensures the bark remains suitable for infusions, culinary applications, and craft uses over time.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.