The paw-of-cow is a medicinal plant, also known as hand-of-cow or claw-of-ox, popularly known as natural remedy for diabetes, but that lacks scientific proof of this fact in humans.
The pata-de-vaca is a Brazilian tree with a spiny trunk, measuring 5 to 9 meters in height, and producing large and exotic flowers, usually white.
Its scientific name is Bauhinia forficata and its dried leaves can be bought in health food stores and in some handling pharmacies. Other popular names are cape-de-bode, hoof-of-donkey, hoof-of-cow, ceroula-de-homem, miroró, mororó, paw-of-ox, paw-of-deer, claw-of-anta and nail. of cow.
What is it for
The properties of the cow's leg include its antioxidant, analgesic, diuretic, laxative, purgative, hypocholesterolemic and vermifuge action, so it can be indicated as a way to complement the treatment of:
- Bladder or kidney stones; Hypertension; Hemophilia; Anemia; Obesity; Heart diseases; Urinary system diseases.
In addition, some studies carried out on rats state that the cow's paw has a hypoglycemic action and can be indicated to help in the treatment of diabetes, since it is able to decrease blood glucose levels.
It is important that before using the paw-of-a-cow to decrease blood glucose levels, the doctor is consulted, since its effects on the human body and related to diabetes, as well as the minimum and maximum recommended amount, is still being studied. Learn more about the relationship between cowpea tea and diabetes.
How to use
For medicinal purposes, its leaves, bark and flowers can be used.
- Pata-de-vaca tea: Add 20g pata-de-vaca leaves in 1 liter of boiling water and let stand for 5 minutes. Drink the tea, strained 3 times a day; Dry extract of cow's paw: 250 mg daily; Tincture of cow's paw: 30 to 40 drops three times a day.
These forms of use should be used after the recommendation of the doctor or herbalist, since the action of this plant on the body is not yet well established, as well as the maximum and minimum amounts recommended for consumption.
Side effects and contraindications
The consumption of cow's paw is not recommended for pregnant women, who are breastfeeding and for children under 12 years old. In addition, people who have hypoglycemia should also not consume this already, as it is believed to be able to further decrease the amount of glucose in the blood.
The chronic consumption of this plant can favor the development of hypothyroidism and the formation of endemic goiter, in addition to resulting in chronic diarrhea and changes in the functioning of the kidneys due to its purging, laxative and diuretic action.
