Ajo sacha

Ajo sacha can either be described as a shrub or a vine since it produces numerous woody vines from the root that grow only 2-3 m tall and form a shrub-like appearance. Ajo sacha has a strong garlic taste, although it is not related to garlic in any way. It comes from the Spanish name, ajos sacha, meaning “false garlic” referring to the strong garlic smell and flavour of the leaves when crushed. It is a blood purifier that helps the body rid itself of toxins as well as restoring strength and equilibrium lost through illness that have an effect on the blood. It is considered analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic and widely used for arthritis, rheumatism, body aches and pain, and muscle aches, injuries and pain. The bark is typically prepared in a tincture or a decoction for these types of conditions but the leaves are used similarly for the same conditions as well. In addition, the leaves of ajo sacha are also a common remedy for colds, flu, pneumonia, coughs, fever, and headaches. It can also be used to develop acuity of mind and be used to remove bad energy that has been sent deliberately or by accident. It has also been known to bring relief from panic attacks and tension headaches.

Una de gato

Una de gato is a woody vine found in the tropical jungles of South and Central America, also known as cat’s claw, which derives its name from its claw-shaped thorns. Cat’s claw had a variety of medicinal properties and used in the Amazon to treat arthritis, allergies, diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, inflammations, colds, viral infections, cancer, herpes, organic depression, menstrual irregularities and disorders of the stomach and intestines, to name just a few. It is becoming known as the “miracle herb from the rainforest of Peru” and has the ability to enhance the immune system in a general way. The alkaloids found in the plant have a pronounced effect on the ability of white blood cells to engulf and digest harmful micro-organisms and foreign matter. Here is what a few researchers and authors are saying about this powerful plant: "It is considered one of the most important botanicals in the Rainforest. By supporting and enhancing immune system function, Una de Gato is indicated in a broad spectrum of conditions including all types of infections. Urarina tribesman of Peru tell stories of Una de Gato curing tumors. Una de Gato was one of the plants researched by the National Institute for Health as an anti-cancer agent. Studies from various laboratories indicate it normalizes the immunoglobins by activating T-lymphocytes and macrophages." (from John Easterling’s book Traditional Uses of Rainforest Botanicals)
"Una de Gato from the Peruvian rain forest is a favorite for stimulating the immune system. World wide research done on this powerful herb has led scientists to patent many of the single chemicals found in it for use in healing cancer, arthritis, AIDS, and other diseases. However, traditional wisdom shows that using the whole plant can be far more powerful than any one isolated ingredient." (from the book: Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China)