Pau d'Arco

Pau d'Arco is a traditional South American herb that has many healing properties. It has gained popularity in the West in the past few decades for its anti-viral and anti-fungal healing properties.

Pau d’arco comes from a large canopy tree native to the Amazon rainforest as well as other parts of South and Latin America. This large tree belongs to the Tabebuia genus which includes about 100 species of flowering trees that are known for their beauty. In addition to its medicinal popularity, the wood of the tree is popular for its high-quality wood as it makes heavy and durable wood products and tools.

Other names for Pau d'Arco are ipê roxo and lapacho. Although in the US it is almost always referred to as Pau d'Arco.

What it is used for

Pau d'Arco benefits are wide reaching. It is most known for its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. This makes it a wonderful herb for treating candidiasis. Here is a list of some of uses for Pau d'Arco:

• Used to kill certain bacterias in the digestive tract or body
• Used to kill certain fungi, such as those associated with candida or yeast infections.
• Can kill parasites
• Acts as a pain reliever
• Reduces inflammation and can reduce rheumatism
• It is a strong anti-oxidant so it help to fight free radicals in the body
• Increases or boosts immunity- (it is a good herb to take when fighting a flu or infection)
• Tonifies the liver
• It thins the blood which can be beneficial or dangerous depending on the health condition

Contraindications

• Do not take Pau d'Arco if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. While little studies have been conducted on the effects of Pau d'Arco on an unborn fetus, it is thought to be risky for pregnancy and the development of the fetus.
• Due to its blood thinning properties, do not take Pau d'Arco if you are already taking blood thinners.

Delivery mode

Tea
Pau d'Arco is commonly taken in tea format. Traditional Medicinals (a natural tea company) makes a tea that delivers 1,500mg of Pau d'Arco bark. It is recommended to drink up to 4 cups daily for 6 weeks and then to pause for 4 weeks before resuming another 6 week course. Tea can be easier to assimilate and lighter on the system than the tinctures or the capsules. The tea can be found in many supplement stores as well as natural food markets.

Tincture
Generally a stronger concoction than tea. Depending on the strength, the tincture is taken a few times a day- a few drops in water. Tinctures can be purchase in vitamin and herbal stores.

Capsules
Some believe that capsules are less effective than the tinctures. They can be purchased in vitamin and herbal stores. if you suffer stomach upset from the capsules, try taking the tincture or tea format instead.