The Pau d’Arco tree is a superb tree. It has been extensively studied for its unique qualities. Twelfth century Amazonians of Peru noticed the tree had no parasite. They observed that no fungus or mold grew on it, and around the gigantic tree. More so, it thrived in every environmental condition. From the wettest conditions to the hottest and driest, Pau d’Arco tree stood tall. They observed that it did not rot, even when it was dead.
This led them to one conclusion: Pau d’Arco may possess anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
They first made teas from the bark of the tree to treat flatworm parasite infestation. Pau d’Arco was introduced to the Portuguese as a preventive against the parasite. Native tribes of South America use the herb to repel fungal growth. The tea is also used to purify the blood, reduce malaria fevers, and treat dysentery, rheumatism, and ulcers.
They also use Lapacho (as it is commonly known amongst them) topically to treat many skin diseases such as eczema, hemorrhoids, psoriasis, skin cancers, snakebites, and wounds.
Lapacho or Taheebo grows mainly in the rain forests of South America, but modern day agriculturists have made us understand that the best Pau d’Arco grows mainly in Argentina, showcasing violet flower blossoms. It is given to cancer and leukemia patients in Argentina for free by the government, to protect the liver and kidneys from chemotherapy damage; and to reduce the pain.
The Amazonians drink Pau d’Arco tea to dissolve tumors. Scientific research has proved this to be true about the herb. It has the ability to reduce tumors of all kinds, inhibit tumor growth while increasing the growth of normal tissue.
South American hospitals use it along with radiation and chemotherapy to treat cancer with great success without the side effects of pain, hair loss, and immune dysfunction. Their success is heightened by its blood building properties. It increases the hemoglobin and red corpuscles in the blood, and gives the body greater vitality by increasing resistance to disease. It energizes the body to defend itself and resist disease.
Pau d’Arco’s blood purification property makes it beneficial in treating blood toxicity conditions such as dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and eczema. It also enhances immune function against viruses like the flu, herpes, and hepatitis. It has been used to treat environmentally produced allergies and asthma.
Most herbs possess one or two major active ingredients, but Pau d’Arco has many. The presence of an alkaloid called tecomine makes Pau d’Arco effective in reducing blood pressure and counteracting the effects of diabetes. When used to treat diabetes, it balances blood sugar levels and reduces insulin dependence. Also, as a strong anti-inflammatory, it relieves pain in the likes of arthritis, cystitis, inflammation of the cervix, prostatitis, and cancer.
The properties that earned Pau d’Arco such a reputation as a medicinal herb is its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties: evident in its never-molding outcome, even when chopped down. This is made possible by the component, quinone lapachol, found in the inner bark of the tree. Lapachol is an immuno-stimulant with anti-fungal, anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties.
Its anti-fungal property makes it useful in vaginal douches, suppositories, as well as a medicinal tea. Tampons are soaked in Pau d’Arco tea for vaginitis. It discourages Candida Albicans and Herpes Simplex from thriving, and strengthens the immune system simultaneously. Pau d’Arco tea is recommended by Brazilian doctors for treating ringworm, systemic Candida albicans yeast infections, and other intestinal parasite infestations.
Botanical name:
Tabebuia avellanedae
Description:
A majestic flowering Amazonian tree that starts out as a vine, and grows up to 30 meters high with base spanning three meters in diameter. It is a tropical tree with beautiful yellow blossoms. However, the T. heptaphylla species is violet-flowered.
Properties:
Adaptogen, alterative, analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, astringent, blood purifier.
Origin:
The Amazon. The ancient Incas, of Peru realized its therapeutic properties from observing it. It was first introduced to the Portuguese by South American Indians as a medicinal plant.
Aliases:
Taheebo, Lapacho, Ipe Roxo,
Useful Parts:
Inner Bark
Uses:
Treatment of eczema, herpes, arthritis, blood poisoning, toxemia, leukemia, yeast infections, fungal infections, tumors, liver disorders, prostrate problems, immune deficiency, AIDS, lupus, venereal diseases, lung disorders, ulcers, psoriasis, other skin disorders, and hemorrhages.
Forms:
Capsules, lotion, bulk tea (Taheebo tea), liquid extract.
Caution:
High doses have been known to produce intestinal discomfort, anticoagulant effects, nausea, and vomiting. Off limits for individuals with blood clotting disorders, and pregnant women.
Pau d’Arco’s anti-fungal action is paralleled by its anti-viral action making it an integral part for viral treatments. Other components in Taheebo effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi include beta-lapachone, hydroxynapthoquinone, alpha-lapachone, and xyloidone. Pau d’Arco is also rich in iron, which makes it effective in promoting the natural process of nutrient assimilation; and improved elimination via the intestinal tract.
Other nutrients in the herb include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, vitamins A, B-complex and C, and also zinc.
Other uses of Pau d’Arco include treatment of Chlamydia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Crohn’s disease, leukemia, lupus (discoid and systemic), and Raynaud’s disease. Pau d’Arco extract derived from distilled water and grain alcohol base is best, as the process facilitates quicker absorption. Pau d’Arco lotions are excellent fungal, bacterial, and viral remedies.
Pau d’Arco is one the herbs categorized as an “everything” herb because of its uses for many disorders. Also, it is often used along with other medications without contraindications. It is sometimes used to counteract the side effects of some medications, reducing the damage to the liver caused by some drugs. Even the FDA designates Pau d’Arco as safe.
Some users experiment with it, mixing it with other herbs, adding sweeteners to the tea for a tasty beverage. Sweeteners, however, reduces its effectiveness. It is naturally sweet, though it does not contain any sugars. I have heard it makes a fantastic base to cacao drinks.
As with most herbs, it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers. High doses have been shown to cause nausea, vomiting and intestinal discomfort.