Herbal Series - Pau d' Arco

What a beauty - Pau d' Arco Tree

Pau d' Arco bark is the useable portion of the tree.

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)
A tree native to South America, has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, arthritis, inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), fever, dysentery, boils and ulcers, and various cancers. As early as 1873, there were reported medicinal uses of pau d'arco.

Scientists have identified two active chemicals in pau d'arco. These chemicals are called naphthoquinones: lapachol and beta-lapachone. In lab tests, these chemicals kill or impede some bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, and may be effective against diseases such as osteoarthritis. It also contain significant amounts of the antioxidant quercetin helpful for allergies and mast cell immunity conditions.
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Useful for the following conditions...

• Candidiasis (a vaginal or oral yeast infection)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Influenza
• Parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis
• Bacterial infections, such as brucellosis
• Cancer

Widely available for use as tea, capsule forms and liquid tincture extracts. For deeper therapeutic value the tincture is best. Tinctures are standardized so dosage does not vary.

​As with the use of all botanical medicine you should exercise caution, more is not always better. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking medication that may interact with herbal supports.

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