What in the World is Pau d’Arco? 

 

While researching herbs and supplements, have you ever come across something and asked yourself, “what in the world is that?” This series of articles will give you insight about some of the lesser-known herbs currently available on the market. From there, you can decide whether it’s a natural remedy worthy of further exploration.

Today, it’s all about Pau d’Arco! 

The inner bark and wood of the pau d’arco or tabebuia tree have been used medicinally in South America for centuries. However, this plant’s health-promoting and curative qualities have only been studied in the United States since the 1960s. The tea made from pau d’arco, which is often called taheebo, has steadily gained popularity among natural health enthusiasts in the Western world ever since.

The History

Pau d’arco translates as ‘bow tree’ — a reference to its use in making strong but flexible bows. Native tribes to the areas where it grows indigenously, including the Aztecs and Inca, used the wood and bark to make weapons and also to make a medicinal tea. This tea is sometimes used to reduce inflammation and shorten the length of illnesses including influenza and respiratory infections.

Uses

Pau d’arco may reduce the symptoms and duration of illnesses including the common cold, influenza, respiratory illness and sexually transmitted infections. When applied directly to the skin, it can potentially help yeast infections and reduce inflammation. It also may be helpful for stomach irritation and infectious diarrhea.

Cautions

Labachol and pau d’arco are no longer employed as a potential cancer treatment because the high doses needed to treat cancer can be toxic. It is important to use pau d’arco as recommended and under a health professional’s care because higher doses may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and internal bleeding. The safety during pregnancy and for breastfeeding women is unknown. People with bleeding or clotting disorders should talk to their doctor before trying this supplement. However, pau d’arco is safe for most people in the low doses used to treat infection and inflammation. 

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