[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
The herb for immunity
Botanical name: Tabebuia impetiginosa
Common names: Purple or Red Tabebuia, Pink Trumpet Tree, Lapacho, Taheebo, Ipé Roxo.
Family Bignoniaceae
Origin
Pau D'Arco is native to South and Central America. It is not native to North America but grows in the warm parts of the country. Pau D'Arco is derived from the inner bark of several species of tabebuia trees.
Botany
The tree grows up to 125 feet high, has purple, pink, and yellow flowers, and pod-like fruits. The best quality Pau D'Arco is said to come from Argentina. The most potent part is the inner bark, which must be aged after harvesting to maximize it's effectiveness.
Historical use
Pau D'Arco has been used by South and Central American indigenous peoples to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, and cancer.
It was a primary medicine used by the Inca's and their descendants, the Callaway tribe. The name "Pau d' Arco" is Portuguese for "bow tree", an appropriate name after its use by the people of Brazil in make hunting bows.
In 1960, the use of Pau D'Arco was taken up in the Municipal Hospital of Santo Andre, and used in the treatment of cancer patients. Today, the herb is sold in herb stores and regular pharmacies throughout Brazil.
Energetics
Cooling, bitter
Organ systems
Blood. Digestion. Liver and detox. Immune system.
Therapeutic Actions
Enhances immune system function.
Anti-tumor: inhibits the growth of tumors
Anti-cancer: inhibits the growth of cancer cells
Anti-coagulant: thins blood
Anti-viral: destroys and inhibits the spread of viruses.
Anti-bacterial: destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anti-fungal: destroys and inhibits the growth of fungus
Alterative: increase health and vitality by gradually restoring alignment to functions of the body.
Antibiotic: destroys and inhibits the growth of micro-organisms
Anti-depressive: elevates mood
Antipsoratic: prevents and counters psoriasis
Astringent: tones and tightens the connective tissue of the skin
Anti-diabetic: creates insulin to balance glucose levels
Anti-parasitic: kills parasites
Anodyne: Painkiller
Analgesic: relieves pain
Digestive: aids in digestion
Diuretic: increases the production and secretion of urine
Depurative: purifying and detoxifying, especially the blood
Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure
Laxative: loosen stools and increase bowel movements
May have abortifacient properties, and cause toxicity to the reproductive organs in high doses.
Uses
Immune system
Pau d'Arco boosts immune system response and function.
Used for infections, especially for candida and other yeast infections.
Staph infections
Urinary tract infections
Bacteria infections, such as brucellosis
Viral infections including influenza
Beneficial for dysentery, fevers, malaria, and ulcers.
Used for slowing and inhibiting the growth of cancer and tumors, especially leukemia.
Snakebite
Aids in the prevention and treatment of Liver disease, Hodgkin's disease, osteomyelitis, Parkinson's disease.
Used in the treatment of fungal infections, including: thrush, athlete's foot, nail fungus, ringworm.
Used in the treatment against chronic diseases, including: Diabetes, lupus, HIV, ulcers, herpes, hepatitis.
Allergies, Recommended to combine Pau D'Arco with burdock to cleanse the blood during an allergic reaction or sudden skin flare up.
Sexually transmitted infections
Allergies
Nervous system
Used in pain relief for Arthritis and chemotherapy
Circulatory system
Stimulates blood circulation
Purifies the blood
Increases red blood cell count
Digestive system
Used in the treatment of colitis, gastritis, and stomach ulcers.
Treats enlarged prostate.
Urinary tract infections
Gastrointestinal problems of all kinds
Constipation
Parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis
Stomach ulcers
Respiratory system
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cough
Reproductive system
Used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including: HIV/AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis.
Lymphatic system/detoxification
Has the ability to remove heavy metals from the body.
Aids well in the detoxification process carried out by the liver and lymphatic organs.
Musculoskeletal system
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder
Osteoarthritis, cause by the wear and tear on joints
Skin care
Heals skin wounds and protects against infection.
eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections.
Assists in external skin ailments such as warts, boils, ringworm, impetigo, cold sores, athlete's foot, and staph infections.
Effective in treating dermatitis and psoriasis when taken internally and topically.
Apply topically for the healing of sores, lesions, diaper rash, bruises.
here’s where i source my pau d’arco
Safety
Research on Pau d'Arco's naphthaquinones constituents suggest that this herb may be contraindicated when using anticoagulants. Do not use Pau D'Arco while taking anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, blood thinning drugs, such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), and Aspirin. Taking pau d'arco with these may increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, because the herb may have abortifacient properties, it is likely unsafe to use internally when pregnant. But may be well tolerated when used topically for skin conditions in small doses. Pau d'arco should NOT be given to infants or children.
May slow blood clotting and could increase the chance of bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.
Taking Pau D’Arco along with medications that slow blood clotting could increase the chances of bruising or bleeding.
Large amounts of lapachol (greater than 1.5g per day) may be toxic. side effects may include anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. If these symptoms occur, discontinue or lower dose. High doses can cause uncontrolled bleeding and vomiting.
Application
Internally: take extract of Pau D'Arco in a ticture, take 30-40 drops, 2-4 times per day.
Tea, brew one ounce herb in a pint of water, drink one cup, 3-4 times a day for acute conditions, for 3-5 days or until symptoms cease. Or take 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day for chronic conditions. Pau D'Arco is best taken in increments, take proper dose for up to two weeks, and then stop using for a week. This way your immune system does not get used to the help and can still function on its own.
Topically: Use Pau D'Arco in a Cream or ointment, or applied the tincture straight to affected areas.
How have you used Pau D'Arco for health and wellbeing? Leave me a comment!
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness