My Indian guide stopped suddenly. We were trekking through the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. He reverently pointed out a beautiful tree with intense pink trumpet flowers. He called it ‘Tajy’ which means ‘The Divine Tree.’
Later I learned this was the taheebo tree (Tabebuia Impetiginosa).
Many South American tribes consider taheebo the rainforest’s tree of life. From the inner bark, they extract the herb Pau d’Arco.
The ancient Incas, Aztecs, and native tribes of Brazil all used Pau d’Arco. They relied on it to treat toothaches, backaches, snakebite, malaria, fever and infections.
Today in South America traditional herbal practitioners use Pau d’Arco for arthritis and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis). They also use it for dysentery, ulcers, colitis, and flu.
Some Brazilian hospitals have even been experimenting with Pau d’Arco for cancer treatments. We need more disciplined research to prove Pau d’Arco’s anti-tumor powers. But I’d say it sounds promising.
Here’s what the science already tells us about Pau d’Arco’s amazing healing powers.
Pau D’Arco Cleanses and Detoxes the Liver, Blood, and Colon
Researchers have been trying for many years to isolate compounds found in Pau d’Arco. They want to know exactly how tribal cultures were able to use it to treat such a broad range of conditions.
So far, studies have identified chemical compounds called naphthoquinones. The two they’ve studied are lapachol and beta-lapachone. In lab tests, these chemicals kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Laboratory studies have also found Pau d’Arco effective against Candida.1 That’s a type of yeast infection that plagues modern women. Pau d’Arco’s antifungal powers inhibit the growth of the Candida yeast. The herb also helps stimulate the bowels to wash out old waste matter.
Pau d’Arco also supports liver function. It tones, balances and strengthens the liver by removing toxins from tissue and purifying the blood.
American herbal medicine doctors have adopted Pau d’Arco as a laxative. They also use it to treat infections, wounds, lupus and many other diseases.2 It’s also effective against H. pylori, the virus that causes stomach ulcers.
How You Can Benefit From Herbal Pau D’Arco
I frequently recommend Pau d’Arco tea to my patients here at the Wellness Center. The tea helps detoxify the entire body. It works in the liver, blood vessels, the lymph system, cells, tissues and organs. It helps eliminate toxins like heavy metals and pesticides.
Native tribes of South America have brewed Pau d’Arco tea for centuries. You may take a while to adjust to the earthy, bitter flavor but the benefits are worth it.
You can find Pau d’Arco tea bags in health stores as well as on the Internet. Traditional Medicinals is a brand that I like. Make sure you steep it for 15 minutes before drinking. Start out slowly and build up to 2-4 cups per day.
Minor side effects of Pau d’Arco can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any of these, try lowering your dose. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding don’t use Pau d’Arco at all.
Pau d’Arco also has a blood thinning effect. Don’t use it if you are on anticoagulant medications. Also consult with your doctor before any surgical procedure. Pau d’Arco may decrease blood clotting time.
Because Pau d’Arco acts as a minor laxative, supports liver and blood cleansing, and promotes healthy digestion, I added this powerful herb to my new Purity Beauty Cleanse.
Purity Beauty Cleanse is an all-natural cleansing treatment that helps rid the body of unwanted impurities. It also helps cleanse the colon. All of that internal cleaning can add up to healthy glowing skin.
Get more information on my Purity Beauty Cleanse here.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1. Hidayat Hussain et al, Lapachol: An Overview, ARKIVOC 2007 (ii) 145-171
2. Sacaua, E. P. et al, Biorg. Med. Chem. Lett 2003,11, 483.