Pau D’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa or Tabebuia avellanedae) is widely cultivated in South America and the Amazon rainforest and is noticeably used by indigenous tribes in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. This is a very large tree and can reach 125 feet tall. The use of Pau D’arco is traditionally rooted in the historical records of the Incas. The medicinal part of the tree is the bark, namely the inner lining of the bark. The bark of Pau D’arco is used in traditional medicine and is often prepared as a tea with many health benefits. It has been used as a medicine by indigenous people to treat inflammation, fight infections, and ease pain.
1. The active ingredient in Pau D’arco
✅ Scientists have identified two chemicals active in pau d’arco called naphthoquinones, which are lapachol and beta-lapachone. These chemicals have the power to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. They have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in treating health conditions such as osteoarthritis.
2. Top 3 Pau D’Arco health benefits
2.1 Pau D’Arco health benefits: Anti-infection
✅ Research shows that pau d’arco extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This herb is thought to inhibit the processes bacteria and fungi need to produce oxygen and energy. Several test-tube studies have shown that bark extract provides protection against some disease organisms and may also inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria in your digestive system. Beta-lapachone has been found to inhibit and treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an infection that is difficult to control. In another study, pau d’arco extract inhibited the growth of Helicobacter (H.) pylori, a bacterium that grows in your digestive tract and tends to attack the lining of your stomach and cause ulcers.
✅ Not only that, but Pau d’arco also helps the body fight candida. Candidiasis is a common yeast infection. It can lead to many health problems, related to oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections.
2.2 Pau D’Arco health benefits: Reduce inflammation
✅ Pau d’arco may help fight inflammation, according to a 2008 study in the Journal of Ethnography. Research shows that pau d’arco extract can inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in areas of tissue damage or infection, causing inflammation, pain, and fever as part of the healing process. By counteracting this effect, pau d’arco may improve symptoms such as swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (hypertrophy). These results suggest that pau d’arco can help reduce a variety of inflammatory conditions. However, human studies are needed before they can be recommended.
2.3 Pau D’Arco health benefits: Prevention of cancer
✅ When reviewing the studies published in the Journal of Ethnography, scientists concluded that the beta-lapachone found in pau d’arco can cause apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a number of cancer cell types. Another 2002 study concluded that beta-lapachone is one of several new anti-cancer drugs currently under study. This powerful compound induces cancer cell death in mice. The mice did not seem to be adversely affected by the treatment. These studies have suggested a possible way to develop cancer drugs in the future.
3. Notes when using Pau D’Arco
When using Pau D’Arco in the form of herbal tea, herbal extracts, or supplements, you should note the following:
- Due to the lack of research, little is known about the long-term safety of pau d’arco. Commonly reported side effects to include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Pau d’arco may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using pau d’arco for at least two weeks before surgery. Also because pau d’arco can slow blood clotting, it should not be used with anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Aspirin.
- Pau d’arco should not be used in children, pregnant or lactating women. It should also be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease to avoid unforeseen interactions or side effects.
Recommended for you
🎁 Traditional Medicinals Yellow Pau d’Arco Herbal Tea
✅ From field to cup, Traditional Medicinals make sure their teas deliver the benefits of these amazing plants. To deliver consistently high-quality teas, they source organically farmed or organically wild-collected herbs from ethical trading partnerships, seeking out medicinal-grade plants. Only a small fraction of the world’s herb supply meets its high-quality standards.
✅ Traditionally used in South America, pau d’arco contributes to a healthy you. Taste: Floral and foresty with soft tannins. Directions: To enjoy: Pour 8 oz. freshly boiled water over 1 tea bag.Cover cup & steep for 10-15 minutes. Squeeze the tea bag to ensure maximum goodness in your cup. Enjoy 1-4 cups per day. For a more concentrated brew, simmer 4-5 tea bags in 1 quart of water for 15 minutes. Drink up to 4 cups daily for up to 6 weeks, then pause for at least a month before resuming. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
🎁 NOW Supplements, Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla) 500 mg
✅ Since 1968 NOW has been a leader in the natural products industry. Even when healthy foods and natural supplements weren’t mainstream, we’ve never wavered from our mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives. Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily as needed.
🎁 NOW Supplements, Pau D’Arco Extract Liquid with Dropper
✅ NOW extract is concentrated to highlight some of the active components naturally present in Pau D’arco that may support healthy cell growth and have free radical scavenging properties. Directions: As an herbal dietary supplement, take 1-2 droppers in tea or water 1-3 times daily. If you are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your health care practitioner prior to using this product. Keep out of reach of children.
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