Pau d’arco, pronounced pow-dar-co, is a heroic natural medicinal that reportedly fights cancer—including leukemia—tumors, AIDS, liver disease, rheumatism, diabetes, ulcers, allergies, and all types of infections. It has even proven useful against candidiasis (yeast infections), warts, and smoker’s coughs.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

This handsome tree reaches for the sky. It can attain a height of 125 feet. Native to Brazil, pau d’arco has large trumpet-shaped rose to violet-colored flowers that bloom in profusion just before the new leaves appear in the spring. There are around 100 Tabebuia species native to tropical America, but this one—T. avellanedae—is the one with the power. The bark is the portion of the tree that is used medicinally.

Herbal BeautyHISTORICAL NOTES

Pau d’arco appears to be a corruption of a local name for one variety of Tabebuia called Palo d’arco, or “bow wood,” by the natives. Brazilian Indians have used Pau d’arco bark for centuries against a host of ailments, including colitis, dysentery, diarrhea, constipation, bedwetting, fever, sore throat, snakebite, and can- cers of the esophagus, intestines, lung, and prostate, as well as for respiratory problems, arthritis, poor circulation, and even syphilis.

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS

Pau d’arco’s medicinal uses and extracts of its active constituents have been studied for the past century. Interestingly enough, research shows that significantly better results are racked up by the whole bark than by the extracts. When the extracts are refined and individual chemicals taken from the whole herb are tested, effectiveness is seen to be diminished.

Pau d’arco’s antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties have been confirmed in scientific testing. One author summarizes its effects in these words:

The spectrum of clinical applications of T. avellanedae is quite broad. Current use has focused on its anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Its use is extremely popular in the treatment of intestinal candidiasis and vaginal candidiasis (topically and internally). There are also many anecdotal reports of remission of different forms of cancer from the use of this botanical.

TRADITIONAL USE

Internal. The “fixings” for tea are variously called (and sold as) LaPacho, Taheebo, Tecoma, and Ipe Roxo. Because the medicinal qualities are found in the bark of this tree, it’s necessary to prepare a decoction. Boil 1 teaspoon (1/6 ounce or 4 grams) of pau d’arco bark in 8 ounces of water for 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and sip. The standard dose is 1 cup of decocted bark 2 to 8 times per day.

External. To treat vaginitis, soak a tampon in a strong decoction. Insert the medicated tampon vaginally and change it every 24 hours until symptoms are eased.

CONSIDERATIONS

The scientific literature lists no reports of human toxicity when the whole bark is used as a decoction.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)