Pau d'Arco

Medicinal Uses

Pau d'arco is prepared from the inner bark of several related species of large canopy trees native to the rainforests of Central and South America, famed for their vivid trumpet-shaped flowers. Indigenous peoples have used the bark for centuries, and its tea, known as lapacho or taheebo, became widely known internationally. It is classified as bitter, cooling, and cleansing, and its most studied constituents are the naphthoquinones lapachol and beta-lapachone, along with other quinones, flavonoids, and minerals.

The foremost medicinal use of pau d'arco is as a broad antimicrobial and immune-supporting herb. It is traditionally used to help the body combat a wide range of infections, and it has a particularly strong reputation as an antifungal remedy, widely used against yeast and fungal infections such as candida overgrowth, thrush, athlete's foot, and other fungal conditions, taken internally and applied externally. It is also used for bacterial and viral infections and to strengthen overall immune resistance.

Pau d'arco has long held a place as a supportive botanical in traditional cancer care. Its naphthoquinones, especially beta-lapachone, are an active area of laboratory research for their effects on cancer cells, and the bark has a strong folk reputation as a supportive tonic, though it should be understood as traditional and complementary rather than a proven treatment.

The herb is further used to reduce inflammation and ease inflammatory and painful conditions, to support and cleanse the blood, to aid digestion and soothe the digestive tract, and to support skin health, both internally and applied to wounds, rashes, and fungal skin conditions.

Because it is potent, pau d'arco is typically used in moderate amounts and for defined periods, and it is avoided in pregnancy and with blood-thinning medication. Bitter, cooling, and cleansing, pau d'arco is treasured as a remedy for infections, candida, inflammation, and immune support.

Benefits

Provides broad antimicrobial action, fights fungal and yeast infections including candida, supports the body against bacterial and viral infections, strengthens immune resistance, reduces inflammation, contains naphthoquinones studied for anticancer activity, supports and cleanses the blood, aids digestion, supports skin health, promotes overall vitality

How to Use & Dosage

More Info

Other names

pau d'arco, lapacho, taheebo, ipe roxo, trumpet tree

Key constituents

Naphthoquinones (lapachol, beta-lapachone), anthraquinones, flavonoids, quercetin, minerals, saponins

Attribute

An Amazonian rainforest bark valued as a potent antimicrobial and immune tonic, especially against fungal and yeast infections.

Flower essence

Pau d'Arco flower essence is used to promote strength, resilience, and clarity, supporting emotional balance and spiritual insight.