Description :
The Pau d’Arco tree is a large canopy tree, native to the Amazon rain forests, that grows up to 125 feet high, with pink and/or violet-colored flowers. The tree is very resistant to fungus, viruses, and bacteria, making it a very hardy tree indeed. The inner bark is dried, shredded, and then boiled, making a bitter brownish tea called Lapacho or Taheebo. The tea was thought to have antimicrobial properties by the Mayans, so they used it to help with bacterial infections. They also believed in it’s anti-inflammatory properties to help with osteoarthritis both topically and internally.
History and Folklore:
The branches of the Pau d’Arco tree have been used by the Incas to bows for their hunters. The Mayans and Incas of South America also regarded Pau d’Arco as an important healing herb. In some Portuguese dialects, Pau d’Arco translates to “low tree”. Pau d’Arco is a key ingredient in the tribal medicine in the Amazon rainforest.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the inner bark from smaller branches in the spring.
Precautions:
Because Pau d’Arco extract may thin your blood, it should be avoided if you’re taking blood thinners or are scheduled to undergo surgery. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory
Other Names:
Bow Stick, Bow Stem, Taheebo, LaPacho morado, Lapacho Colorado, ipe Roxo.
Ingredients: Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Austin –