Pau D’Arco (Taheebo)
Botanical Information
Pau d’arco is an evergreen tree native to South America. The inner bark of the tree is used medicinally. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for pau d’arco, causing the tree to be endangered. Pau d’arco is sold as tablets, dried bark tea and tincture. The chemical that pau d’arco its medicinal effects do not dissolve well in water, so tea is not recommended.
Features & Benefits
- Pau d’arco contains chemical compounds called naphthoquinones, which have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also contains significant amounts of the antioxidant quercetin.
- Used for issues with fungus and bacteria in the body, including Candidiasis and bacterial infections such as brucellosis
- Can be used topically for warts
Suggestions & Precautions
- Side effects are uncommon but may include anemia, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness
- High doses can cause uncontrolled bleeding and vomiting
- Limit intake of pau d’arco to no more than one week; this potent herb may pose notable health risks when taken internally for longer periods
- Do not combine with blood-thinning medications
