-
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, pau d'arco is a large flowering tree. Also known as lapacho, taheebo or trumpet tree, pau d'arco has a long history of health uses in treating a variety of diseases.
Plant
The evergreen pau d'arco can grow to around 125 feet tall and is incredibly disease and decay resistant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, due to its medicinal popularity, the tree is endangered.
History
According to the American Cancer Society, the Incas and other ancient South Americans drank pau d'arco tea for its health benefits. The leaves and bark from the tree were also used in Brazil and the Caribbean as herbal remedies.
Uses
Historically and currently, the inner bark of the pau d'arco is used to treat a range of diseases, including cancer, lupus, infectious and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as injuries and pain.
Forms
Pau d'arco is readily available in health stores in capsule, salve, liquid extract, powder, dried bark, tea and tincture form.
Benefits
The inner bark of the pau d'arco tree contains compounds called naphthaquinones, according to the University of California, San Diego Cancer Center. These are claimed to help the immune system with their cleansing properties and stimulation of red blood cells.
Risks
While pau d'arco compounds killed lung cancer cells and reduced lung tumor growth in mice in laboratory tests, it had to be administered in toxic doses. Pau d'arco can also cause problems with blood clotting, and side effects include skin sensitivity, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Source:
American Cancer Society: Pau d'arco
University of Maryland Medical Center: Pau d'arco
More Information:
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC