Pau d’Arco, also known as Lapacho, Taheebo or Ipe Roxo, comes from the inner bark of tall, flowering trees native to the rainforests of South and Central America, most notably the Handroanthus impetiginosus, (formerly called Tabebuia impetiginosa) tree. These majestic trees bloom with vibrant pink or purple trumpet-shaped flowers and have been revered by Amazonian tribes for centuries as a powerful natural remedy.

What Exactly is Pau d’Arco

The name Pau d’Arco means “bow stick” in Portuguese, referring to the tree’s tough, rot-resistant wood, once prized for making hunting bows. But it’s the inner bark of the Handroanthus impetiginosus tree that holds powerful healing properties.

Unlike resin-producing trees like Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), which exude a sticky, aromatic sap, Pau d’Arco does not produce resin or gum. Instead, its medicinal value lies in the fibrous inner bark (also known as the phloem). This bark is dried and often ground into powder or used to make decoctions and teas.

The inner bark is rich in bioactive compounds such as:

• Lapachol – a naphthoquinone with antimicrobial and antifungal properties (although controversial in high doses).
• Beta-lapachone – studied for anticancer and anti-inflammatory potential.
• Flavonoids like quercetin – antioxidants that support immune function and reduce oxidative stress.

These compounds contribute to Pau d’Arco’s anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How Pau d’Arco is Harvested

1. Harvesters remove the rough, inedible outer bark (which has little to no medicinal value).
2. They peel away the inner bark, which contains the desired phytochemicals.
3. This is then dried and either ground into powder or simmered to make herbal decoctions (often marketed as Pau d’Arco tea).

Pau d-Arco Lesser-known Fact

Unlike many herbs that lose potency when dried, Pau d’Arco’s active compounds, naphthoquinones like lapachol, remain highly stable, meaning even dried bark retains strong medicinal value for months or even years. This resilience mirrors the tree itself, whose hardwood resists rot and decay even in humid rainforest conditions.

In fact, Spanish conquistadors referred to Pau d’Arco trees as “ironwood” and used the bark for treating wounds long before its use spread to herbal traditions worldwide.

Health Benefits of Pau d’Arco

The Ancient Tree Bark for Modern Wellness.

Pau d’Arco is one of the Amazon’s most treasured herbal medicines, valued for its wide-ranging benefits, from supporting immunity and digestion to cleansing the blood and fighting fungal overgrowth.

While more research is still needed, it remains a favourite in traditional and modern herbal practices alike. Use it with awareness and respect.

Below we will explore these health benefits in more detail:

Immune System Support

Pau d’Arco contains unique compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone, which have been shown in lab studies to stimulate immune function by helping white blood cells respond more effectively to threats. This makes it a popular herbal ally during cold and flu season or for those recovering from chronic illness.

Fights Fungal Overgrowth (Including Candida)

One of the most widely used applications of Pau d’Arco is in fighting Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for yeast infections and gut imbalances. Pau d’Arco’s natural antifungal activity can help rebalance gut flora and reduce symptoms like fatigue, sugar cravings, bloating and thrush.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Compounds in Pau d’Arco have been found to inhibit inflammatory enzymes, making it potentially helpful for people with arthritis, joint pain or inflammatory skin conditions. Its traditional use also includes easing swollen lymph nodes and fever.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Action

In test-tube studies, Pau d’Arco has been effective against bacteria, viruses and parasites. While more human studies are needed, it has a long history of being used in traditional medicine for wound healing and infection prevention.

Blood Cleanser and Detox Support

Pau d’Arco is known among herbalists as a “blood purifier.” It’s traditionally used to support liver detoxification and encourage the elimination of metabolic waste and toxins, which is helpful for those with skin eruptions, sluggish digestion or fatigue.

Potential Anti-Tumour Effects (Still Under Research)

Lapachol and related compounds have attracted attention for their antitumour activity in lab research, though effective doses remain much higher than typically used in herbal tea. These findings are promising but not yet conclusive for human treatment.

How to Use Pau d’Arco

Pau d’Arco was traditionally prepared as a tea or decoction to treat infections, reduce inflammation and enhance vitality. These days we can also use it in capsules or tinctures.

• Tea/Decoction: Simmer 1–2 teaspoons of dried inner bark in water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink 1–2 cups per day. It’s earthy, slightly bitter and often taken alone or blended with cinnamon or ginger.
• Capsules or Tinctures: These offer a more concentrated dose and are often used as part of gut health or antifungal protocols.
• Topical Use: Can be applied to the skin (in diluted form) for fungal infections or wounds.

Tip: Always ensure you are buying inner bark, not outer bark, which can be irritating or ineffective.

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Pau d’Arco Notes / Side Effects

This ancient bark has stood the test of time, but it’s still a powerful ally best taken with guidance. While Pau d’Arco is natural, it’s not without risks. Here’s what to be aware of:

Potential Side Effects

• Nausea, dizziness, or loose stools can occur, especially if taken in high doses.
• Lapachol may thin the blood, so users may bruise more easily or have longer clotting times.
• High doses may cause vomiting or anaemia in some individuals over time.

Avoid During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Due to potential uterine-stimulating effects and unknown safety in infants, Pau d’Arco should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

Drug Interactions

May interact with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) and possibly interfere with immunosuppressants. Consult your doctor before using if you’re on medication.

Short-Term Use Recommended

Because of the potency of its compounds, Pau d’Arco is best used for short-term protocols (2–4 weeks at a time) unless under supervision by a qualified herbal practitioner.

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