- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Tropical Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina. Handroanthus impetiginosus (Tabebuia)
- Other names
- Lapacho
South America · Herb · № 165
Handroanthus impetiginosus (syn. Tabebuia avellanedae)
Herb · South America
Pau d'arco
Handroanthus impetiginosus (syn. Tabebuia avellanedae)
The inner bark is sold for fungal infections, inflammation and as a 'cancer remedy'. There is no reliable human evidence; its active compound lapachol proved too toxic at effective doses.
Safety notes
High doses cause nausea, vomiting and a bleeding tendency; avoid with blood thinners or in pregnancy. Do not replace cancer treatment with pau d'arco.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Herbs for viral infections: Maximum 2 g a day. Not with bleeding disorders, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Preparation
The inner bark as decoction (taheebo tea) or in capsules. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Indigenous peoples of South America, including the Guaraní, used the hard wood for bows (pau d'arco is Portuguese for 'bow stick') and the bark as medicine. Ody describes the popularity of lapacho tea in Europe and the USA.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antitumour and antimicrobial; against candida, colds, flu and fever, ulcers, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin infections, urinary tract infection and pelvic inflammation.
Preparation and amount
Capsules 2–3 g a day; traditionally as a decoction of the inner bark (fine powder works better).
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Herbs for viral infections
Attributed effects
Antiviral (the naphthoquinones lapachol and beta-lapachone); especially for viral stomach flu (gastroenteritis); further for bronchitis, gastritis, joint pain, boils, wounds.
Preparation and amount
Tablet, capsule, powder, tincture or tea (simmer 1 tsp powder 5–15 min).
Caution: Maximum 2 g a day. Not with bleeding disorders, in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen