Pau D'Arco Benefits

Willow | Jul 26, 2010 |

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The first mention of pau d'arco was hundreds of years ago when it was rumored to be used by the Incas to cure major illnesses. Some claim it can effectively treat cancer and other infectious diseases, though the effectiveness is debatable. Pau d'arco is actually harvested from the inner bark of the pink lapacho tree. The only downside is the potential for an upset stomach, though this almost never happens when taken with food.

How it Works:
Pau d'arco contains several different compounds, including lapachol, that destroy the organisms that cause all kinds of infectious diseases, ranging from malaria to yeast infections. However, most attention goes to the proposed cancer fighting abilities of this herb. All research done into this herb focuses on isolating lapachol, which usually results in negative side-effects not otherwise found in pau d'arco studies.

Major Benefits:
Pau d'arco performs a number of different duties when ingested into the body. Most importantly, it fights viruses, bacteria and fungi. It also boosts the immune system while reducing inflammation throughout the body. Of all of the pau d'arco benefits, one of the most popular and documented is its ability to fight off vaginal yeast infections. Many herbalists recommened a pau d'arco douche to normalize the pH and balance the vagina.

People with chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, AIDS or chronic bronchitis can have their immune system strengthened by taking pau d'arco in capsule, tincture, tea or tablet form. Warts can also be cured by pau d'arco, as tinctures applied directly to the sores will quickly eradicate them.

Other Benefits:
While lapachol, the cancer fighting component of pau d'arco, has proven effective at destroying cancerous cells in the body, the negative side-effects of vomiting, nausea and blood thinning caused all research to be abandoned. Some believe that using actual pau d'arco bark, as opposed to the isolated chemical lapachol, will fight cancer without resulting in the dangerous side effects. Lapachol is said to interfere with vitamin K, which helps the blood clot. Some components of pau d'arco actually contain vitamin K, which could negate blood thinning.

Dosage:
For consumption in capsule or tablet form, 250mg of pau d'arco twice per day is adequate. One dose in the morning, just after breakfast, and another at night before going to bed will boost the immune system substantially. To take pau d'arco as a tea, steep two or three teaspoons in two cups of extremely hot water. Strain out the herb and drink the tea over the course of the entire day.