Pau D'Arco

PAU D'ARCO | PA DE ARCO

Pau D’Arco, also known as Tabebuia impetiginosa or Handroanthus impetiginosus. Native to the rainforests and highlands of Central and South America, this towering tree has been a cornerstone of Indigenous medicine for centuries. And it’s not just bark and folklore—it’s a story of resilience, immunity, and the remarkable chemistry of nature.

Pau D’Arco grows primarily in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It’s part of the Bignoniaceaefamily and known for its hard, dense wood—so strong, in fact, that it's often used for building and crafting, especially for archery bows, which is where it gets its Portuguese name: “Pau D’Arco” literally means “bow stick.”

But beyond its physical strength, this tree carries an impressive healing legacy. For countless generations, Indigenous communities such as the Guarani and Tupi peoples have used the inner bark of Pau D’Arco in the form of teas and decoctions to treat a wide range of conditions—most notably infections, inflammation, and immune dysfunction.

In traditional medicine, Pau D’Arco has been valued for its ability to purify the blood, fight off bacterial and fungal infections, and support detoxification, especially in cases involving the liver or digestive tract. It was commonly used for wounds, fevers, respiratory infections, and even chronic inflammatory conditions.

Its healing power comes from compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone, which early scientific studies found to have antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. These findings sparked global interest in the 20th century, particularly in natural health circles and alternative medicine.

By the 1970s, Pau D’Arco had made its way into herbal shops and naturopathic clinics across North America and Europe. It became popular as an immune tonic, a cancer support herb, and a detox tea, although scientific consensus around its cancer-related uses remains cautious and limited to laboratory studies.

Despite its popularity, Pau D’Arco is not without complexity. Sustainable harvesting is a key concern, as demand for the inner bark can contribute to deforestation and overharvesting if not managed responsibly. In many regions, ethical sourcing means only harvesting bark from fallen or naturally shed trees, which allows the forest to regenerate without harm.

Today, Pau D’Arco is still widely used as a tea, tincture, capsule, or powder, often included in herbal protocols to support the immune system, balance gut flora, and combat fungal infections like candida. It’s a botanical bridge—connecting centuries of Indigenous knowledge with today’s search for natural wellness.

So whether you’re steeping it in a clay pot or adding it to your wellness routine, Pau D’Arco is more than a trendy tea—it's a tree with deep roots in both the Earth and the wisdom of those who’ve protected and used it for generations.

Medicinal Uses of Pau d’Arco

• Antifungal
  Traditionally used to treat candida (yeast overgrowth) and other fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. Its compounds—particularly lapachol and beta-lapachone—have shown antifungal activity in lab studies.

• Antibacterial and Antiviral
  Used in folk medicine to help fight off bacterial and viral infections, including respiratory illnesses, fevers, and gastrointestinal infections. Often consumed as a tea during illness to support natural immune defenses.

• Immune System Support
  Commonly taken as a general immune booster, especially during cold and flu season or when recovering from chronic infections.

• Anti-inflammatory
  Pau d’Arco has been used to reduce inflammation in the body, making it useful for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

• Antioxidant Effects
  Contains plant compounds that help combat oxidative stress and may support cellular health and tissue repair, particularly in long-term inflammatory or degenerative conditions.

• Supports Detoxification
  Traditionally used to purify the blood and support liver detox. Some protocols include Pau d’Arco for cleansing the system of toxins, including in heavy metal detox blends.

• Anti-parasitic Properties
  Historically used in parts of South America to help eliminate intestinal worms and parasites, especially in rural and tropical environments.

• Cancer Support (Traditional Use)
  While lab studies have found that compounds like lapachol have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, clinical evidence in humans is limited and sometimes conflicting. Nevertheless, Pau d’Arco has been used in complementary medicine as part of immune and inflammation support for those undergoing cancer treatment—always under supervision.

• Pain Relief and Wound Healing
  Applied topically in poultices or taken internally, Pau d’Arco has been used to relieve pain, aid wound healing, and reduce infection risk in cuts and ulcers.

• Supports Gut Health
  Used to help balance gut flora, especially in cases of candida overgrowth, dysbiosis, or chronic GI infections. Often included in candida and leaky gut protocols.