PAU D’ARCO

Pau d’Arco, also commonly known as taheebo and lapacho, is considered one of the world’s most unique therapeutic botanicals. It is taken from the bark of the lapacho tree found in South American regions of the Andes mountains. According to local legends, the Indians who discovered Pau d’Arco have used the inner bark of the lapacho tree as a traditional folk remedy for various disorders which include; arthritis, bed wetting, boils, colitis, constipation, cystitis, dysentery, fever, lung infections, prostate disorders, sore throats, snake bites and ulcers. The Brazilians used it in a paste and a tea for malignancies, especially skin cancer. In history, it was also reported that the Czar’s of Russia drank Pau d’ Arco tea for longevity, and Gandhi supposedly was a staunch believer in the therapeutic value of a daily cup.

Pau d’ Arco is usually administered in a tea, which is consumed several times throughout the day. One dropper to one cup water, boiled 15 minutes, consumed 2-8 times per day is reported to be the best combination.

Possible side effects, which are not considered common, include: laxative effect and mild nausea. Any side effects associated with taking Pau d’ Arco have also been linked to cellular detoxification, which is not unusual when taking herbal preparations.

Primary applications of Pau d’Arco are:

AIDS, anemia, blood disorders, Candida albicans, cancer, diabetes, eczema, herpes, Hodgkin’s disease, hypoglycemia, infections, leukemia, liver disease, lupus, pain (especially arthritic), parasites, prostate disorders, pyorrhea, ringworm, tumors, ulcers, venereal disease, warts, yeast infections and stimulates hair growth.

Secondary Applications of Pau d’Arco are:

Allergies, asthma, boils, bronchitis, colitis, dysentery, fever, gastritis, nephritis, Parkinson’s Disease, psoriasis, skin ailments.

Summary of Pau d’Arco’s therapeutic applications:

· Fights fungal and viral infections such as yeast and herpes while boosting immune function.

· Reduces tumors in some cases of cancer including leukemia.

· Has reduced the need for insulin in some insulin-dependent diabetics.

· Helps to eliminate the pain of arthritis and cancer as a natural anodyne.

· Facilitates the removal of toxins from the blood.

· Helps to strengthen the liver and remove poisons from the liver tissue.

· Great for any blood-born illness.

· It has a high iron content, which boosts the assimilation of other nutrients.

· Is thought to help fade age spots.

· Has anti-mutagenic properties.

· Works as a natural antibiotic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal agent.

· Inhibits free radicals and in this way is an anti-aging herb.

· Promotes gentle regularity.

Elkins, Rita, M.H., Pau d’Arco, 1997, : 5-28.

Disclaimer: This article was written by Rita Elkins and has not been endorsed by Life Force International.