herbs - Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impestiginosa)

What is it?

Pau d'arco, lapacho or tahhebo is a tree native to the rain forests of Latin America and was used by the ancient Incas. The shredded bark of the tree has been used by indigenous tribes ever since to make a tea with many medicinal properties.

Action

Pau d'arco contains two main naphthaquinones, lapachol and beta-lapachone which have potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Historically, it was thought to have tumour-fighting effects and was used to strengthen immunity and as a protection against gut parasites.

Uses

Our experts recommend Pau d’arco for the following disorders:

• Candidiasis (systemic)
• Oral Thrush
• Thrush (vaginal)

Other information

Pau d'arco is used by herbalists to treat a variety of infections, but is most commonly used as an antifungal to fight against Candida albicans, the cause of many yeast infections. Research is currently being undertaken to investigate the action of this herb on the immune system, to assess whether it could be useful for a variety of disorders including: ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Epstein-Barr and Tired All The Time Syndrome (TATT).

Pau d'arco is available as tablets, capsules or tincture.

Cautions

• Using the whole bark has no known serious side effects, nor are there any interactions with other medicines. You should not use high amounts of concentrated extracts of Pau d'arco as overdosing can cause nausea, vomiting and bleeding.



• Pau d'arco is not suitable for use in pregnancy or when breast-feeding. 



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Pau d'arco.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.