Pau d’Arco Bark 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Pau d’Arco – 100 g ($15.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:

Pau d’arco extract is an immune stimulant and is effective against bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, and yeast infections. It also is considered to be an anti-inflammatory agent.

The inner lining of the bark of either the red or the purple pau d’arco tree has been used for centuries as a treatment for cancer, lupus, infectious diseases, wounds, and many other health conditions. Over the past twenty years, numerous reports from doctors and patients in various publications have spoken of pau d’arco tea’s beneficial effects on disorders as varied as arthritis, athlete’s foot, the common cold, leukemia, pain, and yeast and other fungal infections. The herb is currently being investigated for effects on cancer and candida. Traditional herbalists agree that it strengthens and balances the immune system.

Antioxidants  Pau d’arco contains several compounds, including quinoids, benzenoids and flavonoids. These compounds have displayed biological activity against harmful organisms. Pau d’arco also has a significant amount of lapachol, which comes from the stem of the tree. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that lapachol is known be toxic and resistant to nearly all types of harmful organisms.

A 2005 study published in Oncology Reports found that lapachol has great potential as an application in fighting metastasis, which is the spread of a cancer or other disease from one organ of the body to another. Metastasis is the major process responsible for the death in cancer patients, and the recent research involving lapachol is promising. Lapachol is also used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, but some research suggests that high doses of this compound can lead to dangerous side effects, like reproductive toxicity. Pau d’arco also contains another chemical called beta-lapachone, which has also demonstrated toxicity to harmful organisms, similar to lapachol.

Cancer. One of pau d’arco’s main components, lapachol, possesses antitumour properties, and for a time was under active investigation as a possible chemotherapy drug. Unfortunately, when given in high enough dosages to kill cancer cells, lapachol causes numerous serious side effects. It also was shown to have no effect in patients with non-leukemic tumours or chronic myelocytic leukemia. However, herbalists believe that the whole herb may be able to produce benefits equivalent to standard chemotherapy drugs with fewer side effects. It has been reported that drinking a tea made from red or purple pau d’arco may help to combat infection, build up immunity, strengthen cells, and reduce pain and inflammation, but not in place of conventional antibiotics. Some people have reported that it appeared to increase effectiveness of chemotherapy while decreasing negative side effects of the chemotherapy treatments. Human studies are lacking, but two have been conducted using an extract of the compound furonaphthoquinone from pau d’arco. One study found that tumour size shrank and some patients with cancer went into remission. The other study had to be stopped prematurely because the patients in this study with leukemia had abnormal bleeding tests, nausea, and vomiting. And there was no evidence of an anticancer effect.

One of the most well-known effects of taheebo is its ability to fight cancer and relieve pain associated with cancer. A study conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston found that beta-Lapachone, a major compound in pau d’arco, is a potential compound to be added to cancer chemotherapy, particularly for prostate cancer.

It has been shown to kill cancer cells in studies conducted on animals. Another 2002 study concluded that beta-lapachone is one of a few novel anticancer drugs currently under active investigation, and it shows promise for chemotherapy alone and especially in combinations.

This powerful compound caused cancer cell death in mice, and the mice did not appear to be adversely affected by the treatment.

Parasitic infection. Pau d’arco acts against Chagas’ disease, a tropical infection that has spread to the United States, especially to southern Texas. Chagas’ disease is caused by a protozoan known as Trypanosoma cruzi, which attacks muscle tissue in the heart and gastrointestinal tract, as well as skeletal muscles and bone. Pau d’arco may offer protection against the parasite without the side effects associated with the drug nifurtimox, which is the standard conventional treatment for Chagas’ disease. These effects can include dermatitis, sterility, nausea and vomiting, nerve damage, and a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock.

The drug-resistant strain of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, has become increasingly common, even in such unlikely locales as San Francisco and the borough of Queens in New York City. Conventional treatments offer no protection against this disease. Laboratory tests, however, have shown that a group of chemicals in pau d’arco known as naphthoquinones stop the multiplication of the malaria parasite even if it is resistant to the standard antimalaria medications, chloroquine (Aralen) and quinine. In addition, pau d’arco prevents the progression of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that causes a condition better known as river blindness. However, determining the correct human dose can be problematic, as too much of the herb suppresses immune function and is toxic to cells, while small amounts stimulate immune function. For now, pau d’arco should not be the only treatment used for any of these conditions.

Yeast infection. Pau d’arco stimulates the immune system to produce macrophages, immune cells that engulf and digest bacteria and yeasts. One of the active compounds in pau d’arco, lapachol, may be as effective against yeast infections as the prescription drug ketoconazole (Nizoral).

Pau d’arco helps the body fight candida. Candida, also known as candidiasis, is a common yeast infection that has been proven to contribute to many health problems, from a sore throat to serious stomach problems. The body normally produces yeast in the mouth, vagina, rectum and digestive tracts, and in normal amounts it remains harmless. However, if the body’s natural pH balance is upset, candida symptoms can quickly grow out of control.

Pain and Swelling/Edema  Research shows that pau d’arco has the power to naturally reduce pain in patients suffering from cancer and other serious health conditions. It has the ability to lessen the pain associated with several kinds of cancer, especially cancer of the prostate, liver or breast.

Consuming pau d’arco has also been found to help relieve arthritic pain. A 2001 study published in BMC Pharmacology examined the antinociceptive (pain-reducing) and anti-edematogenic (to reduce swelling) effects of pau d’arco inner bark, measured by experimental models in mice that underwent pain stimulated by nerve cells. The inner bark aqueous extract, administered orally in three different concentrations, reduced the sensory process that provides the signals that lead to pain.

Inflammation  An overactive immune system results in the body being flooded with defense cells and hormones that damage tissues. Dietary and environmental toxins build up in the body, and this turns the immune system on — keeping it highly reactive. This is what leads to inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Toxicological Sciences found that pau d’arco increased the expression of Nrf2-target genes in the intestine. Nrf2 is a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. The results of this study show that the activation of Nrf2 could mediate the beneficial effects of pau d’arco, particularly in the intestine, which can be severely affected by inflammation.

Ulcers  Ulcers are burns that form in the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. When they occur in the stomach, they’re called gastric ulcers. If they form in the first part of your small intestine, the duodenum, they’re referred to as duodenal ulcers.

Peptic ulcer disease begins when a weakness in your stomach or intestinal lining allows acid to create an erosion or sore in the lining. It’s the most common type of stomach disease, according to the American Gastroenterology Association. Ulcers are caused by an increase in stomach acid caused by stress, medications, diet, smoking, alcohol or H. pylori, a type of bad bacteria. The most common ulcer symptom is a burning pain aggravated by stomach acid that comes in contact with the ulcerated area.

A 2013 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that pau d’arco significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcers in rats by increasing mucus content and cell proliferation. This suggests that pau d’arco could be a treatment for peptic ulcer diseases in humans.

Antiviral and Antifungal  For thousands of years, pau d’arco has been used as an antiviral herb. The range of viruses stunted by pau d’arco extends from those that cause the common cold to those that are responsible for the life-threatening AIDS virus.

It has been shown in both in vitro and in vivo studies to actively inhibit, kill or stunt the growth of several dangerous viruses, including:

• Herpes
• Polio
• Vesicular Stomatitis
• Avian Myeloblastosis
• Leukemia
• Rous Sarcoma virus

The beta-lapochone present in the bark of tabebuia avellanedae actually inhibits the enzymes in virus cells. This directly affects the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The virus is then no longer able to take control over the reproductive processes of the cell, so it can neither replicate itself nor infect other cells.

Pau d’arco has the power to aid in the healing of skin wounds and infections. It’s commonly used to reduce redness and swelling due to skin infections and irritations. This is because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Detoxification  Taheebo extract and tea detoxify the body by removing harmful toxic substances. These toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives and even residue from chemotherapy. Pau d’arco has been shown to work as a detoxifier by having a laxative effect. It’s known to loosen bowels, which aids digestion and regularity.

By stimulating the digestive system, pau d’arco tea helps the body rid itself of excess fats and toxins. It’s important to keep foods moving through your body, especially the colon. The colon is the body’s sewage system, but like all healthy and properly functioning sewage systems, it needs to be cleaned, emptied and maintained to function properly.

When we eat highly processed, refined or “fake” foods, our colons become laden with the unhealthy debris from these foods. For this reason, it’s vital to consume detoxifying foods and drinks, like pau d’arco, in order to maintain a clean and healthy body. Pau d’arco consumption is one of the best ways to detox. Blood vessels, the lymphatic system, cells, tissue and organs are all detoxified. This allows the body’s systems to function properly and efficiently.

Selenium  Another powerful element of pau d’arco is selenium. It’s an antioxidant that removes free radicals that damage cells and trigger disease. Selenium is an extremely vital mineral for the human body. Some selenium benefits include its ability to increase immunity, take part in antioxidant activity that defends the body against free radical damage and inflammation, and play a key role in boosting metabolism.

A study conducted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey found that consuming plenty of naturally occurring selenium has positive antiviral effects, is essential for successful male and female fertility and reproduction, plus reduces the risk of cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases. Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of mortality, poor immune function and cognitive decline.

 

Recommended Use

Pau d’arco is available in ointments or lotions for external use, and as capsules or tinctures for internal use. Pau d’arco products frequently combine the herb with other herbs used to treat infection and/or inflammation, such as garlic and goldenseal. Be sure to read labels carefully if you are sensitive to these herbs.

High dosages of lapachol can cause uncontrolled bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. It is much safer to use the whole bark than to take isolated lapachol. Unfortunately, inferior products containing only the outer bark and the wood are sometimes misrepresented as genuine inner bark pau d’arco. Because the pau d’arco constituent lapachol is somewhat toxic, the herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Do not use it with anticoagulants. In a study using male rats, short-term use of the herb caused reproductive toxicity or the inability to procreate.

As of yet, there is no good evidence that pau d’arco is an effective cancer treatment, and it may interfere with the action of prescription anticancer drugs. You should not add it to a conventional chemotherapy regimen without consulting with your physician.

 

Botanical Name: Tabebuia impetiginosa
English: Pau d’arco bark, Taheebo
Also, known as: Pink Trumpet Tree,Tahuari, Taheebo, Trumpet Tree, Trumpet bush, Ipe-Contra-Sarna, Tabebuia Ipe, Tajy, Pink Trumpet Tree, Lavender Trumpet Tree, Ipe, Ipes, Taheebo, Poui, Ipe Roxo, Lapachobaum, Trompetenbaum, Feenkraut, Lapacho, Taheboo Tree, Ébénier de Guyane, Ébène Vert, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Lapacho Colorado, Lapacho Morado, Lébène, Paudarco, Purple Lapacho, Quebracho, Red Lapacho, Taheebo, Taheebo Tea, Thé Taheebo,
Habitat: South America
Origin: Brazil
Harvested: Wild or cultivated
Parts Used: The dried and shredded inner bark, the heartwood

General Information:
Tabebuia impetiginosa, is a large tree growing up to 30 m in height and 3 m wide. Young trees may grow about 4-5 feet per year but at about 20 feet, growth slows considerably. It is deciduous in the dry season. When properly formed, the straight trunk divides into many erect branches supporting a medium-domed, vase-shaped crown. It is one of the most beautiful trees in flower which has a place in most landscapes. The pau d’arco tree grows in the warm parts of Central and South America. The leaves are in opposite pairs, somewhat shiny, dark green above and paler below. The red flowers are 3-11 cm wide, sitting in dense clusters. The calyx is campanulate to tubular, mostly five-lobed, and looking like a trumpet. The color of the corolla is pink or red and vary between the different species. The outside of the flower tube is either glabrous or pubescent. The fruit is a dehiscent pod, 10 to 50 cm long with numerous seeds. The pods often remain on the tree through the dry season until the beginning of the rainy time. The grayish bark is relatively smooth with shallow vertical furrows. The tree’s extremely hard wood makes it resistant to disease and decay. The inner bark of the tree is used medicinally.

Throughout South America, tribes living thousands of miles apart have employed it for the various medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Several Indian tribes of the rainforest have used pau d’arco wood for centuries to make their hunting bows; their common names for the tree mean “bow stick” and “bow stem.” Scientists have identified two active chemicals in pau d’arco. These chemicals are called naphthoquinones: lapachol and beta-lapachone. The tree also is popular with timber loggers and its high-quality wood is some of the heaviest, most durable wood in the tropics. Pau d’arco wood is widely used in the construction of everything from houses and boats to farm tools.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.