Pau de arco Benefits This plant is found throughout the rainforests of Central and South America, although it can be harvested as far north as southern Florida.
Plant description: There are about a hundred species of this large tropical tree. It is a broadleaf evergreen that can grow up to 150 feet tall and six feet in diameter.
Some species produce large, white flowers, while Tebebuia impetiginosa produces purple or pink flowers.
Parts of the plant used: heartwood and bark.
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Benefits of pau d’arco
Lapachol, one of the naphthaquinones, has been found to be effective against malaria and some types of tumor cells in studies with laboratory animals.
Tabebuia aqvellaneda heartwood contains naphthaquinones and significant amounts of quercetin, which are believed to boost the immune system, cleanse the body, and stimulate red blood cell production.
Most pau de arco products are not standardized, and there is considerable variation in the active compounds found in the tree, depending on the species.
Several species of pau de arco are sold as herbal remedies, which may partly explain the variation in their effectiveness and quality. Most of the research has been done on the wood, but little research has been done on the health properties of the bark at this time.
The pau de arco is considered analgesicantioxidant, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and laxative.
It is believed to have anti-cancer properties.
Pau de arco has a long history as an important traditional herbal remedy among the ancient Incas and natives of the South American rainforests as a tonic to strengthen the body and improve overall health.
Traditional healers in the Caribbean use the leaves and bark to treat wounds, Back paintoothache and snake bites.
Indigenous peoples traditionally used pau d’arco as a treatment for malariacolitis, respiratory problems, colds, coughs, flu, fever, cancer, lupus, infectious diseases, inflammation of the prostate, sexually transmitted diseases, boils and ulcers.
Pau de arco is used as a natural remedy for high blood pressure, poor circulation, and anemia, and is believed to protect against cardiovascular disease.
It is used as a natural remedy to relieve pain and as a treatment for arthritis and rheumatism.
In the herbal medicine systems of the United States and Europe, the herb has been used as an herbal remedy for psoriasis, liver disease, Hodgkin’s diseaseosteomyelitis, Parkinson’s disease and allergies.
Pau de arco is a popular herbal remedy for yeast infections. yeast or candida.
A decoction of the herb has also been used as a topical treatment for athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and skin fungus.
The boiled bark is used as a poultice or wash to treat skin inflammations, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, eczema, and wounds.
Pau de arco and its chemical components have demonstrated antiviral properties in vitro against, among others, Herpes I and II, influenza, poliovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus. Benefits of pau d’arco
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Dosage and administration
Capsules: 300-500 mg three times a day.
Tincture (1:5): 0.5 – 1 ml (approximately 1/8 – ¼ teaspoon) two or three times per day.
Decoction: Simmer the dried bark or heartwood for at least 8 minutes and drink 1/2 to 1 cup 2 to 4 times daily.
Do not prepare it as an infusion/tea (ie steeped without boiling), as the components are not easily released into the water.
Also know Remedies with pau d’arco for fungus, cancer and more
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Contraindications of pau de arco
At recommended doses, side effects of pau d’arco are rare, but may include anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Large amounts of the herb can be toxic and produce some potentially serious side effects.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should not take pau d’arco. It should not be given to babies or children.
When taken orally, pau d’arco can interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, aspirin, or other anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin) or Clopidogrel (Plavix), increasing the risk of bleeding. May increase the risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia or other bleeding disorders.
Pau de arco bark can sensitize the skin and has caused asthma where people have been exposed to wood dust. Allergic reactions are also a possibility.
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