What is Pau D’Arco?
Pau D’Arco is commonly known as ‘Purple Trumpet Tree’, ‘Taheebo’ or ‘Lapacho’ by the natives. It is a dietary supplement made from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellanedae trees which grow in South and Central America. The name ‘Pau D’Arco’ derives from the Portuguese term for ‘bow tree’🌳 as the natives in South America use them to make hunting bows🏹.
The purported benefits of Pau D’Arco are thought to be due to two active chemical compounds isolated from the inner bark of the tree. These chemicals are called naphthoquinones: lapachol and beta-lapachone. Based on some lab tests conducted, it was found that these two chemicals were able to kill some bacteria🦠, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Over thousands of years, the natives from South America have been using Pau D’Arco for the treatment of fevers, colds, flu, skin issues, and gastrointestinal problems.
Suitable for Who?
- Those with Candida fungal infections
Pau D'Arco has been shown to be a powerful antifungal agent which could inhibit the growth of Candida species. Fungal Candida can infect various body parts like mouth/throat (oral candidiasis/thrush), female’s genital area (vaginal yeast infection), and baby’s bottom part (diaper rash).
- Those with skin problems like eczema, allergy reactions, and rashes
Pau D’Arco may also be helpful with itchy skin conditions like eczema, allergies, and rashes. Patients tend to scratch and subsequently lead to infections. Pau D’Arco serves as a powerful natural antibiotic to treat these minor infections.
Available in What Forms?
Pau D’Arco is available in a few different forms like capsules💊, powder, dried bark tea🍵, and tincture (which contains alcohol🍷). Each formulation caters to different usages depending on the individual’s needs. Among all, tea🍵 is likely the most common form of medicinal Pau D'Arco. However, the chemicals which provide Pau D'Arco its medicinal effects actually do not dissolve well in water. Hence, tea form is not recommended.
Prepared by: Chew Ee Wei, a HTM Pharmacist.
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