Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
Photo: Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Digestive
- 7 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Pau d'arco is an evergreen tree that can reach 100 feet in height, producing pink flowers. The bark of this South American tree has been treasured for centuries in traditional medicine for its extensive health benefits. Indigenous peoples including the Incas and the Callawaya valued it as a cure-all. The tree grows in both mountainous terrains high in the Andes and in low-lying areas of Paraguay and Brazil. The prized inner bark is collected from wild-growing trees throughout the year.
Traditional uses & properties
Pau d'arco demonstrates strong antibacterial and antifungal activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori (the main cause of stomach ulcers), and Candida albicans. It serves as a natural antibiotic for bacterial and viral infections, especially affecting the nose, mouth, and throat. The herb is particularly useful for fungal conditions including ringworm, thrush, and chronic candidiasis. It provides anti-inflammatory benefits for digestive issues, cystitis, cervical inflammation, and prostatitis. The herb also demonstrates immunostimulant and antitumor properties, though clinical research on cancer treatment remains limited. It is commonly used for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Cold infusion: 4-8 ounces up to 4 times daily. Tincture (dried bark 1:5 in 50% alcohol): 3-8 ml (0.6-1.6 tsp) 3 times daily. Fluid extract (dried bark 1:1 in 50% alcohol): 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp) up to 4 times daily.
Safety & precautions
If taking anticoagulant medication, use only under professional supervision. Do not take during pregnancy. Avoid if trying to conceive. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, intestinal discomfort, and anticoagulant effects. Blood clotting disorders are a contraindication.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to South America, growing in mountainous regions of the Andes in Peru and Argentina, as well as low-lying areas in Paraguay and Brazil. The inner bark is collected from wild trees year-round.
Traditionally used for
- Ulcers15 herbs · 2 free
- Strep Throat10 herbs · 2 free
- Prostate Health6 herbs · 2 free
- Cold and Flu16 herbs · 2 free
- Sinus infection8 herbs · 2 free
- Ringworm3 herbs · 2 free
- Cystitis12 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) as follows: Pau d'arco demonstrates strong antibacterial and antifungal activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori (the main cause of stomach ulcers), and Candida albicans. It serves as a natural antibiotic for bacterial and viral infections, especially affecting the nose, mouth, and throat. The herb is particularly useful for fungal conditions including ringworm, thrush, and chronic candidiasis. It provides anti-inflammatory benefits for digestive issues, cystitis, cervical inflammation, and prostatitis. The herb also demonstrates immunostimulant and antitumor properties, though clinical research on cancer treatment remains limited. It is commonly used for chronic fatigue syndrome.
How is Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Cold infusion: 4-8 ounces up to 4 times daily. Tincture (dried bark 1:5 in 50% alcohol): 3-8 ml (0.6-1.6 tsp) 3 times daily. Fluid extract (dried bark 1:1 in 50% alcohol): 1-2 ml (0.2-0.4 tsp) up to 4 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)?
If taking anticoagulant medication, use only under professional supervision. Do not take during pregnancy. Avoid if trying to conceive. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, intestinal discomfort, and anticoagulant effects. Blood clotting disorders are a contraindication.
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