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Pau D'arco Tea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage

Updated: Jun 19



Pau D'arco is a tree found in the Amazon rainforest. Its scientific name is Tabebuia impetiginosa. Its bark and wood can treat a wide range of medical conditions. However, there is not much evidence to prove this statement.


Pau D'arco can treat severe problems like diabetes, cancer, stomach ulcers, and more. It is also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Moreover, it contains compounds like lapachol and quercetin that contribute to its therapeutic effects.


In recent years, pau d'arco tea has become very popular in herbal medicine. Consumption of this herbal tea can help address many health problems, such as immunity-related problems, fungal infections, etc. Pau d'arco tea offers great therapeutic benefits, but it is advised to use it with caution. Let us read further to learn more about pau d'arco tea benefits, uses, and side effects.


Taste of Pau D'arco Tea

Pau D'arco tea has a better taste. It is woody and tannic, earthy, and a little fruity. If its taste doesn't suit you, add milk, lemon juice, or honey to make it more flavorful.


Add some stevia leaf extract, and the bitter taste will disappear. Pau d'arco tea is available in raw tea bags. Like any medicinal tea, it has a mellow flavor. 


Medicinal Properties of Pau D'arco Tea

Pau d'arco tea has a long usage history, especially in South American folk medicine. This is primarily due to its potential medicinal properties, which include:


  • Analgesic

  • Laxative

  • Astringent

  • Anti-fungal

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Anti-fungal

  • Antimicrobial

  • Antiparasitic

  • Anti-viral


Pau D'arco Tea Uses

Pau D'arco has a vast spectrum of uses, making it a renowned herbal drink.  Take a glimpse of the various therapeutic uses of Pau D'arco tea:


  • Pau D'arco tea can be an effective herbal remedy that can help strengthen your immunity. It would be a great option for those with chronic immune disorders.

  • Since Pau D'arco tea has anti-fungal properties, you can use it for treating vaginal yeast infections.

  • It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate inflammation in arthritis patients.

  • This tea can also increase the production of red blood cells (RBC) within the body.

  • It can also help remove warts (small, hard, dry lumps).


Benefits of Having Pau D'arco Tea


Pau D'arco tea benefits are innumerable. It is believed to lessen weight, treat infections, and prevent cancer. Let us discuss the best benefits of Pau D'arco tea in detail:



Reduce Inflammation


Pau d'arco can help ward off inflammation. Chronic inflammation can result in serious illnesses with time, such as obesity, heart disease, or cancer.


In many animal and test tube studies, it has been found that Pau d'arco extract can restrict the production of certain chemicals. These chemicals trigger an inflammatory reaction within the body.


Help Lessen Body Weight


Some studies on mice have shown that pau d'arco can restrict pancreatic lipase. This enzyme aids the body in digesting and absorbing dietary fat.


In a 16-week study on mice, it was shown that mice with pau d'arco extract lost more weight than a placebo. Also, in a trial, mice were fed a high-fat diet, and pau d'arco extract hindered the increase in body weight.


However, it has not been fully proven that pau d'arco will effectively restrict the absorption of dietary fat in humans.


Treats Parasitic Infections


Pau d'arco is a great natural remedy for treating parasitic infections. Parasites live inside of their host and feed on it. As they are very common, parasitic infection is rare to be the cause of illness or disorder.


Humans can become infected with a wide variety of parasites. Pau d'arco has some general antiparasitic properties. Thus, studies found that it is beneficial for getting rid of liver flukes. Liver flukes are parasites that can happen to people by eating raw or undercooked fish. 


Detoxification


Consuming Pau d'arco tea can help with detoxification. This herbal tea aids the body's natural processes of getting rid of toxic substances, helping maintain overall health and wellness.


If we consume highly processed foods, our colons may turn weak because of the unhealthy debris in them. Drinking Pau d'arco tea can help keep a clean and healthy body. It can also detoxify your cells, lymphatic system, organs, and blood vessels.


Protect Against Candida


Pau d'arco tea helps protect against infections and can aid the body in combating candida. Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast, which may be the root cause of many health issues.


If the yeast is in normal amounts, it is not harmful. But, if the pH balance of the body is stabilized, there can be the onset of candida symptoms. If the fungus is left to grow, it may weaken your immune system. This can cause many serious health problems.


Prevents Cancer


Although there is not much evidence, some lab research shows that compounds in Pau d'arco tea may contain anti-cancer properties. Still, research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of Pau d'arco tea in preventing cancer in humans.


A study found that beta-lapachone, a compound in pau d'arco tea, can be used in chemotherapy. This is primarily for prostate cancer. Some animal studies have also shown that beta-lapachone can combat cancerous cells. 


Promote Prostate Health


Prostate health has traditionally been supported with pau d'arco. Pau d'arco tea has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to lower inflammation in the prostate. It also exhibits antibacterial activity against E. coli. 


Relief From Joint Pain


Bark of the pau d'arco plant is also frequently used to treat pain, particularly joint pain. In one study, it was found that the pau d'arco extract lessened inflammation by 30 to 50% when compared to a placebo. Pau d'arco can bring relief to those suffering from inflammatory joint conditions, pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.


Side Effects of Pau D’arco Tea


For a majority of individuals, Pau d'arco tea is safe to consume. But, it should be taken in moderation. Here are some potential side effects that you should know before taking Pau d'arco tea:


Blood Thinning


Pau d'arco has components that might have mild blood-thinning effects. This can benefit some people, like those suffering from heart ailments. But, it can raise the risk of bleeding, especially in those taking blood thinners or those with bleeding diseases. So, one must be cautious or discuss with a healthcare professional before taking Pau d'arco tea.


Liver Toxicity


In some animal studies, higher doses of certain compounds in Pau d'arco tea may cause hepatotoxic effects, which means that these compounds may be harmful to the liver. There is no evidence that the same can happen in humans, either. But it is better to have Pau d'arco tea moderately and not take it in excess.


Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Whether Pau d'arco tea is safe to drink during pregnancy or breastfeeding is still under research. Since it has potential effects on hormones, pregnant or lactating women are often advised to avoid its consumption.


Kidney Health


Pau d'arco also has oxalic acid. This compound can be a major contributor to the development of kidney stones in those who can be at risk after taking the tea in a heavy dosage. If you have a history of kidney problems, you must take Pau d'arco tea moderately and talk to a professional beforehand.


Drug Interactions


Pau d'arco tea can also interact with medicines, like anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and blood thinners. It can raise or inhibit the effects of these medicines, which can bring adverse reactions or reduced effectiveness. If you are taking any such medicines, discuss the consumption of pau d'arco tea with your doctor. This can help in preventing any potential drug interactions.


Gastrointestinal Distress


Some might feel gastric discomfort, like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. This can be because of excessive consumption of pau d'arco tea. The herbal tea's laxative effect or irritant properties on the digestive system can be responsible for it.


Where to Get The Best Pau D'arco Tea?


Pau D'arco


Pau D'Arco

Want to taste the essence of premium-quality Pau D'Arco tea? Try Shea's Apothecary Pau D'Arco, which is caffeine-free. Sourced from Brazil, our Tabebuia avellanedae bark has a mild, woodsy flavor, which may give you a calming, comforting tea-drinking experience. 


Our Pau D'Arco tea bags are created with care using Manila Hemp Fiber. This assures immense durability without compromising on purity. In addition, no dyes or adhesives are used in the making process. 


How to consume it? 


Just soak a tea bag in simmering water for 3 to 4 minutes. Feel the natural goodness of this soothing herbal formula. Pau D'Arco tea is ideal at any time of the day.


What Is The Correct Dosage For Pau D'arco?


There is not much information about the ideal dose of Pau D'arco. However, one must adhere to the directions on the product's label. Also, it would be wise to take a doctor's recommendation before using Pau D'arco.


It is recommended to have:

  • 1-4 grams per day divided two three times per day; use no more than seven days

  • Dose based on lapachol content; intake lapachol not more than 1.5 to 2.0 grams a day. 

  • One tablespoon bark is steeped in boiling water 2 to 8 times per day. 


Conclusion


Consider Pau d'arco tea to take your well-being to another level. Embrace its promising health benefits like supporting immune function, combating fungal and bacterial infections, and providing antioxidant protection. But, discuss with a healthcare professional to see whether this tea suits your health needs and to ensure safe and effective usage. Be wary of the recommended dosage and use it with caution when you are already taking any specific drug.


Choose Shea's Apothecary if you want to buy 100% natural herbal tea at a reasonable price. Our pau d'arco tea bags are among the best-sellers in our selection. This tea can work great for inflammation and detoxification. Sip this magical drink and effectively address your health concerns. We also offer herbal tinctures, extracts, and topical patches. If you want herbal products, visit our website today!



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