Pau d'arco
Latin Name
Tabebuia impetiginosa
General Description
Pau d'arco is the name of both a tree and a medicinal extract from the tree's bark or
heartwood. The extract is believed to be effective against bacterial, fungal, viral
and parasitic infections, and is also considered an anti-inflammatory agent. It is
thought to destroy microorganisms by increasing the supply of oxygen to cells. For
centuries before modern science isolated some 20 of its chemical ingredients, pau d'arco
was used as a folk remedy. The pau d'arco tree, also called the trumpet tree, is native
to Central and South America and the West Indies; it can reach a height of 125 feet.
Target Ailments
Preparations
Over the counter:
Pau d`arco is available as capsules, tinctures and dried bark.
At home:
Decoction: 1 tbsp. bark boiled in 2 to 3 cups water for 10 to 15 minutes.
