|
2005.
Awaiting revision 2007
PAU D'ARCO - TABEBUIA IMPETIGINOSA
Pau d'Arco, also known as Lapacho, is an evergreen
tree, native to the rain forests and mountains of Paraguay,
Argentina and Brazil. This impressive tree can grow to 25 feet and
is the proud bearer of beautiful trumpet like flowers, but it is
the inner bark which is used therapeutically.
It has many names including Lapacho and Pink Trumpet Tree, and two
ancient tribal names - Ipe Roxo and Taheebo. The native Indians of
Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and other South American countries, have
used Pau d'Arco for thousands of years - some evidence even
suggests that its use pre-dates the Incas!
FOLKLORE
Many South American tribes used large quantities of Pau d'Arco Tea, both internally and externally.
Traditionally, it was often used for fevers, infections,
colds, respiratory problems and there are also references to its
use with helping gastric problems and arthritic conditions.
Pau d'Arco was traditionally used as a remedy for some
severe conditions too. These include cancer / tumours, Leprosy,
Syphilis and snakebite wounds.
The Guarani, Tupi-Nambo and many other tribes call the Pau d'Arco
tree "Tajy", "The Divine Tree."
There is also evidence to suggest that Pau d'Arco was used by the
Vikings and the Russians, so it seems its use was not limited to
the tropics!
Some of the earliest research dates back to 1873 when physicians
were already aware of the healing properties of Pau d'Arco. The
active constituent Lapachol was isolated in 1884 and synthesized in
1927, so Pau d'Arco is not a recent discovery!
USES OF PAU D'ARCO
Modern research of this plant confirms many of its traditional
uses.
Immune System - Pau d'Arco is considered to be one of nature's
most powerful antibiotics, it can help with
- Viral infections, such as the common cold or
Flu
- Fungal infections, such as candida
albicans
- Skin ulcerations and boils etc
- Gastro-intestinal upsets, dysentery
etc
| |
Anecdotal evidence also tells us that Pau d'Arco can give pain relief, especially to
conditions of inflammation and circulatory disorders, like
Arthritis, for example.
Pau d'Arco contains a rich and potent source of
anti-oxidants - known to protect the body by mopping up
'free-radicals' which cause harm to body cells. Anti-oxidants are
also considered to slow the aging process by slowing down oxidation
damage to DNA.
DOSAGE
Decoction - 15-20g to 500ml water, gently simmered for 20 mins.
Drink 1 cup 3 times daily
Tea - Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-3 teaspoons of herb
and cover. After 10-15 minutes strain, add honey if desired. Drink
2-3 cups daily.
Tincture (1:5) - 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Fluid extract (1:1) - 10-20 drops 3 times daily
Capsules (min 325mg) - 1-2 capsules 3-6 times daily
Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack of Pau d'Arco being used.
[Next:
Cautions...]
| 
