Pau D Arco
Can Help Combat InfectionsLATIN NAME: Tabebuia impetiginosa GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: Pau d arco is also known as Lapacho, Ipe roxo, and Taheebo. It is a tropical tree that grows in the Amazon rain forest and can grow to a height of 100 feet (thirty meters). In the tropical location it is considered an evergreen tree, but in the cooler locations, a deciduous tree. The Pau d arco tree is often cultivated into a 25 to 75 foot tree for its attractive canopy that blooms full of pink trumpet-shaped flowers. There are various species of this treee and can flower in a number of colors, but the red, magenta, crimson and violet varieties are used most in herbal medicines. The extract is an immune stimulant and is effective for many types of infections. Tea made from the red or purple variety can help to combat infection, build up the immune system, strengthen cells, and reduce pain and inflammation. TARGET AILMENTS: Take internally for: * fever and colds * bacterial infections * fungal infections * viral infections * malaria * anemia * parasitic infections (ringworm) * Chagas’ disease * yeast infections * boils * diabetes * gastric and peptic ulcers * indigestion * respiratory disease * arthritis * syphilis * cancer * lupus * prostatitis * allergies * smoker’s cough * liver disease * Parkinson’s disease Use externally for: * insect bites * minor skin injuries * psoriasis * warts * athlete’s foot PREPARATIONS: Over the counter: This herb is available as capsules or tinctures for internal use and is available in ointments and lotions for external use. At home: Decoction: Boil 1 tablespoon (or 2 to 3 teaspoons) of the inner bark in a pint of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink this 3 to 8 times a day. The constituents are poorly extracted in water. Parts used: Inner bark Collection: The bark can be harvested responsibility from the tree in patches, so not to kill the tree. Constituents: Lapachol and beta-lapachone (quinone compounds)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiviral, antimalarial, anticancer, antifungal Combinations: Pau d arco can be combined with medical treatment for cancer patients to help increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while decreasing negative side effects of the chemotherapy treatments. Use this herb only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health-care professional. This herb can be combined with Garlic and Goldenseal to treat infections and inflammation. SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: * Use of the whole bark is typically safer than using isolated lapachol. Lapachol, in high doses can cause uncontrolled bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Unfortunately, like with any product that money can be made from, there are inferior products being sold that contain only the outer bark and the wood and are sometimes misrepresented as genuine inner bark. * This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. * Pau d arco may cause some nausea and gastrointestinal upset.
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