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Though it has been used for centuries, its fame really began in the 1960’s. Dr. Theodore Meyer learned about the use of pau d’arco (pronounced powdy arco) by natives of the tropical rain forest of the Amazon. They had used the inner bark of this hardwood tree as a medicine. Dr. Meyer followed their lead and claimed he successfully cured five advanced cases of leukemia with it. The herb suddenly rose to fame! A decade later however, the National Cancer Institute determined that the quantity needed of the cancer curing drug in pau d arco would have too many dangerous side effects. As a result, the “miracle drug” lost its place of prestige.

Some believers remained undaunted by these negative findings. Over the next decade pau d’arco was successfully used to treat arthritis, infections, skin problems, malaria, fevers, and even some cancers. Was the Cancer Institute wrong in its research? No, the research was not wrong, but it was inadequate for two reasons.

First, this isolated drug lapachol was not the only beneficial drug in pau d-arco. Researches isolated 20 additional active ingredients in the herb. Second, the effect of the herb was multiplied and the side effects minimized when used as a whole instead of isolating its parts. It seems the ingredients work to help each other benefit the person most.

For what medical problems besides cancer has pau d’arco been used? Start with flu, lupus, diabetes, skin diseases, parasites, ulcers, and arthritis and one can see why it was found on many people’s bragging lists. Add to this its effectiveness in treating strep, yeast infections, dysentery, malaria, and tuberculosis. In small doses, pau d’arco increases the activity of the immune system, and in large doses it reduces inflammation and other immune responses.

Pau d’arco is a bark, but it can also be purchased as a tincture or a capsule. One to two capsules or drops of tincture taken up to four times a day is a usual dosage. The amount, of course, depends on the patient and the condition.

The most common way to ingest this herb is through making a tea which has a cool, bitter flavor. A tablespoon of the bark boiled for twenty minutes in three cups of water will extract its nutrients. (Do not use an aluminum pan for this.) On cup of this tea taken three or four times a day would be a maximum dosage. Normally half this amount is sufficient.

How can someone be sure they are getting the genuine article? This is a real concern in light of the fact that some pau d’arco has been tested and found lacking many of the life-giving ingredients that made it famous. In general, that grown in Argentina is considered best. Also, some health cautions are in order. Lacking sufficient testing as to its effect on infants, pau d’arco should be shunned by pregnant and lactating mothers. Long term effects have included anemia and its blood thinning capabilities make it advisable to avoid before surgery. Other problems some have reported include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

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Tags: Nutrition