Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

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Other names for pau d'arco

Lapacho
Taheebo
Ipe Roxo
Purple Trumpet Tree

Synopsis of pau d'arco

Pau d’arco is a herbal extract derived from the inner bark of several South American tree species, primarily Tabebuia impetiginosa (also known as Handroanthus impetiginosus) and Tabebuia avellanedae. It has long been valued in traditional herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and detoxifying properties. The active compounds in pau d’arco include lapachol, beta-lapachone, and quinoids, which are credited for the herb’s broad-spectrum biological effects.

Medicinally, pau d’arco is used as a natural antimicrobial agent, effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi (especially Candida albicans), and parasites. It is often recommended in integrative medicine to support detoxification, treat chronic yeast infections, reduce systemic inflammation, and stimulate immune function.

It is also used to relieve joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Pau d’arco is available in various forms, including tea, capsules, tinctures, and powdered bark. It is especially popular in cleansing protocols and anti-candida diets.

Some studies suggest anti-tumor potential due to lapachol’s ability to inhibit certain cancer cell lines in vitro, though this application is still experimental and limited by concerns over toxicity at high doses. While generally safe in moderate amounts, excessive intake may cause nausea, vomiting, or blood thinning, particularly when consumed as concentrated extracts.

Historical Use in Medicine
Pau d’arco has a long history of use among indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest and Andes regions, such as the Inca, Kallawaya, and Guarani peoples, who used the inner bark to treat infections, wounds, fevers, stomach problems, and snakebites. The bark was often decocted as a tea or poultice and applied topically or consumed internally.

Known as “taheebo” or “lapacho” in traditional South American herbal medicine, pau d’arco was used to treat malaria, syphilis, tuberculosis, and inflammatory skin conditions. The wood itself was also valued for its strength and durability, but it was the inner bark that healers prized for its therapeutic potential.

Interest in pau d’arco spread to the West in the 1960s and 70s, as natural health movements began exploring Amazonian and Andean botanicals. It became popular in herbal and naturopathic circles as a natural remedy for chronic infections, immune weakness, and detoxification support. During that time, it was also promoted—though controversially—as a complementary cancer therapy, due to preliminary lab studies on lapachol.

Pau d'arco is used for these health conditions

Abscesses (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Fungal Infections (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Sinus Infection (Traditional)
Staph Infections (Traditional)
Tuberculosis (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

pau d'arco is used to support these body systems

Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)