PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Pau d'Arco





	Save the rainforest Claims have been made that pau d'arco, the bark of a huge tree by the same name that grows in the rainforests of Central and South America, can eliminate any pain you could imagine. We're a bit less optimistic in our own claims, but this herb has been used in a variety of treatments for centuries. A popular folk treatment for cancer, no scientific research has documented its effectiveness. The inner bark of the older trees is thought by advocates to be effective in fighting bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. The evidence is inconclusive, however. Quick Facts About Pau D'Arco: Pau d'arco tea is also known as ipe roxo, lapacho, teheebo, or trumpet tree. In Brazil, it's sometimes just called ipe While the tree can grow to more than 100 feet tall, the trunk can also grow to more than four feet in circumference, and its wood is extremely hard -- almost indestructible In Brazil, herbal doctors claim that pau d'arco tea can treat cancer, ulcers, diabetes, malaria, and rheumatism



	Advice on Using Pau D'Arco Supplements Large oral doses of Pau D'Arco can have severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and bleeding tendencies. Product Forms Available: Capsules Tinctures or extracts Dried herb Teas



	The main active ingredient of pau d'arco is lapachol, a naphthoquinone derivative; it constitutes approximately 2% to 7% of this herbal supplement. Pau d'arco also contains quinones, volatile oils, and bitter components.



	The bark of Pau D'Arco is said to have a number of health benefits. The most common use of this herb has been reported to be for the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. However, Pau D'Arco has not been scientifically proven to effectively treat or cure cancer. Anecdotal benefits of Pau D'Arco also include its uses for a variety of disorders such as ulcers, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, gonorrhea, gastritis, colitis, lupus, hernias, indigestion, diabetes, as well as fungal, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Science has yet to prove these benefits. Beware! You may experience the side effects of this herbal supplement without experiencing any benefits. Common Uses Pau D'Arco may be helpful in treating: Fight parasitic infection Lower blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes Cure fungal infections (such as candida and athlete's foot) Promote healthy digestion Treat some forms of cancer Protect against malaria Treat viral and bacterial infections Alleviate inflammation (e.g., rheumatism) Decrease indigestion Remember that no health claims for Pau D'Arco have been evaluated by the FDA. Storage Keep pau d'arco bark and its supplement in a cool, dry area. Dosage and Administration Pau d'arco may be found in several forms: capsules, tinctures or extracts, dried herb, and teas. Capsules. You may take up to three capsules a day, or as directed on label. Tinctures. Place 30-40 drops in liquid. You may use this 3 times a day. Tea. Place 1 tablespoon of Pau D'Arco bark in 2-3 cups of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes. Then steep this tea for 1-1/2 hours. Strain and drink. You may drink 3-5 cups a day.



	Warnings Do not exceed the recommended dosage. This herb may be toxic for you in large amounts. Side Efffects If you take the recommended dosages, there appear to be no significant side effects. However, if you take large dosages that exceed the recommended amounts, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and possible bleeding.



	Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Balch, James, F., P.A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997. 2. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. New York: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1997. 3. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. Facts and Comparisons, 1998. 4. Tyler, Varro E. The Honest Herbal. Binghamton, New York: The Haworth Press, 1993. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.