Pau D’arco

What Is Pau d'arco?

herbs

In addition to being considered an anticancer herb, Pau d’arco is also well known for helping treat a wide range of infections, from the common cold to H1N1 to other infections such as sexually transmitted infections, infections of the prostate and bladder; ringworm and other parasitic infections; yeast infections; and infectious diarrhea.

Referred to as the “divine tree” by Brazilians, Pau d’arco is an herb derived from the bark of a tree found in the rainforests of Brazil and other areas of South America. Modern medicinal uses can be dated back to the late 1800s. But recorded history shows the herb being used much earlier as a medicinal treatment as early by the Callaway tribe, who were descendants of the Incas.

Pau d’arco as a Natural Anticancer Herb

The main uses of Pau d’arco include the treatment of cancer and infections, and the two main constituents, lapachol and beta-lapachone, found in the inner bark may be the reason for this. In regard to cancer, lapachol has been shown to decrease or eliminate pain from cancer and then multiply the number of red blood cells. Beta-lapachone disrupts the cancer cell’s ability to repair its DNA, eventually killing the cell. There are many reports of full remission (most commonly with leukemia) after use of this herb, but like many natural remedies linked to cancer, information can be scarce and contradictory.

In the U.S., according to WebMD, “research studies were stopped because, at the amounts needed to be effective against cancer, pau d’arco might well be poisonous. Among other things [at excessive levels] it can cause severe internal bleeding.” But that’s WebMD. In South America they feel differently, as pau d’arco is still used for treating cancer. For example, it is dispensed freely to patients in Argentina diagnosed with leukemia or other cancers and is considered a standard form of treatment for certain types of cancers and infections throughout Brazil.

Pau d’arco for Natural Infection Treatment

In addition to being considered an anticancer herb, Pau d’arco is also well known for helping treat a wide range of infections, from the common cold to H1N1 swine flu to other infections such as sexually transmitted diseases. It’s also been used to help with infections of the prostate and bladder, ringworm and other parasitic infections, yeast infections, and infectious diarrhea. This may be due to the antioxidant properties of selenium found in the inner bark. According to research by Bernhard Kreher, a Munich researcher who wrote his doctoral work on the effects of Pau d’arco, the body’s defense system activity increased by more than 48% when Pau d’arco was regularly consumed.

These are a few of the reasons you’ll find this herb in Jon Barron’s Immunify formula.

Pau d’arco as Natural Skin and Wound Healer

It is also used to treat all types of skin diseases and wounds, as it helps accelerate healing. Even more, this amazing herb nourishes the body’s defense system and helps protect against pathogenic organisms. Research has shown that it contains a natural antibacterial agent, has a healing effect on the entire body, cleanses the blood, kills viruses, and intestinal yeast infections, including Candida, which is why you’ll find it in Jon Barron’s Colon Regenerator formula.

It has been used as a treatment for AIDS, allergies, inflammations, and many other conditions including anemia, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, eczema, hemorrhages, liver disease, skin cancer, varicose veins, and many, many more.

How to Take Pau d’arco

It is important to note that the quality of the bark can greatly affect its usefulness. The inner bark from the tree must be used, and it must be aged for maximum effectiveness. You can find the herb in many forms including as a tincture, tablet or capsule, powder, ointment, tea or as a powder in other herbal formulas.

As for side effects, as mentioned previously, large doses (not normally found in most supplements) have been associated with internal bleeding, as well as the possibility of upset stomach and nausea. People on blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider, and Pau d’arco should not be used during pregnancy.

For information on this and other healthy, natural ingredients, click here.

 

Resources:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/pau-darco
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-647-pau%20d’arco.aspx?activeingredientid=647&activeingredientname=pau%20d%27arco
http://www.herballegacy.com/Maiden_Medicinal.html
http://www.exhibithealth.com/natural-knowledge-base/health-benefits-of-pau-darco-tea-516/
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/the-power-of-pau-darco-herbal-remedies-and-more