Pau D?arco
Botanical name: (Tabebuia)
Also Known As: Lapacho or taheebo
The plant features opposite leaves and dense clusters of flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and red, depending on the variety. The varieties that produce red, magenta, violet and crimson flowers are the most commonly used for medicinal purposes. Pau d?arco also produces fruit, or small pods, that contain numerous winged seeds. The pods typically remain on the tree throughout the dry season. Herbalists make medicinal preparations from sustainably harvested pau d?arco bark, or the dried inner bark of the tree.
Pau d?arco chemical compounds found in its bark known as naphthaquinones. Research has found these compounds to have potent antifungal properties in laboratory studies. They even appear to work better than common prescription antifungal drugs. The antifungal properties of the herb are so strong, that its bark never molds or mildews after being cut down.
Other compounds in the bark are believed to fight bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, and they may also have anti—inflammatory properties. This makes pau d?arco a beneficial treatment for individuals suffering from wounds and infections of all kinds.
The herb may also help treat blood toxicity conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. It is sometimes used in home remedies for psoriasis. In cases of leukemia and anemia, pau d?arco works as a blood purifier and blood builder. Healers also use the herb as an immune system enhancer for treating colds, flu, herpes, yeast infections, boils, ringworm and hepatitis, and to eradicate allergies and asthma caused by environmental factors. Pau d?arco is a liver protector and may help neutralize poisons that infiltrate the liver.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We at eSutras do not recommend internal use of supplements or herbs without prior consultation with your doctor or herbalist.
