Pau d'arco, also called lapacho, taheebo is a large tree that grows in the Amazon rain forest and in tropical areas of South America. It contains phytochemicals including beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol and lapachol.

The medical community began taking notice to Pau d'arco during the 1960s when a doctor by the name of Theodore Meyer learned of the herb from a rain-forest tribe. He then began using it to treat patients suffering from leukemia (cancer of the blood). According to Meyer, five cases of advanced cancer were completely cured by the herb. In South America, a hospital reported that pau d'arco reduced pain and cured tumors in some cancer patients when treated with a tea made from the herb.

Experts have isolated over 20 active chemicals in pau d'arco and it has demonstrated to effectively combat bacterial and viral infections. In laboratory animals, research has shown pau d'arco to increase the supply of oxygen to cells and thereby helping to destroy bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses by increasing the supply of oxygen to cells.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which have made it a recommendation among many for the treatment of allergies, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Its medicinal actions include:

• Destroys bacteria
  
  
• Destroys fungi
  
  
• Blood thinner
  
  
• Destroys viruses
  
  
• Pain reliever
  
  
• Combats free radicals
  
  

Pau d'arco influences the activity of the immune system and has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including:

• Cancer
  
  
• Candidiasis
  
  
• Smoker's Cough
  
  
• Warts
  
  
• AIDS
  
  
• Cardiovascular problems
  
  
• Tumors
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Flu
  
  
• Lupus
  
  
• Skin Diseases
  
  
• Ulcers
  
  
• Yeast infections
  
  
• Malaria
  
  
• Tuberculosis
  
  
• Strep
  
  

Enough good things can't be said about this powerful herb, which I personally use on an "as needed" basis. You can find it in capsule or tincture form as well as dried bark. The recommended dosage is 1-2 capsules or 1-2 droppers of tincture taken one to four times per day.

* Important note: Pregnant and lactating women and those taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication should avoid using Pau d'arco. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.