Pau d'Arco: What It Is and Why People Use It

Pau d'arco is the inner bark of Tabebuia trees from Central and South America. You’ll find it sold as shredded bark, tea, capsules, and liquid extracts. People use it for general immune support, mild inflammation, and digestive issues—but the evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary.

The bark contains compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone. Lab studies show these compounds can affect cells and have antimicrobial activity in a test tube. Animal research has also flagged safety concerns with lapachol, especially for pregnancy and liver health. That’s why you should be cautious and ask a healthcare pro before trying it.

How People Take Pau d'Arco

Common forms and rough usage many people follow:

- Tea: 1–2 teaspoons of shredded inner bark brewed in a cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink once or twice daily.

- Capsules/extracts: Typical supplement labels suggest 500 mg taken once or twice a day. Standardized extracts vary, so follow the product directions.

- Tinctures: Dose varies by product; check the label and talk to a pharmacist if unsure.

These are common approaches, not medical advice. If you’re on other meds, talk to your doctor first—especially if you take blood thinners or immunosuppressants.

Safety, Side Effects, and Interactions

Side effects reported include nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, and headache. High doses or long-term use may stress the liver. Animal studies link lapachol to reproductive problems, so avoid pau d'arco if you’re pregnant or trying to conceive.

Watch for interactions: pau d'arco might boost bleeding risk with blood thinners (like warfarin) and could interfere with drugs that suppress immune function. If you have liver disease, chat with your provider before using it.

How to pick a safer product: look for third-party testing (USP, NSF, or similar), choose products that list exact extract ratios, and avoid supplements that add unnecessary fillers or herbal blends that mask which herb you’re taking. Buy from reputable brands and check reviews for consistent quality.

Short practical tips: start with a low dose to see how your body reacts, don’t mix with alcohol or other liver-stressing substances, and stop use and contact a clinician if you notice jaundice, severe stomach pain, or unexplained bruising.

Pau d'arco has a long traditional history, but modern research is limited and mixed. If you want to try it, treat it like any active supplement: be cautious, get good quality products, and involve a healthcare professional—especially if you take medications or have chronic health issues.