Name
Pau D'arco, Trumpet tree, Purple Lapacho, Lapacho tree

Latin Name
Tabebuia impetiginosa

Origin
Pau d'arco is a huge canopy tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical parts of South and Latin America

Cultivated / Parts Used
Phloem cells from the inner lining of the tree just below the bark have known therapeutic value. Phloem carries nutrients made by the leaves to other parts of the tree and is, with the cambium layer (where all the new cells are produced) the "life" of the tree.

History of Use
The native Indians of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and other South American countries have used Lapacho for health purposes for thousands of years; there are indications that its use may actually ante-date the Incas.
Pau D'arco was used by the ancient Aztecs and the Incas as one of their major medicinal herbs and is still used by shaman in Brazil. The Guarani and Tupi Indians call the tree ‘tajy’, which means "to have strength and vigour" and use the bark to treat many different conditions. In the high Andes, the Callawaya, the Quechua, Aymara and other tribes used Lapacho ("Taheebo" to them) for many complaints. Brazilians call Pau D'arco the “divine tree.”
The use of Lapacho may not be limited to tropical countries. A Yugoslavian scientist, Voislav Todorovic, claims that he has found evidence that the plant was used by the Vikings and the Russians. He also claims that a Russian chemist (in the late 1800's) manufactured toothpaste that contained Lapacho that was supposed to have been extremely effective in preventing tooth decay.
In recent years there has been significant research into Pau D'arcos potential for use in the fight against the most common western diseases.

Nutritional Breakdown
The plant contains a large amount of chemicals known as quinoids, and a small quantity of benzenoids and flavonoids. The quinoids include anthraquinones (A-Factors), furanonaphthoquinones, lapachones, and naphthoquinones (N-Factors) have shown the most documented biological activity and are seen to be the centre of the plant's efficacy as a herbal remedy.
The N-factors are not common except in herbal tonics. Seldom do both N- and A-factors occur in the same species. Several of the remarkable properties of Lapacho may be due to a probable synergy between A- and N- factors. Quercitin, xloidone and other flavonoids are also present in Lapacho; these undoubtedly contribute to the plant's healing properties.

For further information about the amazing benefits of Pau D'arco, please refer to Dr Daniel B. Mowry, PhDs published article on Pau D'arco.

How it works
(See nutritional breakdown)
Pau D'arco is a rich source of iron, which contributes to the elimination of wastes from the body and the assimilation of nutrients. It contains a chemical called Lapachol, which may help support the immune system.

Contraindications/Interactions
Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Its side effects are limited to nausea and anticoagulant effects in very high doses, a tendency to loosen the bowels, and diarrhoea in very high doses. As indicated earlier, some nausea should be expected as a natural consequence of the detoxification process, but Pau D'arco appears to be without any kind of significant toxicity to healthy human cells.

Instructions For Use/Dosages
It is highly recommended by many, as well as through folklore wisdom that Lapacho be routinely combined with Yerba Mate. The reasoning, based on centuries of experience in these matters by South American natives, is that the Yerba Mate has an activating effect on the actions of Lapacho. Yerba Mate, of course, imparts a good deal of beneficial action itself.

Use 1 teaspoon of Pau D'arco per cup and boil for at least 8–10 minutes—rather than brewed as a simple tea or infusion (Lapachol and the other quinoids are not very water soluble). Take one-half to one cup orally 2-4 times daily.

This decoction is also employed traditionally as a douche (use once daily for three consecutive days) and can be used topically on the skin.