Pau D'Arco 4:1

History and Uses:
Pau D'Arco is native to South America and comes from the bark of trees that grow in Brazil, Argentina and other tropical regions. Various related species of Pau D'Arco trees grow in the rain forests throughout Latin America, and these trees grow upwards of one hundred feet, with a trunk circumference exceeding four feet. Native peoples have reportedly used Pau D'Arco bark to treat lupus, infections, wounds, malignant diseases and many other health conditions. Caribbean folk healers use the leaf of this tree, in addition to the bark, for the treatment of backache, toothache, sexually transmitted diseases and as an aphrodisiac. Pau D'Arco is said to include powerful antifungal and immune building properties. Pau D'Arco is a rich source of iron, which contributes to the elimination of wastes from the body and the assimilation of nutrients. Primary chemical constituents of this plant include napthaquinones (lapachol), flavonoids, carnosol, lapachenole, indoles, alkaloids (tecomine), coenzyme Q-10, steroidal saponins, barium and iodine. Lapachol and beta-lapachone are the two primary active compounds in Pau D'Arco. According to laboratory tests, both have antifungal properties as potent or more so than ketaconazole, a commonly prescribed antifungal drug. Because the naphthaquinone active constituents are not water soluble, a tea made from Pau D'Arco bark is ineffective. But the powdered herb has been used to treat immune deficiency disorders, cardiovascular problems and may be used to reduce blood pressure. Pau D'Arco is also considered a good blood cleanser and detoxifier. It may be used safely to treat all types of infections, stimulate urine flow, reduce fevers and aid digestion. Pau D'Arco contains properties that are beneficial in relieving inflammation and pain related to bowel problems, ulcers, arthritis and rheumatism. Externally, Pau D'Arco has been used to treat of a variety of inflammatory skin problems and infections, including fungal infections, hemorrhoids, eczema and wounds. Pau D'Arco bark is also believed to help lower blood sugar levels, and act as a mild laxative. It has been used as a support drug for malignant conditions of the lung, prostate and colon, and also believed to increase red blood cell production.