Bignoniaceae
Pau d’Arco
Handroanthus impetiginosus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
Also known as: Lapacho, Taheebo, Ipe Roxo, Purple Lapacho
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Candida (antifungal — clinical and lab evidence), viral infections, bacterial infections, cancer adjunct (beta-lapachone in trials), inflammation. Traditional Amazonian medicine for cancer and infections.
Herbal Actions
Antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, mild antitumor
Active Constituents
Naphthoquinones (lapachol, beta-lapachone, xyloidone — primary actives), anthraquinones, flavonoids, quercetin, furanonaphthoquinones
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried bark per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Decoction required to extract naphthoquinones. Inner bark (heartwood) most active. For Candida: 2–3 cups daily for 4–8 weeks. Combine with caprylic acid and probiotics for comprehensive Candida protocol. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (uterotonic). Avoid with anticoagulants (lapachol antiplatelet). Do not use with chemotherapy without oncology guidance.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting (lapachol). Anticoagulant effect. Anemia at very high doses. GI irritation.