Bignoniaceae
Pau D’Arco
Tabebuia impetiginosa
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: South America (Amazon, Brazil, Argentina)
Also known as: Lapacho, Ipe Roxo, Taheebo, Pink Trumpet Tree
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Candida infections (antifungal — clinical use), HIV support, cancer adjunct (lapachol/beta-lapachone research), Lyme disease, chronic viral infections, bacterial infections.
Herbal Actions
Antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor (beta-lapachone), immunomodulator
Active Constituents
Naphthoquinones (lapachol, beta-lapachone — primary actives), xyloidone, anthraquinones (tabebuin), flavonoids
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2–3 tsp dried bark per 500ml, simmer 20 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Decoction (simmering) required — lapachol not extracted by simple infusion. Inner bark only — outer bark less active. Standardized extract (4–5% lapachol): 300–500mg 3x daily. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. High doses: nausea, vomiting, anticoagulant effect. Caution with blood thinners. Avoid with immunosuppressants.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, anticoagulant effects at high doses. GI discomfort. Dizziness.