Pau D'Arco - Pau D Arco Benefits and Side Effects

Pau d'arco (pronounced powdy arco) was relatively unknown until the 1960's when Dr. Theodore Meyer wrote an article claiming that the herb cured five advanced classes of leukemia. A flurry of research resulted and the effective drug was isolated. This drug was then given to test animals with confirming results. However, in a 'too good to be true' conclusion, the National Cancer Institute determined that the amount of this drug needed to be effective in humans would bring severe and even dangerous side effects. Just like that, pau d-arco was virtually benched.

However, not everyone was quick to write it off as a bad dream. Some continued to use it to treat infections, arthritis, malaria, fevers, skin problems, cancers, and even complications from AIDS. Had the research been flawed? It was not flawed but incomplete, for two reasons.

First, the testing had been done on an isolated ingredient in pau d'arco called lapachol. Those using it effectively found that taking the whole herb eliminated the unwanted side effects. Second, further research found that pau d'arco contained over 20 active ingredients that worked together to bring about its proven benefits.

Pau d'arco has effectively treated malaria, yeast infections, tuberculosis, strep, and dysentery. Pau d'arco in small dosages increases immune system activity and in large doses suppresses some immune responses such as inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory work have given pau d'arco promise as a treatment for arthritis, allergies, ulcers, skin problems, and other similar conditions. Add to that list diabetes, flu, lupus, parasites, and skin diseases, and it is easy to see why it was once toted as a 'wonder drug.'

Pau d'arco is a bark, but it can also be purchased as a tincture or a capsule. One to two capsules or drops of tincture taken up to four times a day is a usual dosage. The amount, of course, depends on the patient and the condition.

If one wants to avoid pills or tinctures, pau d'arco can be ingested as a tea made from the bark. One tablespoon in three cups of water boiled for twenty minutes is best. Be sure to avoid using an aluminum pan for this. Once made, a half cup of the tea taken three or four times daily is adequate for most conditions. For acute problems, double this amount. It has a cool, bitter flavor.

Pregnant and nursing women should not use pau d'arco until it is sufficiently researched. Pau d'arco has been shown to have blood-thinning actions in some people, and may cause anemia when used long term. Possible side effects from ingesting too much pau d'arco include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Another precaution consumers should heed is assuring that the product they purchase is produced by a reputable manufacturer. Some tested have very few active ingredients. The pau d'arco imported from Argentina is generally considered to be the highest quality bark.

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Years of documented success with Pau D'Arco as a health giving herb cannot be wrong. Through following the precautions, quality Pau D'Arco can provide many benefits for a variety of health issues.

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