Pau d'Arco

Identity

Common Name

Pau d'Arco

Scientific Name

Handroanthus impetiginosus

Botanical Family

Bignoniaceae

Native Region

Amazon basin (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)

Cultivation Regions

Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru

Plant Parts Used

Inner bark, Bark

Synonyms

Lapacho, Taheebo, Tabebuia

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A large tropical tree with compound leaves of five oval leaflets and showy pink-magenta trumpet flowers; the rough grey-brown bark (and inner bark) is the part used for tea and decoction.

Historical Background

Pau d'Arco (lapacho, taheebo) has been a sacred bark tea of South American Indigenous traditions for centuries, brewed from the inner bark of the tabebuia tree for resilience and vitality. Its earthy, woody cup became popular worldwide as a gentle tonic tea.

Earliest recorded uses: Indigenous South American (Inca and Tupi-Guarani) traditions as a bark tea for immunity and infection.

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Earthy, woody, slightly bitter, floral

Tea Information

Research Summary

Pau d'Arco has a long Indigenous tradition as an immune and antimicrobial bark tea. Clinical evidence is insufficient; preclinical work shows antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but it is not a treatment for cancer, infection, candida, or any disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources