10 Pau d’Arco Tea Benefits (AKA Taheebo or Lapacho tea)

Imagine an Amazonian tree, named Tabebuia, that has been used for centuries by indigenous communities. The bark of this tree is the origin of a potent tea known as pau d’arco or taheebo tea, celebrated for its healing properties. Some people also call it lapacho tea.

We will explore what this tea is, how it’s made, the multiple pau d’arco tea benefits, and any potential side effects.

So, get your tea kettle ready and prepare for an interesting reading experience about pau d’arco tea benefits!

What is Pau D’Arco Tea and How is it Made?

Pau d’arco tea, also known as taheebo tea or lapacho tea, is a herbal tea derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia tree, notable for its wide variety of flower colors, including pink, yellow, and sometimes white, That’s why you can hear about ”yellow pau d’arco”, for example.

Also, just to clarify the 3 differents names, they all refer to Tabebuia tree and the tea from its bark but they have different regional names :

1. Pau d’Arco: A Portuguese term used in Brazil, derived from the tree’s use in bow-making.
2. Lapacho: Common in Spanish-speaking countries, originates from the Guarani language.
3. Taheebo: A Tupí-Guaraní term popularized globally, especially in health communities.

How to make pau d’arco tea?

The preparation process is simple, here are the steps if you are using the bark:

1. Start by acquiring pau d’arco bark. You can find it in health stores or online. Ensure you choose a high-quality source to get the full benefits of pau d’arco tea.
2. Use about 1 tablespoon of the bark for every cup of water.
3. Boil the water and add the bark.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into your cup and enjoy!

For a more detailed exploration of pau d’arco tea (AKA taheebo tea or lapacho tea), its types and origins, check out our complete guide.

Now let’s have a look at the pau d’arco tea benefits!

10 Pau D’Arco Tea Benefits For Your Health

Let’s have a look at 10 science-backed pau d’arco tea benefits!

1. Anticancer Properties

Cancer involves abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Pau d’arco tea benefits cancer patients by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and elimination unhealthy cells. In fact, laboratory studies have shown that the bioactive compounds in the tea, like lapachol and beta-lapachone, have significant anticancer effects (Mukherjee et al., 2009).

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation is the body’s process of fighting against things that harm it. Pau d’arco tea health benefits also include anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief from pain and inflammation-related conditions (Byeon et al., 2008).

3. Antioxidant Activity

Oxidative stress refers to a condition wherein there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects. Pau d’arco tea is a good source of antioxidants, substances that help counteract oxidative stress. The tea’s antioxidants neutralize these harmful free radicals, thereby promoting overall health and wellbeing (Lingli et al., 2020).

4. Immune System Support

The immune system is the body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Pau d’arco tea has been shown to boost the immune system by enhancing immune function and stimulating the production of immune cells. This immune support can help strengthen the body’s natural defenses, offering protection against infections and diseases (Park et al., 2017).

5. Antimicrobial Activity

Microbial diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Pau d’arco tea exhibits antimicrobial activity, making it a potent natural remedy for infections and microbial diseases. The bioactive compounds in the tea have been found to inhibit the growth of a wide range of harmful microorganisms, further supporting the body’s immune response (Park et al., 2017).

6. Digestive Health Support

Digestive health is crucial for the overall health and wellbeing of an individual. Pau d’arco tea is traditionally used to promote digestive health and alleviate gastrointestinal issues. It reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby improving digestive function and providing relief from digestive disorders (Park et al., 2017).

7. Cardiovascular Health Support

Cardiovascular health refers to the health of the heart and blood vessels. Pau d’arco tea has shown potential benefits for cardiovascular health. Its bioactive compounds may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid profiles, and prevent the formation of blood clots, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Wu et al., 2022).

8. Antiviral Activity

Viruses are infectious agents that replicate inside the living cells of an organism. Pau d’arco tea exhibits antiviral activity and is traditionally used to fight viral infections. The bioactive compounds in the tea have been found to inhibit the replication of various viruses, thereby supporting the body’s immune response against viral infections (Park et al., 2017).

9. Skin Health Benefits

Skin health is crucial for protection against the environment and bacteria. Pau d’arco tea, when used topically, has potential benefits for skin health. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin inflammation, fight acne-causing bacteria, and promote wound healing (Khan & Mukhtar, 2007).

10. Liver Health Support

The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, metabolism, and other bodily functions. Pau d’arco tea may have potential benefits for liver health. Its bioactive compounds have shown hepatoprotective properties, potentially protecting the liver from damage, promoting liver detoxification, and supporting overall liver function (Wu et al., 2022).

In essence, the pau d’arco tea benefits are extensive and diverse. It offers a natural, therapeutic approach to numerous health conditions, further emphasizing the importance of diet and natural remedies in maintaining health and wellbeing. Check out our article on the “health benefits of drinking tea” for more inspiring tea discoveries!

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Pau D’Arco Tea

While enjoying pau d’arco tea benefits, you might wonder about its side effects. After our research, we found that there are not any scientific evidence related to those.

Keep in mind that anything in excess is not a good idea, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new herbal tea into your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications!

Also, always ensure you source your tea from a trusted, quality provider to avoid contaminants.

Conclusion

We’ve covered the impressive range of pau d’arco tea benefits, from its anticancer properties to its potential for promoting liver health.

We encourage you to try this remarkable tea and discover its benefits for yourself and let us know about them in the comments below. Feel free to check out our review post about the best pau d’arco tea.

Enjoy your sipping adventure!

References

• Américo, Á., Nunes, K., Assis, F., Dias, S., Passos, C., Morini, A., … & Minervino, A. (2020). Efficacy Of Phytopharmaceuticals From the Amazonian Plant Libidibia Ferrea For Wound Healing In Dogs. Front. Vet. Sci., (7). Link Here
• Byeon, S., Chung, J., Lee, Y., Kim, B., Kim, K., Cho, J. (2008). In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Effects Of Taheebo, A Water Extract From The Inner Bark Of Tabebuia Avellanedae. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1(119), 145-152. Link Here
• Haufe, T., Ho, K., Ferruzzi, M., Neilson, A. (2018). Potential Health Effects Of Tea. Nutr Today, 5(53), 213-228. Link Here
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