Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Tabebuia impetiginosa (also known as Tabebuia avellanedae)

Plant Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet creeper family)

Botanical Description:
Tabebuia impetiginosa, commonly known as Pau d'Arco or Lapacho, is a flowering tree native to the rainforests of South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It can reach heights of up to 30 meters and has a straight trunk with a diameter of 50-90 centimetres. The bark of Pau d'Arco is the part of the tree most commonly used for medicinal purposes. It is thick, corky, and deeply furrowed, with a dark brown to reddish-purple colour on the outside and a yellowish inner bark. The leaves of Pau d'Arco are compound and palmate, composed of 5 to 7 leaflets with a lanceolate shape and a glossy green colour. The tree produces trumpet-shaped flowers that vary in colour from pink to purple and bloom in the spring.

Introduction:
Pau d'Arco has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine among indigenous peoples of South America, including the Guarani, Tupi, and other tribes. Over the years Pau d'Arco gained popularity in Western herbalism and is commonly used today across the globe.

Preparations:
Decoction: Prepare a Pau d'Arco decoction by simmering the inner bark of the tree in water for 15-30 minutes. Strain the decoction and drink it as a tea.
Tincture: Prepare a Pau d'Arco tincture by macerating the inner bark of the tree in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take the tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.
Topical Application: Prepare a Pau d'Arco infusion or decoction and allow it to cool. Use the infusion or decoction topically as a wash, poultice, or compress for the skin.