Herb
Pau d'Arco
An inner-bark tea from a South American tree, traditionally used for yeast overgrowth and as a general blood cleanser.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 45/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Pau d'arco is the dried inner bark of the Tabebuia tree, brewed as a tea or taken as a capsule, traditionally associated with fighting yeast and supporting the blood.
📜 Where it comes from
Pau d'arco bark comes from tall South American trees and has a long history of use among indigenous peoples of the Amazon and Andes for skin conditions and infections. It was later popularized in the mid-1900s naturopathic community as an anti-fungal and blood-cleansing tea.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Traditionally used to discourage yeast overgrowth
- Traditionally regarded as a blood-cleansing tonic
- Used in folk practice to support skin healing
🥄 How to use it
Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of the shredded bark in water for 15-20 minutes to make a teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, drunk once or twice daily for a short course, or take a capsuleDried, powdered herb packed into a swallowable shell for a measured dose. How to make a capsule → per the label.
How much: As teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, 1-2 teaspoons of bark simmered per cup, once or twice daily for a short course; capsules per label. Avoid prolonged high-dose use.
Why it works: Compounds called naphthoquinones, including lapachol, are believed to give pau d'arco its traditional anti-yeast and anti-microbial reputation, though modern research on safe, effective human doses is limited.
⚠️ Cautions
- Can thin the blood and cause nausea or bleeding at higher doses.
- Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, bleeding disorders, and with blood-thinning medicines.
- Stop and see a doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Yeast infections that persist or recur should be properly diagnosed rather than self-treated long-term.
📚 Learn more
🌿 Deeper natural detail
🩺 The conventional view
💬 Ask Remy about Pau d'Arco
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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