Pau d'Arco bark has active principles, mainly lapachol, quercetin and other flavonoids. The dried inner bark of Pau d'Arco can be used as a tea which has a taste that is just a little bit harsh, and a color that may remind you of sepia-toned photographs. Some claim that it is useful in managing diabetes. It is also suggested that this plant is useful in treating other medical conditions, amongst which are fibromyalgia (FMS) and lupus (SLE). This herbal tea is used by many during the cold and flu season, and is a remedy for smoker's cough. Another medicinal use of Pau d'Arco is as an expectorant: to promote "coughing up" by the lungs in order to free mucus and contaminants that had been lodged there.
Pau d'Arco tea or tincture concoctions have reportedly had beneficial effects for cancer patients, anywhere from alleviation of chemotherapy symptoms to complete remission of tumors. According to Dr. Daniel Mowrey, who has become somewhat famous in the area of Pau d'Arco supporters, anti-cancer benefits can be had from Lapacho (the active compound), without any side effects being noticed (but see cautions page for potential side effects). Taheebo, another name that is used for this tea, is suggested to have been helpful to many...read more>>>...