What is lapacho or pao d’arco and what is it for?
He pao d’arco or lapacho (Tabebuia avellanedae, T. impestiginosa, T. altissima) It grows in tropical mountain forests and Andean slopes in Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina and Paraguay. It is a deciduous tree – or evergreen, depending on the species –, which It reaches 30 meters high.
One of the characteristics that makes it more striking is that there are varieties with flowers of all colors: pink, yellow, blue, white, green…
It is becoming more and more popular in herbal stores. bark of the lapacho or pao d’arcosince it is considered a powerful natural antibiotic and antifungal.
Lapacho: medicinal properties
- The bark of the pao d’arco is a magnificent remedy anti-infective and antifungal. Naphthoquinones exert a paralyzing effect on the action of viruses, bacteria and fungi, with an inhibitory activity on staphylococcus and streptococcus, candida, salmonella and leishmania.
- Pao d’arco bark is effectively applied on infected wounds, canker sores, eczema, herpes simplex and boils with pus.
- It is a natural antibiotic used in respiratory conditions with infectionfrom flu to chronic bronchitis, and in urinary infectionssuch as cystitis, and prostate inflammation.
- Decoctions, tinctures and ointments with pao d’arco have been indicated for topical application to reduce the pain from arthritic inflammations and gout attacks.
- As a digestive tonicis also used against colic and diarrheabut at the same time it has the virtue of stimulating the movement of the intestines and colon and favors a comfortable evacuation of feces, so It is also indicated in mild constipation.
- The pao d’arco is also considered antihemorrhagic, antianemic and hypotensive.
Other uses of bow cloth
- Recent research is trying to demonstrate the validity of this plant to treat different cancerous tumors and leukemiaboth in preventive and palliative treatments; However, the dose that should be used to achieve the desired purposes is potentially toxic.
Natural remedies with lapacho or pao d’arco
Lapacho to combat pool fungi
It is recommended a decoction of two level tablespoons of crushed pao d’arco bark for half a liter of water.
How to prepare it: Boil for 10 minutes and let it rest. Once filtered, it is a matter of doing foot (or hand) baths, without rinsing afterwards, repeating the operation for at least 10 days for it to take effect.
Herbal tea with lapacho to treat vaginal and oral candidiasis
They combine three parts of pao d’arco for two of sarsaparillaand add one tablespoon of the mixture per half a liter of water.
How to prepare it: The mixture is boiled for 5 minutes and left to rest for 10 more.
It is taken before meals, three times a day, in short, discontinuous periods. This formula exerts an anticoagulant effect, making it incompatible with drug treatment with this prescription.
Lapacho infusion for external use in case of candidiasis
For external use one is prepared more concentrated cooking, boiling two tablespoons of plant for ten minutes in a liter of water. with this water Wash the affected area without rinsing it afterwards.
How to take lapacho and in what dosage
He pao d’arco is found in the form of capsules or in jars fluid extract.
- For flu conditions it is recommended to take 3 400 mg capsules a day or 15 drops of extract.
There are also disinfectant creams and gels for the skin, which contain the active ingredients of this plant.
Precautions and contraindications of lapacho
In high doses pao d’arco can cause nausea, vomiting and gastric bleeding.
Should not be taken during pregnancybecause it is potentially abortive, nor during lactation.
Sometimes, due to its slight anticoagulant action, it can produce a increased blood loss during the menstrual period.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from «El Manantial de Salud»