How To:
Loose Leaf/Bark: Use approximately 1 tablespoon of loose bark chips per 8oz of water. Pour approximately 8oz of water into a pot and allow to come to a slow rolling boil. Add the bark, and boil for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool with the bark still in the water until it is at a comfortable temperature to drink. Strain and enjoy!
Tea Bags: You won't need to measure anything when using tea bags. Pour approximately 8oz of water into a pot and allow to come to a slow rolling boil. Add the tea bags and boil for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to cool with tea bags still in the water. Once it is at a temperature comfortable for you, drink and enjoy!
You may have a cup of this tea up to 3 times per day. It is recommended not to exceed this amount daily, as overuse may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. Also, you may continue the regime of 3 cups per day for as long as six weeks. After that, it is recommended by Pau d'Arco specialists to allow a four week hiatus. You may resume use after this break for another six weeks.
Flavor: This has a gentle earthy taste. Be sure you're buying from an excellent source, because if the tea is poor quality or has become a little rancid it will taste foul. A good Pau d'Arco tea, however, I found to be very mild and soothing. It isn't a floral tea, so unsurprisingly, it is reminiscent of twigs. Add a teaspoon or two of honey, and you'll be happy as can be!
Good For:
As I was preparing this post, I became almost overwhelmed with the volume of information regarding the health benefits of Pau d'Arco. It has been used for centuries, and is amazingly healthful. Listed below are just some of the benefits of Pau d'Arco tea.
1. Anti-viral--this tea is exceptionally useful in boosting your immune system to hold out against all those quickly approaching seasonal colds and flu. It is especially powerful for the weakened immune system due to chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia, cancer, tumors, human immunodeficiency virus, and those who've used antibiotics or steroids.
2. Cancer--There have been many studies performed indicating the benefits of Pau d'Arco tea for cancer victims. These patients have experienced alleviation of chemotherapy symptoms to complete remission of tumors. The active nutrient, lapachol, was touted by Dr. Daniel B Mowrey as "producing clinical anti-cancer effects without side effects."
3. Candida-- Candida is an overgrowth of intestinal fungus. This typically manifests as a yeast or thrush infection. If not treated properly, or if the infection keeps recurring, it may become a systemic problem. One of the properties of the lapachol found in Pau d'Arco is that of an anti- fungal. It has proven very effective and is widely used for treatment of Candida.
4. Anti-bacterial-- This can be used to assist in treatment of any type of bacterial infection. This can include pneumonia, strep throat, tuberculosis, h. pylori, infected wounds, and staph infections.
5. Lupus-- This is particularly helpful for the skin issues that often arise from lupus.
6. Parasites-- Pau d'Arco is wonderful destroyer of parasites! It may even be used to help treat serious diseases such as malaria, schistosoma, and trypanosoma.
7. Lymes Disease--There is a growing number of people with Chronic Lymes Disease. This tea is a powerful tool in healing the body from those damaging spirochetes.
Cautions:
Pau d'Arco, when used internally, has the potential to strengthen the blood-thinning effects that are seen in certain medications known as anticoagulants. Do not take Pau d'Arco if you are taking these medications or if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.
It is also recommended that you do not take Pau d'Arco tea if you are or may become pregnant. It is wise to avoid while breastfeeding.
As with any herb or medication, some people may experience side effects due to a sensitivity or overuse. If taken in excess, this herb may cause nausea, diarrhea, or possibly vomiting. Consult a naturopathic or homeopathic physician before giving to a child.
