The tree from which this tea comes was used by South American natives to make their hunting weapons. The bark and wood are used to make medicinal infusions. In this post, we'll tell you what Pau d'arco tea is.
Also known as lapacho or palo de arco, this tree grows in the rainforests of Brazil, in the most humid part. It contains a compound believed to have beneficial health properties. It grows up to 30 meters tall, has evergreen leaves, and also grows in the tropical forests of Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador.
One of its characteristics is that its varieties have colorful flowers such as yellow, blue, pink, green, etc. Because it is considered a potent antibiotic and antifungal, its popularity is growing in herbalists.
Medicinal uses of Pau d'arco tea
Among the uses of Pau d'arco tea are:
- The bark acts as an antibiotic and antifungal. Its naphthoquinones attack viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It also inhibits bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, leishmaniasis, salmonella, and candida.
- Its bark is effective in curing infected wounds, eczema, mouth ulcers, boils with pus, and herpes simplex.
- It acts as a natural antibiotic, combating respiratory conditions, urinary tract infections, and prostate inflammation.
- Ointments, tinctures, and decoctions are used topically to relieve the pain of arthritis and gout attacks.
- Lapacho is also used as a digestive tonic, relieving colic and diarrhea. It also facilitates bowel and colon movement, promoting comfortable bowel movements.
- It is antihemorrhagic, hypotensive and antianemic.
- Studies are attempting to prove that the plant treats various cancers and leukemia. However, the dosage required to combat these tumors is potentially toxic.
Benefits of Pau d'arco tea
Among the benefits of Pau d'arco tea are:
Relieves pain
Studies indicate that lapacho tea naturally relieves pain associated with some types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and liver cancer. The bark of the Pau d'arco tree has contraceptive and anti-edema effects, meaning it reduces pain and swelling, respectively.
Fights Candida
Also known as candidiasis, it causes many health problems, such as sore throats and stomach problems. When the body's pH is altered, the symptoms of candidiasis increase.
Reduces inflammation
The immune system is activated by the dietary and environmental toxins that the body accumulates. This is called inflammation, which triggers various diseases. Some of the inflammations in the body are related to asthma, Alzheimer's, Crohn's, cancer, high blood pressure, and so on.
Heals ulcers
Pau d'arco tea cures the symptoms of stomach ulcers, which are aggravated by stomach acid when it comes into contact with the ulcer. Studies show that Pau d'arco tea accelerates the healing of these ulcers, thanks to its acetic acid content.
Fight cancer
Not only does it fight cancer, it also relieves associated pain. This is due to beta-Lapachone, a compound found in lapacho tea. A study showed promise in using this tea in chemotherapy treatments.
Antiviral and antifungal
Studies indicate that Pau d'arco tea inhibits and kills several viruses, including polio, herpes, vesicular stomatitis, and leukemia, among others. It also helps speed the recovery of wounds or skin infections.
We offer a wide range of high-quality tea and infusion options to meet your business needs. While Pau d'arco tea is popular, we also offer delicious and healthy options, such as green tea and herbal tea , which offer unique benefits. We also have a variety of presentation options to complement your beverage service and offer a unique experience to your customers.
How to prepare Pau d'arco tea
You can prepare Pau d'arco tea, although it is important to know that its consumption should be moderate.
Ingredients:
- Two sprigs of Pau d'arco tea.
- A cup of water.
- A teaspoon of honey.
To prepare it, follow these steps:
- Boil the water for 2 minutes.
- Turn off the flame and add the two tea sprigs.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes.
Side effects of Pau d'arco tea
Understanding the side effects of Pau d'arco tea will help you avoid complications inherent in excessive consumption.
Nausea
If you consume high doses of this herb (it can also occur with low doses), the most common symptom is nausea. When this occurs, vomiting often follows. To avoid this, try low doses first. When preparing the infusion, drink it slowly.
Bleeding and anemia
The lapacho herb can prevent blood clotting because it prevents the metabolism of vitamin K. If bleeding persists, anemia is likely. High doses of this herb can cause bleeding, which is even worse if you take anticoagulants, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur even with normal doses, and although it is considered a mild side effect, it can lead to health complications over time, such as nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, and weight loss.
Liver problems
Liver problems are uncommon, but they are a serious side effect. The cause of this problem is a toxic compound called hydroquinine. The key is to consume only a small amount of this tea.
At Tétique, we also have other perfect beverage options to offer in hospitality, cafeteria, or restaurant businesses. These beverages are helpful for various illnesses. One of these beverages is fruit infusions , which are not only healthy but also delicious.
Reaction with other compounds
If consumed with other herbs, it is likely to cause serious or even fatal side effects. Since it is a blood thinner par excellence, it is best not to take it with prescription blood thinners. Furthermore, the risks may increase if consumed with turmeric, ginger, or willow bark.
Another risk of potential reactions is with over-the-counter pain relievers, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
At Tetique, we understand that presentation is key in the hospitality and coffee industry, which is why we offer a wide variety of tea presentation options to meet your customers' needs. Whether in individual tea bags, loose tea, or single-serve teas, we have the perfect options to complement your beverage service.
In short, at Tetique, we're proud to provide teas and infusions with a wide variety of high-quality options for hospitality and coffee shops. With our products, you can offer your customers a unique and satisfying experience they're sure to remember. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!
