Native to the rainforests of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, Pau d'Arco is a very large broad-leaf evergreen. In the spring it is covered with a thick cluster of pink or red trumpet-shaped flowers. It can also be found in other tropical areas of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. Pau d'Arco is commonly used as a tea for candida fungal infections, inflammation, and other infections. Some people believe that tea can cure cancer. Because of its popularity, Pau d' Arco is now in danger of becoming extinct.
Not only is Pau d'Arco is known for relief of vaginal candidiasis and oral thrush candidiasis, also has some antibiotic and antifungal properties. Some believe it can reduce the inflammation of arthritis. The active ingredient lapachol has the ability to block fungal infections and wipe out intestinal parasites. It is also helpful in killing infections like yeast, herpes simplex, influenza, and even polio.
