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 the tea can cure cancer. Because of its popularity, Pau d'
Arco is now in danger of becoming extinct.
Not only is Pau
d'Arco known for relief of vaginal candidiasis and oral thrush
candidiasis, it 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.
