Pau D'Arco - Pau D Arco Benefits and Side Effects | Alternative Medicine

By SusannahSinger
Total views: 6
Word Count: 486

It was toted as a miracle drug until the 1970's. The reason pau d'arco (pronounced powdy arco) reached such fame was because of the work of Dr. Theodore Meyer. Having learned about is power from Amazon rain forest natives, Dr. Meyer used it to treat leukemia patients. Five advanced cases, he claimed, were totally cured. But research by the National Cancer Institute isolated what they believed to be the cancer curing drug in pau d'arco but determined that the dosage needed to be effective brought with it serious side effects. This greatly dampened the enthusiasm for the herb.

In spite of this negative report, pau d'arco has since been used successfully to treat such things as fevers, arthritis, infections, malaria, skin problems, cancers, and even complications of AIDS. Two reasons for the discrepancy between the research and reality are these.

First, this isolated drug lapachol was not the only beneficial drug in pau d-arco. Researches isolated 20 additional active ingredients in the herb. Second, the effect of the herb was multiplied and the side effects minimized when used as a whole instead of isolating its parts. It seems the ingredients work to help each other benefit the person most.

For what medical problems besides cancer has pau d'arco been used? Start with flu, lupus, diabetes, skin diseases, parasites, ulcers, and arthritis and one can see why it was found on many people's bragging lists. Add to this its effectiveness in treating strep, yeast infections, dysentery, malaria, and tuberculosis. In small doses, pau d'arco increases the activity of the immune system, and in large doses it reduces inflammation and other immune responses.

Pau d'arco is a bark, but it can also be purchased as a tincture or a capsule. One to two capsules or drops of tincture taken up to four times a day is a usual dosage. The amount, of course, depends on the patient and the condition.

The most common way to ingest this herb is through making a tea which has a cool, bitter flavor. A tablespoon of the bark boiled for twenty minutes in three cups of water will extract its nutrients. (Do not use an aluminum pan for this.) On cup of this tea taken three or four times a day would be a maximum dosage. Normally half this amount is sufficient.

How can someone be sure they are getting the genuine article? This is a real concern in light of the fact that some pau d'arco has been tested and found lacking many of the life-giving ingredients that made it famous. In general, that grown in Argentina is considered best. Also, some health cautions are in order. Lacking sufficient testing as to its effect on infants, pau d'arco should be shunned by pregnant and lactating mothers. Long term effects have included anemia and its blood thinning capabilities make it advisable to avoid before surgery. Other problems some have reported include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

About the Author

Pau D'Arco has proven itself as a powerful herb with many useful benefits. With the precautions in mind, you can reap the benefits others have experienced. Choose quality Pau D'Arco.

You are here Articles > Health > Alternative Medicine