Pau d'Arco is the inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa (also known as Handroanthus impetiginosus), a large flowering tree native to Central and South America. It has been used for hundreds — possibly thousands — of years by Indigenous groups including the Tupinambá, Quechua, and Kallawaya healers as a treatment for infections, fevers, and pain. The name 'Pau d'Arco' is Portuguese for 'bow stick,' referencing the tree's hardwood historically used for making bows.

Its primary active compounds — lapachol and beta-lapachone — interfere with the energy production of fungi, bacteria, and certain abnormal cells, essentially starving them. These same compounds also calm inflammatory signaling in the body and appear to bolster immune defenses by supporting natural killer cell activity. The bark also contains quercetin and other antioxidants that add broad cellular protection.

Traditional bark tea (made by simmering the inner bark) is the most historically authentic form and provides a broad spectrum of compounds. Capsules and tablets offer measured, convenient dosing. Tinctures allow faster absorption and flexible dosing but may have lower lapachol concentrations depending on the extraction method. Look for products standardized to lapachol or naphthoquinone content for best results.

• Fungal infections and candida overgrowth
• Chronic inflammation and joint pain
• Weakened immune system
• Bacterial infections
• Digestive discomfort and gut issues
• Skin infections and rashes
• Low energy and fatigue
• Parasitic infections

• Recurrent candida infections — regular use may help maintain microbial balance and reduce the frequency of fungal flare-ups

Pau d'Arco is an herbal bark extract and is not found in any food. To support the same goals — fighting fungal overgrowth, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity — focus on: (1) Garlic: contains allicin, a potent natural antifungal and antibacterial compound; (2) Coconut oil: rich in caprylic acid, which disrupts candida cell membranes similarly to lapachol; (3) Ginger: powerful anti-inflammatory that also supports digestive health; (4) Fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut): restore beneficial gut bacteria that crowd out pathogens; (5) Turmeric: broad anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Avoid excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol, which fuel fungal overgrowth and inflammation — the primary targets of Pau d'Arco.

• Nausea and stomach upset (especially at high doses or on an empty stomach)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Increased bleeding tendency at high doses
• Vomiting with excessive intake
• Possible liver stress with prolonged very high-dose use (rare)

• Recommended daily: Bark tea: 20–30 g of dried inner bark simmered in 1 liter of water, consumed in 2–3 cups throughout the day. Capsules/tablets: 500–1,000 mg standardized extract, 2–3 times daily. Tincture: 1–2 mL, 2–3 times daily. Keep lapachol intake below 1.5 g/day to avoid adverse effects.
• Best time of day: Spread doses evenly throughout the day; morning and evening dosing works well for capsules or tincture.
• With or without food: Best taken with food or just after meals to minimize the risk of nausea and stomach upset.
• Time to effect: Antifungal or antimicrobial effects: 1–2 weeks. Immune and anti-inflammatory benefits: 3–6 weeks of consistent use.
• How long to take it: For acute fungal or immune support: 4–8 weeks followed by a 2–4 week break. For ongoing support: cycle 6 weeks on, 2–3 weeks off. Avoid uninterrupted long-term use without practitioner guidance.