Tribes of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil call Pau d’arco bow stick or bow tree and use it to make hunting bows. These flowering trees and shrubs, depending on the species, grow in Central and South America. It has pink, purple or yellow flowers and is the national flower of Brazil. The purple flowered species holds more interest for herbalist but all species are used to some degree. This botanical has a strong odor.
Parts used from this botanical are the wood and inner bark. Pau d’acro’s active agents are lapacho and beta-lapachone, which is known to destroy bacteria growth and is used for curing cancer by destroying cancer cells in the body. This herb is also used to boost the immune system, fight fevers, vaginal yeast, skin diseases, and fungal infection and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
The inner-bark is used in tonics and herbal teas and is sometimes combined with other herbs such as Echinacea, Panax ginseng and red clover among other herbs to improve stamina, clear toxins and improve digestion.
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