What is Pau d'Arco Powder and What Are Its Uses?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Used for centuries by indigenous tribes in South and Central America, Pau d'Arco is derived from the inner bark of several species of Tabebuia trees. This inner bark, when ground into a fine powder, has a long history in traditional medicine, where it was revered for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Quick Summary

Pau d'Arco powder is made from the inner bark of Amazonian trees, traditionally used for wellness and detoxification. It contains beneficial compounds like lapachol and quercetin, which may offer antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The supplement is available in powder, capsule, and tea forms, with potential side effects at high doses.

Key Points

Source: Pau d'Arco powder is derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia tree, native to the rainforests of South and Central America.
Active Compounds: Contains active compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone, which are believed to have antimicrobial properties.
Traditional Use: Historically used by indigenous tribes to treat a wide range of conditions, including infections, inflammation, and digestive issues.
Antifungal Potential: Most well-known for its potential to combat yeast infections, particularly Candida albicans, based on lab studies.
Caution Required: High doses can cause severe side effects, and it can interact with blood-thinning medications, so medical consultation is crucial before use.

What Exactly is Pau d'Arco Powder?

Pau d'Arco powder is the finely ground inner bark of several species of Tabebuia trees, which are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The name "pau d'arco" is a Portuguese term meaning "bow tree," a reference to the tree's hard, durable wood, which was historically used by indigenous people to make hunting bows. However, it is the inner bark, known for its rich concentration of beneficial compounds, that has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine.

Among the key chemical components of Pau d'Arco are naphthoquinones, primarily lapachol and beta-lapachone. These compounds, along with flavonoids and other phytochemicals, are believed to be responsible for the herb's potential therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Historical and Traditional Uses

For thousands of years, indigenous cultures used Pau d'Arco for a wide array of ailments. Known as 'taheebo' or 'lapacho,' the bark was prepared as a tea to treat everything from fever and fatigue to snakebites and various infections. Historically, it was used both internally and topically for its reputed healing properties.

Potential Health Benefits and How It Works

Modern research has begun to explore the traditional uses of Pau d'Arco, revealing more about its potential mechanisms of action. While most studies are preliminary, they offer insights into why this herb has been used for so long.

Combating Yeast and Fungal Infections

Pau d'Arco is most famously used for its antifungal properties, particularly against Candida albicans, a common cause of yeast infections. Studies on the active compound lapachol suggest it can interfere with the respiratory mechanism of fungal cells, effectively killing them.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Preliminary research, primarily in laboratory and animal settings, has indicated that Pau d'Arco can help reduce inflammation. It may work by suppressing pro-inflammatory substances like prostaglandins. This suggests potential applications for inflammatory conditions, although human studies are still needed.

Antioxidant and Immune Support

Packed with powerful antioxidants like quercetin and other flavonoids, Pau d'Arco helps protect the body's cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. This antioxidant effect, combined with its traditional use as an immune stimulant, points to its role in promoting overall wellness.

Potential Antiviral and Antimicrobial Actions

Test-tube studies have shown that compounds like beta-lapachone can inhibit the growth of certain viruses and bacteria by affecting their DNA and RNA synthesis. While these findings are promising, more research is required to determine their applicability in humans.

Pau d'Arco Powder vs. Other Forms

Pau d'Arco is available in several forms, each with its own advantages and potential issues.


Feature	Pau d'Arco Powder	Pau d'Arco Tea	Pau d'Arco Capsules	Pau d'Arco Tincture
Preparation	Mix into beverages, smoothies, or food.	Simmer inner bark in water for 15-20 minutes.	Take with water as a pre-measured supplement.	Add drops to water or other liquid.
Convenience	Moderate; requires mixing.	Low; requires brewing.	High; easy to take on the go.	High; easy to dose with a dropper.
Potency	Can vary; dependent on source and quality.	Can be low; active compounds are not very water-soluble.	Consistent; standardized doses are available.	Potentially high; alcohol extraction may be more effective.
Dosage Control	Good; can measure precise amounts.	Poor; difficult to determine exact potency of each brew.	Excellent; consistent dosage per capsule.	Good; dropper allows for precise dosing.
Best For	Culinary use, mixing into wellness blends.	Traditional ritual, mild supplementation.	Precise and consistent daily supplementation.	Enhanced absorption; often taken with lemon juice.

How to Use Pau d'Arco Powder Safely

When consuming Pau d'Arco powder, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines, as high doses can cause adverse side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Here are a few ways to use Pau d'Arco powder:

Blends: Add 1-2 teaspoons of the powder to smoothies, yogurt, or juices. Start with a small amount to assess your body's reaction.
Infusions: Though the active compounds are not highly water-soluble, simmering the powder can create a beneficial infusion for internal or external use.
Topical Application: A paste made from the powder and water can be applied to the skin for infections or wounds.

Conclusion: A Traditional Herb Worth Exploring with Caution

Pau d'Arco powder is a powerful herbal supplement derived from the Amazonian 'bow tree,' with a rich history in traditional medicine. It is valued for its natural compounds like lapachol, which contribute to its potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. While anecdotal evidence and preliminary research are promising, especially for conditions like Candida overgrowth, conclusive human studies are still needed. Due to potential side effects at higher dosages and interactions with blood-thinning medications, consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before use. By prioritizing safety and informed decisions, individuals can responsibly explore the potential benefits of what is Pau d'Arco powder for their wellness journey.

Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as drugs. For this reason, it is always recommended to choose products from reputable manufacturers and consult a healthcare provider before use.

Is Pau d'Arco Sustainable?

Growing interest in Pau d'Arco has raised concerns about the sustainability of the Tabebuia trees from which it is harvested. Deforestation in the Amazon and the popularity of the herb have led to some species being listed as vulnerable or threatened. When purchasing, look for products from suppliers with clear ethical sourcing policies to support sustainable harvesting practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pau d'Arco powder has a distinct, earthy, and somewhat bitter taste. It is often mixed with other ingredients in smoothies or taken in capsules to mask the flavor.

Pau d'Arco powder can be mixed into beverages like tea, smoothies, or juices. A common method is to simmer two teaspoons of bark in four cups of water for 20 minutes to make a tea. It can also be found in pre-measured capsule form.

Yes, a paste made from Pau d'Arco powder and water can be applied to the skin for external infections and wounds, following traditional practices. However, it's advisable to test on a small patch of skin first.

No, Pau d'Arco is considered possibly or likely unsafe for pregnant women, especially in larger doses. It is best to avoid use entirely while pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a healthcare provider.

Yes, Pau d'Arco can slow blood clotting and should not be taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet (blood-thinning) medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

Pau d'Arco powder is the finely ground inner bark, while tea is typically made by simmering the inner bark. A key difference is that some active compounds in Pau d'Arco are not very water-soluble, meaning tea may be less potent than capsules or tinctures.

To ensure quality, purchase Pau d'Arco powder from reputable herbal supplement companies that test for purity and potency. Some product labels may not contain the effective inner bark, so it is important to buy from trusted sources.