Though it has been used for centuries, its fame really began in the 1960's. Dr. Theodore Meyer learned about the use of pau d'arco (pronounced powdy arco) by natives of the tropical rain forest of the Amazon. They had used the inner bark of this hardwood tree as a medicine. Dr. Meyer followed their lead and claimed he successfully cured five advanced cases of leukemia with it. The herb suddenly rose to fame! A decade later however, the National Cancer Institute determined that the quantity needed of the cancer curing drug in pau d arco would have too many dangerous side effects. As a result, the "miracle drug" lost its place of prestige.
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.
Pau d'arco has effectively treated malaria, yeast infections, tuberculosis, strep, and dysentery. Pau d'arco in small dosages increases immune system activity and in large doses suppresses some immune responses such as inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory work have given pau d'arco promise as a treatment for arthritis, allergies, ulcers, skin problems, and other similar conditions. Add to that list diabetes, flu, lupus, parasites, and skin diseases, and it is easy to see why it was once toted as a 'wonder drug.'
Pau d'arco is available in health food stores in capsules, tinctures, and as dried bark. The recommended dosage is one to two capsules or one to two droppers of tincture taken one to four times per day, depending on the condition and patient.
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.
Pregnant and nursing women should not use pau d'arco until it is sufficiently researched. Pau d'arco has been shown to have blood-thinning actions in some people, and may cause anemia when used long term. Possible side effects from ingesting too much pau d'arco include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach cramps. Another precaution consumers should heed is assuring that the product they purchase is produced by a reputable manufacturer. Some tested have very few active ingredients. The pau d'arco imported from Argentina is generally considered to be the highest quality bark.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Years of proven success with Pau D'Arco as a health giving herb cannot be wrong. Through following the precautions, quality Pau D'Arco can provide many benefits for a variety of health problems.
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