Pau D Arco
Tabebuia avellanadae
1:4 Ethanol/Distilled H2O Spagryic tincture of Pau D’ Arco Bark, with plant salts added.
Planetary correspondence: Mars
Physical Properties*:
Pau D Arco is attributed with a solid swathe of healing abilities, in indigenous Amazonian medicines systems and in modern herbalism it is indicated for: asthma, fevers, eczema, herpes, scabies, skin infections, intestinal worms, sexually transmitted infections, UTI’s, anemia, bronchitis, dysentery, intestinal inflammation, other inflammations, and chronic degenerative diseases (e.g Alzheimers, coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis etc). A 2008 Study revealed that a water based extraction of Pau D Arco inhibited the production of the inflammatory prostaglandin compounds. By reducing the production of prostaglandin, Pau D Arco may be able to reduces the severity of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Lab studies have also isolated napthoquinone compounds including beta-lapachone and lapachol, which have potent antimicrobial effects against bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Cryptococcus gatti, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Other studies have shown these compounds to be effective in combatting flus (influenza viruses), common colds (adenoviruses), and cold sores (herpes simplex 1). Pau D Arco has also shown significant antifungal activity against candida albicans (a fungi associated with oral and vaginal thrush and yeast infections). Lastly, it has been shown to inhibit tumour growth in test-tubes. Immune stimulant properties have been shown to be most effective at low doses.
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Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
One can feel the wisdom of the Amazon permeate deep into their being upon ingesting this plant, it’s flavour is pleasantly sweet when dropped in some water, and the feeling it bequeaths is very reassuring. Amazonian shamans use the herb as an energising aphrodisiac and it is often an adjunct in ayahuasca brews. One can feel the bark forming a strong cylindrical shield around them that leaves them open to divine inspiration and the nourishment of Mother Earth, whilst protecting from lateral conflicts with other humans, inside this shield we can find our desires for the situation that respect the others core desires, and thus need to be adhered to – Pau D Arco aids this adherence. Pau D Arco can enable us to let go of lingering wounds, subtle vibrations of untruth that we took on from moments of overt or more subtle conflicts, accusations and manipulations… the tree helps us to see clearly who we are and who others are from the lense of the heart – as it too grows wide and proud, throwing out striking inflorescences of typically pink, but sometimes pink or purple flowers.
Cautions/Contraindications:
-Surgery: Pau D Arco can slow blood clotting and therefore should not be used at least one week before and one week after surgery.
-Anticoagulants: Because it can slow blood clotting it should not be used with anticoagulants like coumadin (warfarin), antiplatelet drugs (e.g Plavix/clopidogrel), and possible nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Voltaren (diclofenac) in which the combined use may lead to gastric bleeding and stomach ulcers.-People with liver and kidney disease should use with caution, along with monitoring by their doctor.
