Pau d'Arco / Taheebo
Handroanthus impetiginosus
Lapachol and beta-lapachone from Pau d'Arco are the primary anti-cancer quinones studied for decades. Beta-lapachone has entered pharmaceutical development for cancer. Pau d'Arco also has potent antifungal activity against Candida — critical for immunocompromised cancer patients. Used traditionally by indigenous Amazonian peoples for tumours, it remains one of the most popular anti-cancer herbs in South America.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
1000–3000 mg pau d'arco bark extract daily, or 2–3 cups tea daily.
Preparations
Pau d'Arco Bark Tea
Simmer 2–3 tbsp dried pau d'arco inner bark in 1 litre water 20 min. Drink 2–3 cups daily. Inner bark only — not outer bark.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- High doses (lapachol) can cause nausea and anticoagulant effects
- Avoid in pregnancy — embryotoxic potential
- Do not use inner bark AND supplement simultaneously
- Significant blood-thinning potential at high doses — monitor with anticoagulants
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.