Native to South America, pau d’arco (Tabebuia spp.) is found in
various parts of the tropical/subtropical world. Its range
includes areas of southern Florida and northern Mexico to
northern Argentina, including the Caribbean Islands. Also known
as tahibo or trumpet tree, the pau d’arco grows from 16 to 160
feet tall, depending on the species. Some species are deciduous
and some are evergreen and they produce flowers from 1-4 inches
in a variety of bright colors. However, it is the inner bark of
the Tebebuia impetiginosa species of this complex tree that
interests us. The inner bark of pau d’arco brews a tea that
tastes a bit like teaberries with a pleasant aroma and reddish
color. Because of the benefits of the two phytochemicals
lapachol and beta-lapachone found in this bark, taking the tea
or tincture is prescribed by herbalists for a variety of
ailments and benefits. Let’s look at a few here. One of the most
popular uses for pau d’arco is yeast infections. Often a result
of using broad-spectrum antibiotics