Tabebuia avellanedae

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-18 (EDT)

See Also Botanical Monographs
Pau d arco.jpg

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is used to treat many different types of infections including colds, flu, sore throat and yeast infections. To explore the characteristics, medicinal uses and prescribing considerations of this herb in more detail, check out the references indicated.[1], [2]

Characteristics

AKA Tahebuia impetignosa, T. ipe

Uses

Historical Uses:

Native South Americans consider Tabebuia chrysantha a cure-all, using it for wounds, skin diseases, snakebites, fever, malaria, intestinal problems, including dysentery and ulcers, and even some cancers.

Medicinal Uses:

  • Other Conditions

Prescribing Considerations

The information provided is intended to augment the treatment from a naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional. Although most herbs are generally safe, it is recommended that you avoid self-prescribing especially when there is an underlying ongoing medical condition, if you are on any prescription medications or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Formulations and Preparation

  • Tincture - 3-7mL (1:2, 45%) daily
  • Decoction - 10g/600mL (simmer 15 min, strain), drink throughout the day
  • Cancer therapy - higher doses may be used

Napthoquinones are best extracted in ethanol; used in tincture and decoction forms.

Safety

The safety and prescribing considerations for this herb include:[3] [4]

  • Generally regarded as safe unless large doses of lapochol are ingested.
  • Side-effects are generally not seen.
  • Contraindicated in pregnancy (speculative).
  • Drug-Herb Interactions.[2]
  • Anticoagulants - Concomitant use increases the potential for hemorrhage due to lapachol (speculative); use of the whole plant does not present this problem because the vitamin K is found in the bark.
  • Cyclosporine and Corticosteroids - It may offset immunosuppression by these drugs (speculative based on in vitro immunomodulating activity).

References

  1. Boon Heather, Smith Michael (2009) 55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs: The Complete Natural Medicine Guide Second Edition Institute of Naturopathic Education and Research, CCNM Toronto.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Godfrey Anthony, Saunders Paul, Barlow Kerry, Gowan Matt (2011) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine, Advanced Botanical Medicine. V3 CCNM Press, Toronto.
  3. Stargrove Mitchell Bebell, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L (2008) Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies.
  4. Brinker Francis (1997) Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions: Plus Herbal Adjuncts With Medicines, 4th Edition Eclectic Medical Publications.