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Overview: Pau d’arco is a tree called Tabebuia avellanedae. Teas and dietary supplements are made from the soft inner bark of the tree. Although these products may be used for various health purposes, very little research has been done to study this tree. Its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking pau d’arco, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is pau d'arco used for?

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is used for various health purposes, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed pau d'arco for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does pau d'arco work (mechanism of action)?

Pau d’arco, also known as the pink trumpet, is a tree called Tabebuia avellanedae (or Handroanthus impetiginosus). Dietary supplements and teas that contain pau d’arco are made from the soft inner bark of the tree. These dietary supplements are sometimes called taheebo, whereas the teas are sometimes called lapacho.

Pau d’arco teas and dietary supplements are sometimes used for various health purposes. However, there is very little research on this tree or its bark. It is not clear if or how it may work for any use.

Herbal products, such as pau d'arco, naturally contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific pau d'arco product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store pau d'arco?

You should store pau d'arco according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pau d'arco?

There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by pau d’arco. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of pau d'arco that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pau d'arco?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pau d'arco are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pau d’arco may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using pau d’arco and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pau d'arco?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pau d'arco.

  • Handroanthus impetiginosus
  • Lapacho
  • Pau d'arco
  • Pink trumpet tree
  • Tabebuia avellanedae
  • Taheebo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pau d'arco products they stock.

What should I know about pau d'arco before using it?

Pau d'arco is available as a tea and a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep pau d'arco out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as pau d'arco, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific pau d'arco product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the tree was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Pau d'arco is available in many different forms, including tea, dried and ground powder, and capsules. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested pau d'arco products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pau d'arco?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pau d'arco is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding problems
  • Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Pau d'arco may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking pau d'arco, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pau d'arco could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if pau d'arco passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does pau d'arco interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if pau d’arco interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does pau d'arco interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots.

The interactions between pau d'arco and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with pau d'arco is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking pau d'arco with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pau d'arco?

If you or someone else has used too much pau d'arco, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take pau d'arco safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.