Pau D'Arco Tea

Ratio 2-4 g/250 ml water: about 1-2 heaped tablespoons of inner bark.

Method: bring bark and cool water to a gentle simmer in non-aluminum pot. Simmer covered for 10-15 minutes, then off heat and steep 10 minutes. Strain well.

Start with 1 cup a day; increase to 2 if tolerated.

Duration: short term use up to 2-3 weeks unless guided by a qualified practitioner.

Storage: prepare fresh daily, if needed refrigerate for 24 hours.

Traditional antimicrobial support: traditional South American herbalism as cleansing tea for mouth, throat & gut; lab studies indicate some microbes activity with lapachol/beta-lapachone; human data are scarce.

Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant activity - bark polyphenols may help with oxidative stress & minor, non specific inflammation.

Gentle digestive support: when brewed lightly, some drink it as a settling after-meal tea.

Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety; traditional cautions apply).

Bleeding risk / surgery: may have antiplatelet / anticoagulant effects. Use with caution with warfarin / DOACs / aspirin / clopidogreL / high-dose omega-3 / bleeding disorders. Start 1 to 2 weeks before surgery unless your physician says otherwise.

Liver and general tolerance: high doses / long term use have been associated with nausea / vomiting / diarrhea / and rare liver problems. Start using this product right away if you have dark urine, right-upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or unusual fatigue.

Tanning may reduce absorption of medicines and minerals; drink this tea 2 hours before taking prescriptions and iron/mineral supplements.

Blood pressure and blood sugar: may moderately affect either in some people; monitor if you take antihypertensive or diabetes medicines.

Allergy and sensitivity: stop use if you experience rash, itching, breathing changes, dizziness or upset gut.

It's general information which shouldn't be considered a substitute for personalised healthcare advice. In case symptoms persist or you happen to be identified as having a condition, consult your doctor before use.