Botanical Overview
Handroanthus impetiginosus (formerly Tabebuia impetiginosa), commonly known as Pau d’Arco, Lapacho, Pink Ipê, or Taheebo, is a member of the Bignoniaceae family native to the tropical forests of South America including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. The inner bark of this deciduous tree is the primary medicinal part used traditionally and in modern herbalism.
Energetics
The bark is considered to have a neutral temperature and moisture quality, with a pronounced bitter taste. It functions as a tonifying agent with no well-documented directionality or clear categorization in qi, blood, or fluid energetic systems.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Immune modulating
- Antioxidant
Indications
Western
- Fungal infections, notably candidiasis
- Respiratory infections
- Various inflammatory conditions
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Supportive in viral infections
Syndromes
- Chronic infections
- Inflammatory disorders
- Immune deficiency states
TCM
No well-established traditional Chinese medicine indications documented.
Ayurveda
No specific indications documented.
Unani
No specific indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Phytochemicals include naphthoquinones such as lapachol and beta-lapachone, anthraquinones, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds contribute to the plant’s antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of inner bark: 1-2 g taken 2–3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 30-40% alcohol, 2-5 mL taken 2–3 times daily
- Capsules standardized to lapachol content, follow product-specific guidelines
Safety & Contraindications
While generally safe in traditional dosages, Pau d’Arco may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some users. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised for individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy because of a potential increased risk of bleeding. There may also be interactions with chemotherapy agents; professional consultation is recommended.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulerships have been found in established esoteric or herbal texts for Handroanthus impetiginosus.
Selected References
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition, Iwu, M. M., 2011
- Plants for a Future Database: Handroanthus impetiginosus (Pau d’Arco)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Pau d’Arco, 2022
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, 2007