Hundreds of years ago the early inhabitants of the Amazon region noticed that the Pau d’Arco tree didn’t seem to be afflicted with parasite or even mold or fungi. Other trees of course were always in a natural battle with fungus and mold and other parasitical organisms. So, naturally they started using it to treat some of the more basic viral and fungal problems they acquired.
Fast forward to today and there have been numerous studies showing the efficacy of Pau d’Arco at combating both fungus growth and viral infection. In fact, one of the more common uses for Pau d’Arco, or it’s derivitave Lapachol, today is for Candida or yeast infections. Beta-lapachone, hydroxynapthoquinone, alpha-lapachone, xyloidone, and napthoquinones are all components in Pau d’Arco that can have anti-viral affects.
Many use Pau d’arco tea while others use a lotion applied to the infected areas. Pau d’arco has been touted as being beneficial when used for many ailments but many have not been formally studied and proven. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of it have been studied however and it has been shown to be effective. It also seems to have no negative side effects when taken in moderation although pregnant women or women who are lactating should not take it.