Pau d’arco tea is brewed from the inner bark of the Tabebuia tree. It has been used for generations across South America.
Today many people drink pau d’arco tea to support:
- immune function
- digestive balance
- the body’s response to inflammation
Most people tolerate pau d’arco tea well when it is prepared properly and introduced gradually. But like many concentrated herbal teas, side effects can occur, especially when the tea is brewed very strong or consumed in large amounts.
This guide explains:
- the most common pau d’arco tea side effects
- when to avoid it
-
how to reduce the chance of discomfort
Common Pau d’Arco Tea Side Effects
Most first-time pau d’arco drinkers feel completely fine. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and temporary.
They often appear when someone:
- starts with strong tea
- drinks large amounts immediately
- drinks it on an empty stomach
Possible side effects may include:
• Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
• Looser stools
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Darker urine
These reactions often improve simply by:
- drinking a lighter brew
- taking the tea with food
- reducing the amount for a few days
Starting slowly helps your body adjust.
Why Some People Experience Pau d’Arco Side Effects
Not all pau d’arco products are the same.
Many products sold online contain:
-
outer bark
-
mixed bark
-
large wood chips
These forms often produce weaker tea.
People sometimes compensate by adding more bark or boiling longer, which can increase digestive discomfort.
Traditional pau d’arco tea is made from the inner bark, prepared using a decoction method.
Using authentic inner bark and following proper brewing instructions helps produce a balanced cup and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary side effects.
Pau d’Arco and Candida Reactions
Many people searching for pau d’arco side effects are actually exploring it for fungal balance support.
When people begin drinking pau d’arco tea for this reason, some report temporary digestive reactions.
These can include:
- stomach discomfort
- changes in digestion
- fatigue
This is why many experienced herbalists recommend starting slowly and increasing gradually. If you want to learn more about how pau d’arco is used for fungal balance, you can read our Candida guide here.
When Pau d’Arco Is Taken in Excess
Problems with pau d’arco usually appear when someone consumes very high amounts.
One of the natural compounds present in pau d’arco bark is lapachol. At very high intake levels this compound has been associated with stronger reactions.
Reported symptoms from excessive intake include:
• strong nausea or vomiting
• intense diarrhea or stomach cramping
• vertigo
• increased bleeding risk
These effects are rare with normal tea consumption but are the reason most herbal traditions recommend moderation.
When You Should Avoid Pau d’Arco
There are a few situations where it is best to avoid pau d’arco tea or speak with a healthcare professional first.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research on safety during pregnancy is limited. For that reason it is best avoided.
Blood thinning medications
Pau d’arco may influence blood clotting. If you take medications such as warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or similar drugs, speak with your clinician before adding pau d’arco.
Bleeding disorders
Anyone with a bleeding disorder should avoid pau d’arco.
Upcoming surgery
Stop taking pau d’arco at least two weeks before surgery. And wait for your doctors ok after surgery. You will want to pause drinking Taheebo until your body has healed from the surgery.
Children
There is not enough safety data to recommend pau d’arco tea for children.
Why the Quality of Pau d’Arco Bark Matters
Something many articles overlook is the type of bark being used.
Many products online contain:
- outer bark
- mixed bark
- old bark
- large wood chips
These forms often produce weak tea.
People sometimes compensate by adding more bark or boiling longer, which can increase the chance of digestive discomfort.
Our tea uses pure inner bark, which is the traditional material used for brewing. We offer two cuts of the same authentic bark:
Classic Fine Grind
Produces a deeper and more concentrated extraction.
Coarse Cut
Thin strips that brew a lighter and smoother cup.
Because the bark is prepared differently, the tea extracts more efficiently, which means you often need less bark to make a strong brew.
How to Brew Pau d’Arco Tea Properly
Many side effects or lack of effects people report come from brewing the tea incorrectly.
Pau d’arco is traditionally prepared as a decoction, meaning the bark is boiled to extract the active compounds.
The method we use at home is simple.
- Add 3 tablespoons of pau d’arco inner bark to 4.5 cups of water
- Bring the water to a boil
- Continue boiling for 25 minutes
- Strain and allow the tea to cool slightly
If you are new to pau d’arco, start with a smaller serving from the batch.
You can see our full brewing instructions here:
https://taheebo-tea.com/pages/taheebo-wellness-tea-pau-d-arco-brewing-instructions
Simple Ways to Reduce Pau d’Arco Side Effects
A few simple habits make pau d’arco tea easier to tolerate.
Start slowly
Begin with smaller servings and increase gradually. We suggest starting with one cup per day and adding a half cup every week until you reach your desired daily quantity.
Avoid introducing many new supplements at once.
This makes it easier to identify how your body responds.
Listen to your body
If something feels unusual, pause and reassess.
Take breaks when needed
You do not need to drink pau d’arco every day for it to be part of a supportive wellness routine.
Why We Care So Much About Quality
We were first introduced to pau d’arco when Julien was diagnosed with advanced cancer. During that difficult period, it became one of the steady pieces of his wellness routine.
That experience is what led us to create Taheebo Wellness Tea. When people are dealing with serious health challenges, quality matters.
You want:
- clean sourcing
- authentic inner bark
- proper preparation guidance
We hear from many customers who tell us they began noticing differences only after switching to fresh, properly prepared pau d’arco bark.
We focus on sourcing, quality, and freshness because these are essential for our and your health.
Final Thoughts
Most people drink pau d’arco tea without experiencing side effects. When reactions do occur, they are usually mild and improve by:
- reducing the amount
- brewing a lighter tea
- taking the tea with food
Choosing authentic inner bark and preparing it properly also makes a significant difference.
If you have medical conditions or take medications, it is always best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before adding any herbal supplement to your routine.