Pau d'Arco Tea Benefits: A Complete Guide
By Julien Griffault, Co-Founder and cancer survivor · Last updated September 2026
I started drinking Taheebo tea during my own recovery, alongside my medical treatment. That's my story, not a claim about what the tea does. Read our story.
The short answer. Taheebo (also called pau d'arco or lapacho) is the inner bark of a rainforest tree, brewed as a wellness tea in South America for generations. It is traditionally used to support immune function, digestive comfort and gut balance, and it makes a simple, caffeine-free daily ritual. Research so far is mostly lab and animal work, and human research is limited. Below is what that means in practice.
What people drink Taheebo tea for
Immune support. This is the most common reason people drink Taheebo tea today. It has traditionally been used to support immune function, and many customers make it a steady daily habit through the year.
Evidence: What Scientific Research Says About Pau d'Arco
Digestive comfort and gut balance. Taheebo has traditionally been used to support digestive comfort and gut balance.
Evidence: Pau d'Arco and Gut Balance
A simple daily ritual. It's pure bark: no caffeine, no sugar, no additives. It tastes mild, earthy and slightly woody, and many people enjoy it as it is, or with honey or lemon. Most customers drink one to two cups a day, and we suggest starting with one. For a change, try one of our Taheebo tea recipes.
What the research looks like
We think you should know how much weight the evidence deserves, so here it is plainly:
- Traditional use: generations of use as a wellness tea in South America, with reports predating the Incas.
- Lab studies: compounds found in the bark, including lapachol, beta-lapachone and quercetin, have been studied in the laboratory for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Animal studies: some animal research exists.
- Human studies: limited. Lab and animal results don't tell us what a cup of tea does in a person.
Every article on our research partner site, pau-darco.com, labels its evidence this way, so you can see the source and how strong it is. Taheebo tea is a traditional wellness tea, and we don't claim it treats or prevents any condition.
Why the inner bark matters
The inner bark is the part of the tree traditionally used for tea. Our Taheebo Wellness Tea is pure inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa/avellanedae tree from Brazil, with no additives or fillers, and it is third-party tested for authenticity and purity. Our partner is one of the top botanical companies in Brazil, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health for both sources of supply and industrial processing. The Brazilian Ministry of the Environment (IBAMA) also inspects and certifies its authenticity, and on arrival in the USA the tea is inspected again by US Customs and the FDA.
Read more: Why the Inner Bark of Pau d'Arco Is Important · How to Source High-Quality Pau d'Arco
How to brew it
Taheebo is a decoction, not a steep, so the bark needs sustained heat. Add 3 tablespoons of Fine Grind to 4½ cups of water, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh filter. Coarse Cut takes 3 tablespoons per 5 cups, simmers for about 30 minutes and works with any filter. Start with one cup a day. See the full brewing instructions.
Fine Grind or Coarse Cut?
It's the same bark from the same tree; only the size of the pieces differs.
- Fine Grind is our original cut. It brews a more concentrated tea and needs a fine mesh filter.
- Coarse Cut brews a lighter tea and works with any filter.
You use the same amount of bark either way.
Value and peace of mind
One 1lb pouch makes about 100 cups, roughly $0.39 a cup with free shipping on two or more pouches, or $0.44 a cup with shipping on a single pouch. Customers rate us 4.9 out of 5 across 167 reviews. We offer a 30-day return policy on unopened bags. Free shipping on 2+ pouches (US).
Who should check first
Most healthy adults tolerate Taheebo tea well, but it isn't for everyone. Talk to your doctor before drinking it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding (we don't recommend it), take blood thinners or other medications, have a bleeding disorder or a liver or kidney condition, or are scheduled for surgery. We don't recommend it for anyone under 18. Full details are in our safety guide.
Questions
What does Taheebo tea do for the body? It has traditionally been used to support immune function and digestive comfort. It's a traditional wellness tea, and we don't claim it treats or prevents any condition.
Does it have caffeine? No. It's naturally caffeine-free and can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Can you drink it every day? Many customers do. Most have one or two cups a day. Start with one and build up.
Is taheebo the same as pau d'arco? Yes. Taheebo is the indigenous name and lapacho the Spanish name for the same tree and inner bark.
How much does one pouch make? About 100 cups.
What if it isn't for me? Unopened bags can be returned within 30 days. See our refund policy.
More answers are on our FAQ page.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Let customers speak for us
What customers think about the store
This store offers high-quality wellness tea with exceptional customer service. Customers report fast shipping, responsive support, and easy brewing instructions. The tea helps with various health issues including inflammation, energy, sleep, digestive health, ...
