Pau d'Arco Tea Benefits: A Complete Guide
Written by Julien Griffault, Co-Founder, Taheebo Wellness Tea — Published April 2026 | Last updated May 2026
I started drinking this tea during my own recovery from advanced testicular cancer. It was recommended by several naturopaths I respect and I kept coming across it in my research so I decided to try it. I drank 3 to 7 cups a day. It became a daily habit that stuck. A few months later, Melissa and I started Taheebo Wellness Tea because we couldn't find a source we trusted. This page covers what the bark actually does, what the research says, and where the limits are.
What Is Pau d'Arco?
Pau d'arco is the inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa tree, also classified as Handroanthus impetiginosus. The tree grows in the rainforests of Central and South America. Indigenous cultures in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru have used the bark as a traditional remedy for centuries, predating the Incas. You'll also hear it called taheebo (the indigenous name) or lapacho (the Spanish/South American name). They all refer to the same tree and the same inner bark.
The active compounds are concentrated in the phloem — the living inner layer of the bark. Many commercial products use the whole bark or outer bark, which contains far fewer active compounds. We focus on pure inner bark for this reason.
Ancient cultures called it the "Tree of Life." They did not have lab equipment, but they knew the bark had protective properties. Today, modern science is starting to catch up with that ancient wisdom.
Why does pau d'arco sourcing matter?
A 2015 analysis found that a significant portion of pau d'arco products on the US market were mislabeled, adulterated, or contained the wrong species entirely. The inner bark from Tabebuia impetiginosa is what carries the compounds studied in research. Outer bark and wood contain little to none of them.
Our bark comes from one of Brazil's top botanical companies, approved by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health. It is IBAMA-certified (Brazil's environmental agency), tested for origin, toxic metals and microbial contaminants, and legally export-certified.
Does pau d'arco support the immune system?
Pau d'arco contains two quinone compounds — lapachol and beta-lapachone — that have shown antimicrobial and antiviral activity in laboratory studies. In vitro research has found that lapachol and related compounds can inhibit replication of certain viruses, including Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). Researchers describe this as virucidal action observed under controlled lab conditions.
These are lab findings, not clinical trials. They don't confirm the same effects in the human body at tea-drinking doses. That said, the mechanism is documented, and immune support is the primary reason most people drink taheebo. Many customers use it year-round as part of a steady wellness routine, not as a response to acute illness.
Does pau d'arco reduce inflammation?
Research on Tabebuia avellanedae found it suppresses production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in immune cells under inflammatory stimulation. Source: PubMed 18634864
Separate animal research showed that an ethanolic inner bark extract produced analgesic (pain-reducing) and anti-edematogenic (swelling-reducing) effects, linked to the same nitric oxide and PGE2 pathways. Source: PubMed 22825254
COX-2 is one of the main inflammation signaling enzymes — the same one targeted by common pain relievers. Some research points to pau d'arco compounds interacting with COX-2-related pathways. This does not mean the tea works like a drug. It means the compounds in the bark may interact with some of the same inflammation signals. People who drink it for joint stiffness or end-of-day soreness are working from this mechanism.
Does pau d'arco boost NAD+ levels?
Beta-lapachone, one of the key quinones in pau d'arco, interacts with an enzyme called NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1). NQO1 processes quinones in cells and ties into how cells manage NADH and NAD+ ratios. NAD+ is a coenzyme used for energy metabolism and DNA repair. Levels drop with age.
A paper connecting NQO1 activity with downstream effects on cellular metabolism: Source: PubMed 35490325
"Beta-lapachone can massively increase levels of NAD+. This chemical can actually be obtained quite inexpensively via a taheebo tree bark tea."
- Ben Greenfield, fitness researcher and author"Taheebo is one of the supplements I take on a daily basis for its mitochondrial, immune-boosting and anti-aging benefits."
- Dr. Joseph Mercola, osteopathic physician
Human data on pau d'arco and NAD+ specifically is still limited. The NQO1 mechanism is documented in research contexts. If NAD+ support is your goal, keep expectations grounded and treat this as one part of a broader approach.
Does pau d'arco help with candida and digestion?
Candida is a yeast that lives in the gut. When it overgrows, common symptoms include bloating, brain fog, and fatigue. Pau d'arco is one of the most widely used herbal options for candida support, and the antifungal mechanism is one of the better-documented areas in the research.
A 2025 lab study evaluated lapachol-derived complexes from Tabebuia impetiginosa against Candida auris. This research is significant because C. auris is a multidrug-resistant fungus. Source: https://jbth.com.br/index.php/JBTH/article/view/475
Older lab data on lapachol specifically showed significant antifungal activity against Candida strains. Source: PubMed 15280007
"Taheebo is the number one herb for killing candida in the world today."
- Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, founder of DrAxe.com
These are lab findings, not human trials. If candida is your main reason for trying taheebo, consistency matters more than dose. Use the right bark, brew it properly, drink it daily, and work with a clinician if symptoms are ongoing.
Does pau d'arco contain antioxidants?
Yes. Pau d'arco contains flavonoids, including quercetin, which neutralize free radicals and may protect cells from oxidative damage. Quercetin has been studied in its own right for anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. In pau d'arco, it works alongside the quinone compounds rather than in isolation.
A 2023 review of quercetin research found potential benefits across inflammation, immune function, and cellular health — with the caveat that most studies used isolated quercetin at doses higher than what you'd get from tea alone. Background on quercetin
How do people use taheebo during cancer recovery?
Many people use taheebo as a complement to their cancer care, not as a replacement for it. I want to be direct about that distinction. Taheebo is not a cancer treatment. It should never replace your oncologist's care plan.
Some preliminary studies in lab and animal settings suggest pau d'arco extracts may support immune function and have activity against certain cancer cell lines. Human data is limited, and lab results don't reliably translate to clinical outcomes. What people typically report is using it for day-to-day support — immune function, inflammation management, energy — during and after treatment.
If you are in active treatment or recovery, talk with your oncologist before adding any herbal products, especially if you take blood thinners, have surgery scheduled, or manage nausea. We published a detailed breakdown of the research in our Pau d'Arco and Cancer: Science, Benefits, and Safety Guide.
How do you brew pau d'arco tea?
Taheebo is a decoction, not a steep. The active compounds are locked inside dense bark fiber. Hot water alone won't release them. You need sustained heat.
Fine grind method:
- Add 1 tablespoon of fine grind to 4 cups of filtered water
- Bring to a boil in a non-aluminum pot
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes
- Let cool for 20 minutes
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter
- Drink hot or refrigerate for up to 8 days
Coarse cut method:
- Use 2 tablespoons per 4 cups of water
- Simmer 20 to 30 minutes
- Strain and drink
I make a batch every other day and keep it in the fridge. I drink 3 to 4 cups a day. See our full brewing instructions page for more detail and recipes. If you want a different flavor profile, you can check out our Apple Spice Taheebo Tea Recipe.
Fine grind vs. coarse cut — which should you choose?
Both are pure inner bark from the same tree. The difference is grind size, which affects brew strength.
Fine grind produces a stronger, more concentrated tea. More surface area means more compounds extracted per tablespoon. If you're drinking for a specific health goal, this is what I recommend. You use less bark per cup.
Coarse cut brews a lighter, smoother tea. Larger bark pieces extract more slowly. It's better suited to people who want a milder daily tea or prefer the traditional loose-bark brewing experience.
Who should avoid pau d'arco?
Most healthy adults tolerate taheebo well at 1 to 4 cups per day. Some people should not use it:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding — pau d'arco may cause uterine contractions and is considered possibly unsafe during pregnancy
- Children — limited safety research exists for pediatric use
- Anyone with liver or kidney disease — high doses may stress these organs
- Anyone scheduled for surgery — stop use at least 2 weeks before
Talk with your doctor before using if you take blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, aspirin), NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, or medications metabolized by the liver. Pau d'arco may slow clotting and interact with these drugs.
Start with one cup per day. Increase gradually over a week or two. Common early side effects include mild nausea or loose stools, usually temporary as your body adjusts. If symptoms persist, reduce the amount or stop.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pau d'Arco Tea
What does pau d'arco tea do for the body?
It supports immune function, may reduce inflammation through COX-2 and PGE2 pathways, has antifungal properties relevant to candida, and contains antioxidant compounds including quercetin. Lab research supports each of these mechanisms. Human clinical trials are limited.
Does Pau d'Arco tea have caffeine?
No. Taheebo tea is naturally caffeine-free. It comes from tree bark, not a caffeinated plant. You can drink it any time of day.
Can you drink Pau d'Arco tea every day?
Yes. Most people drink 2 to 4 cups daily as a steady wellness routine. Start with one cup and build up over the first week. Long-term daily use is common among our customers. Some herbalists suggest a periodic break of 2 days per week for extended use.
Is Pau d'Arco tea good for Candida?
Lab studies show the inner bark has antifungal properties against Candida species, attributed to lapachol and beta-lapachone. These are in vitro findings. Human trials are lacking. Many people use it as part of a gut health and candida support protocol alongside dietary changes.
Is taheebo the same as pau d'arco?
Yes. Taheebo is the indigenous name for the same tree and inner bark that Brazilians call pau d'arco. Lapacho is the Spanish/South American name. All three refer to the inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa.
How much taheebo tea should I drink per day?
For general wellness: 1 to 2 cups per day. For specific health goals: 3 to 4 cups. Julien drank 3 to 7 cups per day during his cancer recovery. Higher amounts should be discussed with a healthcare provider. One 1lb pouch makes approximately 100 cups.
Sources
- Anti-inflammatory and mucosal protection: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108002584
- General review of GERD and natural products: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/6/1069
- Immune and beta-lapachone overview for consumers: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-pau-darco-89494
- Traditional uses and compounds overview: https://www.wiseape-tea.com/blogs/herbal-tea-benefits/pau-darco-tea-benefits
- Anti-inflammatory effects, nitric oxide and PGE2 suppression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18634864/
- Analgesic and anti-edematogenic effects in animal models, nitric oxide and PGE2 pathways: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22825254/
- 2024 Candida species evaluation, Tabebuia impetiginosa: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11558831/
- Lapachol and antifungal activity in lab settings: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15280007/
- NQO1 and cellular metabolism context for β-lapachone research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35490325/
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.
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