Botanical atlas
Pau d'Arco
Handroanthus impetiginosus
Long before it had a Latin name, the Guarani people called this tree tajy, meaning to have strength and vigor, and stripped its tough inner bark to brew into a dark, earthy tea. Across the Amazon basin and the Andean foothills, that same bark decoction was passed down through generations as a remedy for fevers, skin troubles, and general run-down health, carried from healer to healer long before Spanish and Portuguese colonists ever wrote it into their own herbals. So central was this tree to daily life that its wood raised houses and its blossoms became a national symbol, and today Pau d'Arco bark travels the world as one of South America's most recognized traditional teas.
In tradition.
Long before it had a Latin name, the Guarani people called this tree tajy, meaning to have strength and vigor, and stripped its tough inner bark to brew into a dark, earthy tea. Across the Amazon basin and the Andean foothills, that same bark decoction was passed down through generations as a remedy for fevers, skin troubles, and general run-down health, carried from healer to healer long before Spanish and Portuguese colonists ever wrote it into their own herbals. So central was this tree to daily life that its wood raised houses and its blossoms became a national symbol, and today Pau d'Arco bark travels the world as one of South America's most recognized traditional teas.
Traditional preparations.
Because the bark is fibrous and dense, it is traditionally simmered rather than simply steeped, coaxing out its deep, slightly bitter character the way a good stock is drawn from bone.
Traditionally, 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried inner bark are simmered gently in 2 cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes, then strained before drinking.
In parts of its native range, the same simmered decoction was allowed to cool and used as a wash on the skin, folded into traditional care for minor irritation.
Traditionally, the strained decoction above is allowed to cool fully, then applied to the skin with a clean cloth.
Safety.
Pau d'arco bark contains compounds that in concentrated doses can cause nausea and blood-thinning effects, so avoid it with anticoagulant medication or a bleeding disorder. It is best avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and traditional, modest preparations are preferable to concentrated extracts.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies pau d'arco from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
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Ask about Pau d'ArcoHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.