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Tabebuia avellaneda |
Pau d'Arco, who's latin name is Tabebuia Avellanedae (tab-eb-u-ee-ah) is found mostly in South America. The trees can grow up to 150 feet with its trunks to six feet in diameter and may have the hardest, heaviest and most durable wood of any neotropical tree. The natural herb is derived from the inner bark.
Recognized as one of the most useful Brazilian herbs, Pau D'Arco is known to purify blood, as an antifungal activity, and can also combat Candida overgrowth. It also has other medicinal qualities. I enjoy drinking this tea despite some bitterness, for an overall feeling of wellness and balance in my body.
If you are interested in reading more, please see links below. In our house, the tea is prepared using the decoction method since I purchase Pau D’Arco bark in bulk.
Directions for Decoction:
- Using one quart of distilled water use about 2-3 tbsp of Pau D'Arco bark. Add the tea to pot (glass or stainless steel) of cold water, Do not use aluminum or tin pots or containers.
- After water starts to boil, reduce heat and "low Boil" for at least 20 minutes. I add more water to bring the liquid back to a quart. Or if you prefer a stronger taste, you can choose not to add water.
- Strain the tea through a piece of cloth, mesh strainer. A tea strainer will also work.
- You can drink this warm or as a cold drink. Store the tea in a glass container. Keep in mind this tea is bitter. In the past, I have drank this tea plain, with lemon juice or with lemon juice and maple syrup to taste. Stevia may be another option if you choose a sweetener.
The tea will not deteriorate as this herb is immune to mold and fungus. But its best to not leave it in the refrigerator for an extended period of time. Some recommendations state that pregnant women not drink this herbal tea.
For more research on history, medicinal properties, and other information, please visit the following sites or google it online.
- http://www.rain-tree.com/paudarco.htm
- http://www.herballegacy.com/Pau_Maiden.html
Who has tried Pau D'Arco tea and for what purpose? How do you drink your tea or do you take it in another form such as capsules, or a tincture? Do these trees grow in your area?
This post is shared with:
Tuesday Twister at GNOWFLINS
Real Food Wednesday at Kelly The Kitchen Kop
Pennywise Platter at The Nourishing Gourmet
Great information! I have used both, the tincture and the tea. I prefer the tea because my body seems to assimilate it much better than the tincture. I also believe that herbals teas should be given regularly to children beginning at a young age. This way they become familiar with the "herbal taste" of teas and consequently it will be easier for them as adults to incorporate herbal teas as a regular part of their dietary regime.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the piece of wisdom in giving teas to children at a young age, That makes so much sense!
ReplyDeleteI use this herb for sinus and throat infections as a tea. I mix it with mint since it's so bitter, but the combination is wonderful. And quite powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hadassah for your advice. Definitely good information to know in case we need it!
ReplyDeleteI just ordered some tea online, but I don't get why you need to use distilled water and glass or stainless steel. Would love it if you could give me some advice...
ReplyDeleteLove, Jules
Hello Julie, distilled water is best since it has been filtered and will not have the added chemicals you can find in tap water. Using glass and stainless steel is recommended as it will avoid any leeching of metals. The goal is to prepare tea to ensure the most benefit to your body. Hope this answers your questions.
ReplyDeleteThanx for explaining, I do filter all my water with a brita filter and I looked ceramic coatings up and it's supposed to be safe. But I get the the reason behind it now, it's about making it the best healing tea for your body...
ReplyDelete