Even before Lapacho tea made a buzz in the market, native people from Southern America, Brazil, and Northern Argentina have already been using this wonder tea because of the health benefits that it can offer. Some call this tea the “Tea of Incas.”
Other than that, It is also known to others as Pau D’Arco.
So what is the hype for Lapacho tea all about?
In this article, we are going to talk about the lapacho tea, the benefits that it can offer, the recommended dosage, and its possible side effects.
Lapacho Tea in a Nutshell
The bark, which is the main ingredient of the lapacho tea is native to South America. The tea is specifically made from the inner bark of the Pink Ipe. People had already been using the lapacho tea to treat various kinds of health problems as early as 1873.
In Portuguese, the word Pau D’arco means “bow stick.” The bark is the primary material of the South American’s hunting bows.
The Pau D’arco is a type of evergreen tree which has rose-colored flowers. The phloem, the inner lining of the bark, is used for the tea.
Even though there are 100 species of Pau D’arco, there are only a few known to provide high-quality materials that can be used for lapacho tea.
This material is not easily distinguished by all people. Rather, it takes remarkably skilled gatherers to distinguish these high-quality materials from the rest.
The lapacho tea is free from caffeine and rich in minerals and vitamins that are essential to one’s health. Some of the vitamins and minerals that this tea contains are calcium, iron, magnesium, boron, barium, and iodine. This article will talk about the health benefits that the lapacho tea can offer. How you can use it to improve your overall well-being will also be tackled here.
Benefits of the Lapacho Tea
1. It Slows Down The Aging Process
The lapacho tea is a great antioxidant that can slow down the aging process. If you’re worried about the lines and wrinkles forming on your face, then you can consume this tea to make you look and feel younger. The lapacho tea has components that have been proven by science to reduce signs of aging. By drinking lapacho, you can lessen the use of cosmetic products which may otherwise contain harmful chemicals.
Some studies also show that the components of lapacho tea can help in slowing down the degeneration of muscles and the brain. It can also boost mitochondrial health, and thus aid in rejuvenating cells in the body.
2. Lapacho tea has a Laxative Effect
Have you been suffering from diarrhea? If yes, then you might want to try drinking lapacho tea to solve your problems. Consumers of the tea reported that its laxative effect has helped in improving their digestive health and normalizing their bowel movements. Instead of popping up pills whenever your stomach turns up, all you need to do is consume some lapacho tea.
3. Lapacho tea strengthens your Immune System
Studies have proven that lapacho tea has potent antimicrobial effects. Consequently, these effects can help enhance one’s immune system. Nowadays, even those within the younger age bracket are suffering from chronic diseases.
Hence, you must equip yourself with a secure and boosted the immune system to fight the potential infections that might enter your body. Along with proper diet and regular exercise, the lapacho tea can aid in promoting your shield against various illnesses you can contract.
Moreover, lab tests also show that the antimicrobial properties of the lapacho tea can also counter bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites in the body.
4. It Increases the Oxygen Flow to Your Body
This tea can help to boost the production of red blood cells in your body. As a result, it can improve the circulation of oxygen in your body. Moreover, Pau D’ Arco may also have a positive effect on your bone marrow health in the long run.
5. Lapacho tea can help fight Cancer
One of the reasons why most researchers are interested in studying Pau D’ Arco and the benefits that it can offer is because of its cancer-fighting effects. Studies show that this tea can battle cancer and other chronic illnesses.
It contains beta-lapachone that can combat breast cancer, leukemia, and prostate cancer. Moreover, it also contains anti-oxidants which can battle free radicals in the body that can cause damage to your cells and DNA.
Some scientists have experimented on mice with lung cancer to test their theory. Upon observation, it was revealed that the beta lapachone could combat the heat shock protein and kills the cancer cells in the process.
Although it may not be known to many, lapacho tea has been used as a treatment of human cancer cells for several years already.
6. It Can Help Promote Weight Loss
If you’re struggling to lose weight, then you might want to give this tea a try. For women, the lapacho tea can help you to shed unwanted weight even for those who have unstable estrogen levels. It also helps decrease the level of triglycerides in fat cells.
7. Lapacho tea is a Painkiller
Muscle and joint pains are normal as we age. Studies have proven that the lapacho tea can be used as a painkiller. It can reduce swelling and inflammation. Some consumers also reported that it has helped to alleviate pain from their arthritis and osteoarthritis.
The reason for this is that the beta-lapachone in lapacho protects your brain cells and stops the inflammation from worsening. It can also neutralize the oxygen species and increase the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines in your body.
8. Lapacho tea is an Antibiotic
Overdosing on antibiotics can lead to harmful side effects. Studies have also revealed that the lapacho tea can act as a natural antibiotic. In that way, you can avoid buying antibiotic medicines over the counter. Its natural ingredients are safe and effective.
9. Lapacho tea can Treat Ulcer
The number of ulcer patients is alarmingly increasing. The extract of the Pau D’arco tree contains acetic acid which can address one’s ulcer problems. It works by increasing the level of mucus and cell proliferation in your body. Various studies and experiments have been done to prove this benefit. Now, scientists claim that it is effective in treating ulcer.
10. Lapacho tea can combat Candida
Candida is one of the most common yeast infections that may be experienced by both young children and adults. This infection can cause a variety of health problems that you might want to avoid such as stomach illnesses and sore throat. This infection can disrupt your body’s natural PH balance.
One of the common signs that you should watch out for is the sugar obsession, extreme fatigue, upset stomach, and high levels of yeast production in your body. If the production of the yeast in your mouth and vagina for women is alarmingly increasing, then you have to visit your doctor before it deteriorates.
Nevertheless, drinking the lapacho tea can help you to treat and avoid candida in the long run.
11. Lapacho tea does not contain Caffeine
For those who are not keen on drinking caffeinated drinks, then the lapacho tea is just right for you. Even if it does not contain caffeine, it is still packed with various vitamins and minerals.
This makes it ideal for those who want to reap the same benefits as other caffeinated drinks but are caffeine-sensitive or simply do not prefer to drinks that contain caffeine.
12. Lapacho tea can fight Allergic Reactions
Since the lapacho tea contains anti-inflammatory components, it can also help fight allergic reactions. People suffering from eczema can benefit a lot from drinking this tea. It reduces the symptoms of allergy, and it protects your skin without the use of chemicals. The tea also works by decreasing the level of TH2 and TH1 that can trigger an allergic reaction.
13. It Promotes Mental Health
Another thing about this herbal tea is that it can help in improving your mental health. It can help soothe stress and create a calm state of mind. Moreover, it can also improve alertness and attention to feelings.
How to Prepare Lapacho Tea
Now that you know the benefits that the lapacho tea can offer, let us now proceed to the steps on how to prepare lapacho tea in the comfort of your own home. While there are instant tea sachets that you can find in the market, you can also opt to make the lapacho tea yourself.
- First, you need to gather your dried product fresh from the market. Use distilled water when boiling the product.
- Leave it for at least 20 minutes before putting it out of the fire. After that, let it cool for a while before you strain it for your tea.
- As much as possible, you should not consume more than eight teaspoons of the concoction in every cup.
- Make sure that you drink the tea in small portions to avoid side effects. The tea water can be used as a vaginal flush.
Note:
The recommended amount of the concoction is only one teaspoon in every quart of water. In that way, you’ll be able to avoid one of its known side effects such as coagulation. Reducing the bark used when preparing tea can help to elevate the problem.
Buying Lapacho Tea
If you are not a fan of preparing your tea, then you could also opt to buy Pau D’arco products available in the market or Amazon instead. Make sure to read the label of the product before you proceed to the counter.
Some lapacho tea products contain different doses of Pau D’ Arco.
Aside from that, it is a must to purchase the products from trusted and well-known manufacturers only. Remember that only the inner lining of the Pau D’arco tree is needed for the tea. However, some manufacturers trick people into offering lapacho tea products that are made from young trees.
Side Effects of Lapacho Tea
Just like any other herbal treatment, the lapacho tea also has its own set of side effects. Educating yourself on this will help you to manage the side effects, should you experience any of it. Some people react well to the tea and do not suffer from any side effect at all. However, some may experience the following:
- Nausea
- Bowel movements
- Constipation
- Slight dizziness
Important Note to Remember:
As what was previously mentioned above, you should only consume the lapacho tea in smaller portions. Stick to the ratio of consumption that has been ideally prescribed. Taking high doses of the tea can lead to harmful side effects, especially if you’re just drinking the tea for the first time.
If you’ve taken it in smaller portions and you still suffer from the side effects, you can opt to use the product externally to prevent severe side effects from manifesting.
Most importantly, consult your MD first before you take the product. You never know, but you may be allergic to some of its ingredients.
How to use the Lapacho Tea properly:
- Use it to fight candida by creating a douche using the tea. You may then use this concoction as a wash for your body.
- Skin and rash infections can also be treated. Soak a clean piece of clothing in the tea water and gently apply it to the affected areas.
- If you are planning to consume the lapacho tea to support your weight loss program, make sure that you follow the right dosage. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is also
- essential to achieve your desired body shape and weight.
- Consume the Lapacho tea in smaller portions regularly. We suggest you incorporate it into your breakfast.
Conclusion
Lapacho tea is indeed an excellent herbal tea that everyone must know about. The health benefits that it offers can help to improve the quality of your life. Drinking this tea can help lessen your worries about getting various chronic diseases and bacterial infection that may weaken your body.
John Smith MD
References:
1 10 Reasons to Drink Lapacho Tea, Autor Nele Liivlaid
2 Overview Information Pau d’arco
3 8 Health Benefits of Pau D’arco
4 Structured Water: The Next Best Treatment for Muscular, Skin & Mood Disorders? Autor Jillian Levy, CHHC
5 Demonstration of the lapachol as a potential drug for reducing cancer metastasis.
Autor: De Paulo SA MD