Lapacho - Pink Trumpet Tree

Detailed Description

Lapacho is the inner bark of a South American tree, often referred to by indigenous people as the 'Tree of the Gods.' Thanks to its beneficial effects on the body, Lapacho holds a prominent place among herbal teas worldwide.

Botanical Information

Lapacho, scientifically known as Tabebuia impetiginosa, is a tree native to the tropical regions of South America. It typically grows to a height of 10–25 meters, featuring smooth bark and extremely hard, disease- and rot-resistant wood, making it valuable for construction in its native area. Remarkably, this tree can live up to 700 years. Its striking blue-purple-pink flowers are carnivorous, feeding on insects. In traditional medicine, only the inner bark of select varieties—Lapacho Morado and Lapacho Colorado—is used.

Origin and Distribution

Lapacho originates from the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Latin America. Historical records state that Lapacho bark might have reached Europe as early as the era of the Vikings, possibly brought back from their transoceanic voyages. While related species exist in Africa, significant medicinal effects have not been observed in those varieties. In contrast, South American Lapacho has a long-standing reputation among indigenous tribes for its health-supporting properties. Today, its antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects are recognized and utilized globally.

Usage / Dosage

The original Portuguese name for Lapacho (pau d'arco) alludes to its use by indigenous South American tribes for making hunting bows from its strong wood, which was also made into 'medicine.' Traditionally, Lapacho bark is used to treat a wide array of ailments.

One of the main applications of Lapacho is for treating a broad spectrum of infections, especially viral respiratory infections such as the common flu. Folk (tribal) medicine uses Lapacho for colds, influenza, swine flu, gonorrhea, syphilis, urinary tract and bladder infections, as well as parasitic and yeast infections. It also plays a role in the traditional management of infectious diarrhea and dysentery.

Lapacho continues to be utilized for diabetes, liver disorders, asthma, bronchitis, joint inflammations, hernias, burns, anemia, wounds, gastric inflammation, and gastrointestinal ulcers.

Its antioxidant properties are valued for easing inflammatory symptoms and it is considered by folk medicine as an immunostimulant (supporting the body’s defenses and boosting resistance). The compounds found in Lapacho are believed to help optimize high blood pressure and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes.

In South America, Lapacho is applied directly to areas affected by yeast infections. It is also used topically for burns, leg ulcers, arthritic joints, and various skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. When consumed as a beverage or inhaled, it is traditionally used for asthma and allergic reactions. In the Amazon, it supports relaxation and improves sleep.

During the 1960s, the active compounds in Lapacho were intensively studied for potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in halting tumor growth in the stomach and in leukemia, which produced notably positive results. To this day, the American Cancer Society refers to Lapacho as an herbal remedy with potential to help with certain types of cancer and possibly as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Interestingly, the compounds in Lapacho may have regenerative effects on damaged healthy tissues in the liver, gallbladder, and the intestines.

Lapacho is considered very safe when used appropriately, though excessive consumption (overdose) has been reported to cause vomiting, dizziness, and light-headedness. Caution is advised for patients taking blood-thinning medication (such as clopidogrel, acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, warfarin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, or similar), or those with coagulation disorders. Due to insufficient data, Lapacho is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Active Compounds

Two primary active ingredients have been identified in Lapacho: lapachol and beta-lapachone. These compounds are noted for their ability to combat viruses, fungi, bacteria, and various parasites. Flavonoids also contribute significant antioxidant effects.

Traditional Dosage

Boil 8–12g of Lapacho bark in 1 liter of water for 8–10 minutes (sufficient boiling time is essential to extract the active ingredients). Remove from heat and let steep for another 15–20 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. For ground bark, take 1 teaspoon mixed in water twice a day. Capsules containing 100% herb are recommended at a dosage of 2 capsules twice a day; tinctures at 20 drops 3 times daily.

Warning: Lapacho may thin the blood and is therefore unsuitable for people with low blood clotting ability or those already on anticoagulants such as warfarin.