Pau d’arco, derived from the inner bark of Tabebuia trees, is native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions of Central and South America. Indigenous peoples have used pau d’arco for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including infections, inflammation, and cancer.
The bark contains compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Spanish and Portuguese explorers documented its medicinal use in the 16th century, and it has since become known worldwide.
In modern herbal medicine, pau d’arco is valued for its immune-boosting properties and is commonly used to support the treatment of infections, inflammatory conditions, and certain cancers.