Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Handroanthus serratifolius

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to active compounds (including lapachol) whose effects are not established in this context. Not suitable for prolonged use without advice from a healthcare professional, as cases of digestive and blood disorders have been reported at high doses. Possible interactions with anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatments; seek medical advice if under ongoing treatment. To be avoided in children and in cases of clotting disorders, as the bark contains active naphthoquinones that require monitoring.

Decoction — Inner bark (entrecasco)

Traditional Pau d'Arco bark decoction

The dried inner bark, cut into strips, is traditionally boiled in water for an extended period, sometimes over twenty minutes, to extract the bitter principles. It is then filtered and drunk warm, between meals. Professional advice is recommended before any course of treatment, as the concentration of active principles varies greatly depending on the preparation. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Dried inner bark

Bark tincture

In certain contemporary herbal traditions, the dried bark is macerated in alcohol for several weeks to obtain a concentrated tincture. This more potent form requires supervision by a professional trained in South American plants. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or a recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Dried Pau d'Arco bark can be found in certain herbalist shops specializing in South American plants or online stores dedicated to traditional remedies; the tree itself grows wild in tropical forests and Brazilian cerrados.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The inner bark is traditionally harvested from mature trees during the dry season, the period when it is considered richest in active principles.

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