Pau d'arco Tea Poultice for Cancer Pain

Pau d'arco is a large evergreen tree native to Central and South America. The inner bark of the tree is often used in herbal remedies and has been available in the United States since the 1980s. The bark is reputed to provide pain relief and treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer. Pau d'arco can be ingested internally or used externally as a poultice.

Pau D'Arco Poultices

• According to the American Cancer Society, some people use the herb as a poultice to treat skin inflammations and hemorrhoids as well as fungal infections, eczema and wounds. Pau d'arco poultices are not documented as being used for cancer pain.

Making a Pau D'Arco Poultice

• Pau d'arco poultices are made by boiling the bark and applying the bark directly to the affected area. The amount of bark depends on the size of the area. Practitioners recommend boiling the bark for at least eight minutes to release the active ingredients.

Pau D'Arco Active Ingredients

• The active ingredient in pau d'arco is a naphthoquinone called lapachol. A 2009 study by the faculty of pharmacy at Takasaki University of Health and Welfare on the effects of pau d'arco showed modest antifungal and antibacterial activity.

Pau D'Arco and Cancer

• Scientists at the Strang Cancer Prevention Center published a 2009 study that showed that pau d'arco was effective in shrinking some cancer cells. The University of Maryland cautions that the amount of pau d'arco needed to reduce cancer cells is potentially toxic to humans.

Pau D'Arco and Pain

• Pau d'arco is often used for pain relief, but there are no studies to confirm whether it is actually effective for pain.

Pau D'Arco Cautions

• Externally, the tree bark can sensitize skin and could cause asthma with exposure to wood dust. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction to the bark.