Taheebo Tea

Taheebo tea is prepared by boiling dried and shredded inner bark of pau d’ arco, a deciduous tree found in South Amazonian rain forest. Also known as lapacho or pau d’arco tea, it has a bitter taste but is a storehouse of amazing medicinal properties, being an antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory beverage.

History

The presence of medicinally effective active ingredients in the red or purple Pau d’ Arco bark prompted the Incas, and later the Callaways, to use it to cure numerous ailments. The Mayans too used it for its medicinal benefits.

Taheebo tea health benefits: What is it good for

Lapacho tea in cancer

There are two active ingredients, lapachol, and beta lapachone, in the inner bark of pau d’ arco. According to scientific researches, lapachol has shown considerable potential in fighting metastasis, and beta lapachone is claimed to disrupt the fatal ability of cancer cells to mend their DNA, thus, ultimately killing them. In another study, scientists have discovered that the bark activates the immune system cells called macrophages that are effective in destroying liver cancer cells.

The possibility of developing cancer is also reduced by the presence of selenium, a trace element with powerful antioxidant properties. It shows a tendency to eliminate the free radicals responsible for damaging cells and hastening cancer.

The tea thus is believed to help decrease the growth of over 20 types of cancers such as breast, prostate, cervical, ovarian, lung, pancreatic, thyroid as well as lymphoma and leukemia. However, more research needs to be done as in some cases, it may also lead to internal bleeding.

The detoxifying property of selenium in the tea also helps to prevent arthritis.

Antiviral effects

The suppression of enzymes in virus cells by certain ingredients in the tea may have a direct effect on the synthesis and functions of their DNA and RNA. As a result, the viruses are rendered incapable of replication and infecting other cells, thus proving helpful in prevention and treatment of viral diseases like AIDS, herpes, and polio.

Lapacho tea also tends to be effective in obstructing and killing numerous deadly viruses such a Rous sarcoma virus, avian myeloblastosis, murine leukemia virus, and vesicular stomatitis.

In strengthening the immune system

The tea has been shown to promote red blood cell production, which is instrumental in carrying oxygen to the cells. Thus, drinking the tea regularly appears to eliminate symptoms of flu, cold, fever or sore throat and reduce the risks of having degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

A yeast overgrown condition called Candida can also weaken immunity if it is not treated on time, as it can trigger various problems such as stomach disorders, skin rashes, and sore throat. The antimicrobial property of the tea helps to kill the Candida albicans fungus.

It also claims to help in other skin irritations like eczema and psoriasis.

The tea is supposed to have positive effects on diabetes, and liver disorders. However, more research needs to be done in these areas.

Helps in digestion

The laxative property of the tea seems to moderately loosen the bowels, consequently ensuring greater regularity, thereby preventing constipation and flatulence.

How to make taheebo tea: Brewing instructions

• Boil one teaspoon of the tea (you can also use the dried bark) in four cups of water on high flame for about 5 minutes
• Reduce the heat and continue to boil on a lower flame for another 25 minutes.
• Let it cool and pour through a strainer into a clean container
• If you are using raw bark, add some lemon juice to absorb the tannins that make the tea bitter
• It can be taken as a hot beverage and also refrigerated.

Safety and Precautions

Is lapacho tea safe during pregnancy

There is scanty information available regarding the safety and efficacy of the tea in pregnancy. So it is better to avoid during this time.

Side effects of the tea

Usually, there are no side effects, but, drinking in a large quantity should be avoided as it can induce diarrhea, throwing up, and mild dizziness. Sometimes it can turn urine pink.

Where to buy the tea

The tea can be purchased online and also from herbal stores.