What is lapacho and why is it so popular?
Lapacho, also known as the "Sacred Tree of the Incas" or Pau d'Arco, is a tree native to South America, whose bark has been used for centuries for its exceptional medicinal virtues. Considered a powerful natural remedy in phytotherapy, it is renowned for its immunostimulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Its use dates back to ancient pre-Columbian civilizations, who used it to strengthen natural defenses, fight infections and improve general vitality. Today, lapacho is prized for its benefits for the immune system, liver, digestion and chronic ailments.
What are the health and well-being benefits of lapacho?
One of lapacho's main assets is its wealth of active compounds, including naphthoquinones, flavonoids and essential minerals, which give it powerful antimicrobial and immunostimulant properties. By supporting the immune system, it helps the body to fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections more effectively.
Its antifungal effects are particularly remarkable in the treatment of mycosis, candidiasis and yeast infections. It acts by disrupting the metabolism of pathogenic fungi, thus preventing their proliferation. It is often used as a cure to restore the balance of intestinal flora and prevent recurrence of candidiasis.
As a natural anti-inflammatory, lapacho is beneficial for people suffering from joint pain, arthritis or chronic inflammation. It helps relieve joint stiffness and improve mobility, without the side effects of conventional anti-inflammatories.
Its hepatoprotective and detoxifying action makes it an excellent ally for the liver. It promotes the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body and improves liver function, making it an ideal complement for people wishing to detoxify after overeating or prolonged use of medication.
On the digestive front, lapacho is used to regulate intestinal transit, soothe digestive mucosa and relieve gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, gastric acidity and digestive infections. It also helps eliminate intestinal parasites, thanks to its natural anti-parasitic properties.
Finally, its antioxidant properties help protect cells against premature aging and oxidative stress. It stimulates cell regeneration and helps prevent degenerative diseases, while improving skin radiance and general vitality.
How is lapacho eaten on a daily basis?
Lapacho is mainly consumed as an herbal tea or decoction, by infusing its bark in hot water. To reap its full benefits, we recommend you :
It is often used in combination with other immunostimulant plants, such as echinacea or turmeric, to reinforce its protective and anti-inflammatory action.
Does lapacho have any side effects or contraindications?
Although natural, lapacho should be used with caution, especially by those on anticoagulant therapy, as it can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. It is also not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, due to the lack of studies on its effects in these situations.
At high doses, it can cause mild digestive disorders, such as nausea or transient diarrhea. It is therefore advisable to start with a low dose and gradually increase if necessary.
Finally, because of its detoxifying effect, it can cause a temporary elimination reaction, with slight fatigue or headaches at the start of the treatment. This is often a sign that the body is eliminating accumulated toxins, and disappears after a few days.
How to choose a quality lapacho?
To reap the full benefits of lapacho, it's essential to choose quality bark from an environmentally-friendly harvest. Here are some important criteria:
