health alternative blog

Medicinal Properties of Essential Oils: Eradicating Fungus

A Possible Alternative

Discussion of fungal infections is not a popular topic. Infections by these organisms are a source of embarrassment as well as a cause of severe mucosal irritation for many people. If certain fungi are able to penetrate the tissues, they can also be life-threatening. Unfortunately, conventional treatment is neither easy nor without its share of side-effects. Science studies within the last decade point to safe and effective alternative treatments using essential oils.

So, What Actually Is Fungus?

Many of us might associate fungus with hairy things growing on forgotten bread or cheese, or organisms that grow out of rotten logs. Yet, fungi are also commonly found on and in the human body. When our immune systems are compromised, fungi can infect non-living tissue such as our hair and nails as well as beneath the skin. Fungal infections (also called mycosis) can be a direct cause of skin and mucous membrane irritations and in worst case scenarios be the cause of death.

Ailments Associated with Fungal Infections

You might have experienced or know someone with a Candida infection. This troublesome yeast can cause irksome and often reoccurring vaginal infections in women and oral thrush in both adults and children. Those with compromised immune systems can develop systemic and sometimes fatal infections.

Other common fungal infections are known as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and onychomycosis (the unsightly discoloration and cracking of toenails). One not so commonly recognized is aspergillosis ? an infection caused by Aspergillus species. This fungus, which is normally found growing on decaying vegetation, can cause allergic reactions in those with compromised immune systems. Inhaled spores can lead to restricted airways and severe bouts of coughing and even bleeding.

As you can deduce, fungal infections are nothing to trifle with. In the following paragraphs synopses of science study findings are assembled. All of these studies have indicated possible use of essential oils to effectively treat fungal infections.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Candida Infections

Using essential oils in the treatment of Candida infections has been the focus of many recent research studies across the globe. Candida treated with Japanese Cypress oil, tea tree, juniper and even cinnamon are among some of the essential oils found to be effective at inhibiting further growth of this fungus. Researchers from the Defense Research Laboratory in India (2007) chose six essential oils and compared their results with two known antibiotics used in the treatment of Candida. Scientists found that the essential oils exhibited more potent activity than the conventional drugs.

Essential Oils in the Treatment of Dermatophytes

Dermatophyte fungi infect the skin, hair and nails of humans as well as our beloved pets. The by-products of their colonization are toxins. These toxins in turn cause often painful inflammation and embarrassing blemishes (remember your grandparents’ brown or even green toenails?yuck!).

A study conducted by the Institute for Biological Research in Serbia (2008) found that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was able to cure rats induced with dermatophyte infections. Their findings echo several other studies, concluding that certain essential oils demonstrate potential as a natural fungicide to control dermatophytic fungi.

Treating Aspergillus Infections

Although spores of Aspergillus are found in the air and on the ground, those that develop an infection from Aspergillus (aspergillosis) can develop severe reactions. Several research studies indicated that using essential oils to combat this potentially deadly fungus merit consideration in clinical use. A 2009 study from the University of Porto in Portugal found that clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) exhibited inhibitory activity against Aspergillus. They identified that the active compound found in clove oil (eugenol) caused extensive damage to the fungal cell membranes.

Conclusion

It is certain that most of us will experience fungal infections at one time or another. Once these organisms take a foot hold, they are not eager to leave and are often resistant to conventional treatments. Acknowledging that conventional treatments are not always successful nor safe, medical researchers are looking at using essential oils as a treatment alternative. Laboratory studies indicate that essential oils are effective against fungal infections and in some cases more potent than conventional drugs.

More aromatherapy information is available at Ananda Aromatherapy, such as using bay laurel essential oil and other therapeutic organic essential oils.

What Are Some Herbal Remedies For The Flu

We all know the symptoms; sore or scratchy throat, aches, chills, stuffy nose, cough, fatigue and headache..they all point to the flu. Sometimes you can develop a fever and nausea/vomiting as well. It is a difficult time for the sufferer and the caretaker. Did you know there are many flu herbal remedies available? All those over the counter so-called flu medications sure can get expensive and quite frankly, they never really worked that well on me and my family.

A few years ago I began researching more natural ways to deal with flu symptoms. I was thrilled to find that there really are cost effective flu herbal remedies that can quickly alleviate the discomfort of the flu. I’m not saying these remedies will cure you, but they will lessen the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you will feel lousy.

One of the first signs of the flu can typically be a cough. At the fist sign of a cough, place one dropper full of Echinacea (alcohol-free, of course) in your mouth for five to ten minutes. You can repeat this every hour for three to four hours. If you have congestion, put five drops of Eucalyptus oil in a hot bath or, if you don’t feel like or are incapable of getting into the bath tub, just pour six drops of the Eucalyptus oil in a cup of boiling water, then put a towel over your head and inhale the vapors.

Cayenne, also known as capsicum, will keep the mucus flowing which will help with congestion and also headaches. Yes, this is the same cayenne we use in cooking and it can also be used in flu herbal remedies. Cayenne can be bought and taken in capsule form or you can add it to soups or other foods. However, eating food may not be something you feel like doing while suffering from the flu, so I suggest adding the cayenne to your soup or broth.

Extract of Elderberry contains antiviral properties. For this reason, it can actually reduce the flu symptoms. An easy way to use Elderberry in flu herbal remedies is to make a tea, simply simmer 1 tablespoon of dried berries in two cups of hot water for 15 minutes. You should have this tea three times a day to be effective. Alternatively, you can use elderberry in tincture or capsule form.

Tea is very soothing during times of illness or stress so it is one of my preferred flu herbal remedies. Making a basic tea for the flu is easy. The following blend will soothe the symptoms of flu as well as a cold by fighting viruses and bacteria. This mixture can be made and stored away from heat and light in an airtight container for up to one year. Mix: cup dried peppermint leaves cup dried lemon balm leaves cup dried elder flowers cup dried yarrow flowers

To brew tea: Bring 1 cup water to a boil and remove from heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of the tea blend and teaspoon freshly grated ginger. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and add honey and/or lemon juice if desired. It is no fun to get the flu, but I hope this article has shown you the flu herbal remedies can be an effective alternative to the traditional over-the-counter medicines. Being prepared by having the suggested herbs in your home and available to use when needed is a good idea because when you are not feeling well, you definitely will not want to go to the store to buy anything. Be prepared and have them readily available.

If you need have the flu and nothing is working flu remedies will definitely help you with all of your alternative medicine needs

Anti Inflammatory Herbs - 4 Things You Should Ask Yourself Before You Use Them

When it comes to treating inflammation, research suggests that a number of anti inflammatory herbs could do the same job as, if not work better than, traditional prescription and over the counter medications.

Natural anti inflammatory treatments can work for many people, though you should always ask yourself a series of important questions before you start using them. Here is a quick guide to what you should be thinking about.

1. Which Herb Will Work Best for You?

Think about your lifestyle and your diet before you start taking any herbal remedies. And always remember that certain treatment methods may work better for one person than another.

You could start by making a few changes to what you eat - such as eating more fatty fish - as this can help to reduce inflammation. Always make sure you get plenty of fruit and veg in your diet, and you can also try adding in spices such as turmeric and cayenne.

Next you can start trying anti inflammatory herbs including boswellin, ginger or licorice to see if they help, and if your dietary changes haven’t worked for you.

2. Does the Herb Conflict With Medication You’re Already Taking?

You should never add natural anti inflammatory treatments to your regime until you’ve asked your doctor first. If you are taking any medication, whether this is for inflammation or any other purpose, you could find that herbs create undesirable side effects or stop these medications from working.

In fact, anti inflammatory herbs could even conflict with other natural herbs that you are using, which is why it’s so important to read labels thoroughly.

3. Does This Herb Have Any Unpleasant Side Effects?

Always check that you aren’t allergic to any ingredients before you take a natural remedy. You should also ask your doctor for advice, and follow instructions carefully, to help avoid the chances of any negative side effects.

4. Are You Buying the Herbs from A Trusted Source?

Lastly you need to make sure that you only buy good quality, which means buying from a reliable source. You should check the list of ingredients and know exactly what you’re getting before you buy.

As you can see, choosing anti inflammatory herbs requires asking a few questions of yourself for best results. However, after checking with a medical professional, these herbs can be a great way to relieve your condition naturally.

There is no shortage of positive reviews when it comes to these herbs. However, it’s still necessary to know other important related issues or facts about anti inflammatory herbs and natural anti inflammatory treatments, especially in circumstances where they could cause negative side effects.

Reishi Extract - Scientific Research Synopsis

Reishi is the most searched medicinal mushroom on the Internet, used in China for at least two millennia as a panacea to alleviate things from everyday nuisances like the common cold or skin disorders to terminal conditions such as cancer.

One of the strongest proponents for the use of reishi as a medicinal mushroom is Dr. Fukumi Morishige. He works with the Linus Pauling Institute of Science & Medicine on treating cancer with reishi.

Re-printed in the Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III was a speech by Dr. Morishige that included the case studies listed below.

Born in Japan, Dr. Morishige was unavoidably familiar with reishi long before hearing of its use in cancer treatment. Naturally, he believed the same as any other medically trained professional, that perhaps reishi might yield some marginal results on benign conditions but he felt certain any further claims were surely exaggerated. Not until two of his own cancer patients exhibited signs of remission, which they attributed to their use of reishi, did his curiosity peak.

The first was a 39-year-old female with lung cancer. Several hospitals had given her the same prognosis. The condition was too far progressed; there was nothing they could do to help her. She’d also been having secondary complications to the cancer in the form of edema of the chest cavity. But by the time she came to see Dr. Morishige six months later, those symptoms had completely disappeared. The patient herself insisted the improvement was due to 4 grams of reishi per day.

Next was a young boy with congenital liver cancer. At five years of age, his doctor had told his parents the cancer was terminal and subsequently discontinued treatment. Four years later, the parents took their son to see Dr. Morishige, who was no longer able to find any traces of the cancer. The boy’s parents told Dr. Morishige they’d been administering reishi to their son via his naso-gastric feeding tube. It was after this that Dr. Morishige decided to take a closer look at reishi’s effect on cancer.

Listed below are five of Dr. Morishige’s cases. Reishi and Vitamin C (for side effects) was used:

Case 1: A male patient, 70 years of age, had lost consciousness from a 5 cm brain tumor. Dr. Morishige put him on 6 grams of reishi daily beginning June, 1986. By September, he’d come out of his coma, after which he continued taking 3 grams of reishi per day. Six months later, brain scans revealed that the tumor had shrunk. When it had diminished to 1 cm (0.4 in.), the man left the hospital to go home and live with his family.

Case 2: A 50+ female with metastatic lung cancer and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) began a regimen of 6 gm/day of reishi. Six months later, the tumor had disappeared. And whereas before she had experienced severe shortness of breath, she could now effortlessly climb stairs.

Case 3: Patient with breast cancer that had spread to the bones was in unbearable pain and immobilized below the head. An initial dose of 9 grams of reishi daily was increased to 20 grams per day. Two months later, the woman was pain free and released after demonstrating improvement in her ability to walk.

Case 4: A patient with rectal cancer, which had metastasized to the liver, was administered 6 gm/day of reishi. CT scans taken 6 months later showed tumor shrinkage and patient reported feeling better.

Case 5: A patient with pancreatic cancer and short life prognosis was put on 9 grams of reishi per day, orally, and 30 grams of Vitamin C, intravenously. Twelve months later, he reported that he longer experienced any symptoms and was back to work. He said he’d continued taking 5 grams per day of reishi after leaving the hospital.

Note: This article is provided for scientific and informational purposes only. This product has not been tested by the FDA and should not be used for self-treatment of tumors. Never use any herb for medicinal purposes without consulting a licensed medical doctor.

Reference: Morishige, Fukumi, 1987. Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III, Page 12 - 23, ISBN4-88580-053-6 C-0077

About the author: Markho Rafael has worked in natural health since the mid-90’s, specializing in mycomedicinals such as reishi and cordyceps. Click FungiPerfecti Reishi Extract for more free articles about reishi and how it works individually or in combination such as in Stamets 7. You may also request free unique copy of articles for your web-site or other publication.

Colon Cleansing Herbs: The Optimum Prescription

Drug and alcohol dependency is a major health concern all over the world as it is very difficult to treat and cure. Addicts are known to use even detoxification drugs to get their daily dose of high. A new trend is being noticed all over the world as natural detoxification herbs are being used to treat and cure a person of his/her addiction.

Some detox herbs are better for the immune system than others, and there are a number of definite considerations for any detoxification programme. Psyllium seeds can be used to promote a healthy bowel and generally help maintain its condition, helping with problems such as diarrhoea. It is also a good herb for detox due to its sponge-like absorption properties, which helps to soak the toxins from within the body.

Another herbs which is a natural laxative and is good for flushing the system is cascara sagrada. This goes some way to help strengthen the colon and related muscles, and is often used along side psyllium seeds.

To carry the toxins out of your body with blood cleansing fast you need to drink at least 8 cups of steam-distilled water every day. Use herbal extracts to aid in blood cleansing. Drink juices made of beets, lemons, carrots and leafy greens.

It is here that Chinese traditional herbs can make a difference by treating addiction problem without any harmful side effects. Chinese traditional detoxification herbs help to you to bury the habit once and forever without messing up your body or making you dependent on these herbal medicines.

You can use these herbs in any combination or independently to aid in blood cleansing. Dandelion, burdock, licorice, rhubarb, sage, shiitake mushroom, ginsengs, hawthorn, pau d’arco, and red clover. If you have high blood pressure, don’t use licorice or ginseng at all and not more than 7 days in a row when healthy. Sage is not an option for you during blood cleansing fast if you have any kind of seizure disorder, and avoid Siberian ginseng if you have hypoglycemia or heart disorder.

Studies have shown Chinese herbal medicines to be successful in treating a range of drug and alcohol abuse with minimum side effects. In treating dependency, various kinds of natural Chinese herbs are used, to achieve chemical balance in the body.

To cleanse the mucous membranes you can use goldenseal for one week at a time. If you are allergic to ragweed use it with caution. Borage seed, ginkgo biloba, and sarsaparilla help to restore the acid/alkaline balance.

Discover The Health Benefits Of Colonics

There are many spas and alternative health practitioners who offer colonic irrigation as a treatment to help you manage your health. But are you aware of what the process entails and what some of the potential side effects are? It is a good idea to educate yourself about the possible side effects of any medical procedure before you undergo it and colonic irrigation is no different.

Colonic irrigation involves using an enema to introduce water into the intestinal tract. The theory behind colonic irrigation is that it is important to wash away accumulations of fecal matter before they break down in the intestinal tract. The belief is that this breakdown of fecal material can lead to a build up of toxins in the body.

This belief that the breakdown of fecal matter can release toxins was first put forth by the Ancient Egyptians. They believed that much of the body’s ill health came from the intestines and the stomach and bowels were routinely removed during mummification. The Ancient Greeks also expanded this theory. It again was elaborated on in the 19th century and the idea of “auto-intoxication” was developed.

Enemas do use fluids to evacuate, or clear, the bowels but a colonic irrigation uses a much larger amount of water, sometimes up to twenty gallons. It is this large amount of liquid that causes the intestinal tract to distend and bloat, then cramp and forcefully expel the contents, clearing it out. The colonic irrigation also uses a wider variety of compounds and liquids than an enema. The colonic irrigation often combines herbs and herbal extracts, coffee and wheat grass extract to achieve different effects and treat different conditions.

One of the main concerns focused around colonic irrigation is that substances can be absorbed quickly and efficiently into the bloodstream through the anal membranes. This can mean that alcohol, caffeine or other drugs can have a stronger and faster effect than normal and that people can overdose as a result. Some herbs can also make prescription medication less effective. Also, if someone is performing the colonic and they lack the proper training, they can actually rupture the intestinal tract.

Doing research can help you find out any possible side effects. You need to know that even a mixture of baking soda and water can cause electrolyte imbalances and there have been cases of people who have suffered cardiovascular failure as a result of baking soda enemas.

Anything you do that interferes with the body’s natural elimination processes can cause health problems in the long run. You could suffer a perforated bowel from the insertion of the apparatus that will be used to perform the colonic irrigation. You could also become physically or psychologically dependent on help for defecation although this normally only happens after repeated colonic irrigations.

If you are considering colonic irrigation you should research the process fully to make sure that you have all the facts. Keeping them in mind can help you make the decisions which are best for you, and keep you in optimal health.

April Kerr writes for Leo’s Salons which has details on discounted colonic irrigation and inexpensive stretch mark laser treatment.

Natural Herbs to Increase Libido: We have the answers.

From the earliest attempts to treat erectile dysfunction back to Muslim physicians and pharmacists these problems were treated with tested drugs, then John R. Brinckley initiated a boom male impotence cure with injections and surgery despite the increasing availability of effective of these treatments, plant-derived and herbal remedies continue to provide the best alternative for men seeking to improve their sex life.

If you want to reclaim your libido you must have the basics in place and here we will look at some before giving you some herbs that will lift your wellbeing and your libido. First off, these are passion killers: Alcohol, Smoking and recreational drugs - if you want to increase your sex drive you must cut down or give up.

Basically, it works just as well as any other oral pill you are willing to pop into your mouth or even better, take for example Hot Rod, an alternative sexual medication. Given its all natural herbal remedies, it is able to increase life force energy, channel maximum blood flow to the penis and increase libido. It consist of ingredients unheard of to many of us, such as deer antler velvet, Tongkat Ali ( testosterone booster ), butea superba and other plant species used in Asia and the Himalayas.

Why herbal remedies are such a good alternative? Unfortunately 44% of men would not go to their GP if they experience erection problems, and those who do go to their GP about their ED wait on average 17 months before going for a consultation. But there’s no need to delay - oral treatments for ED (PDE5 inhibitors). Herbal products have revolutionised the treatment of men with ED and are now widely available over the counter.

Next, we have one of the key causes of health problems as we age poor circulation. In terms of sexual desire and drive you need to pump blood strongly to the extremities of the genitals. Finally, as you get older your energy levels decline and fatigue and stress can simply make you to tired for sex.

Although there are a lot of speculations regarding the potency and efficiency of these herbs in increasing the male libido and over-all sexual function, medical experts have come a long way to prove that they really do work and as a result an increasing number of men are using natural alternatives.

For testosterone you can use the following herbs, Epimedium Grandiflorum or Horny Goat Weed, Mucuna Pruriens and Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longfolia) which have all been proven in medical testing to increase levels of testosterone within the body. For nitric oxide production again Horny Goat Weed and another Chinese herb Cnidium are proven to increase it. Cnidium is also a blood tonic, nourishing the blood and helping overall circulation. It you add the well known herbs of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba, you have a great blood tonic combination. The combination will pump blood and oxygen throughout the body and help keep the blood vessels healthy at the time.

It’s a problem in the head. In order to solve this, some people suggest hypnosis as it hands performance back to the unconscious mind, reduces anxiety during sexual performance and reminds the head of old effective methods of getting and maintaining an erection. By the end of the day, whether to pop herbal sex pills or not, depends on the cause of impotence itself. Users are advised to read up on the product itself before consuming it. Not all herbal pills are bad, just like everything in life, there’s always two sides to it, one will have to pick wisely.

Never before has herbs cures been this quick and easy! Grab all the inside information while there’s still time at natural herbs to increase libido

Birch Polypore Extract Used for Intestinal Parasites during Stone Ages

As suggested by its name, Birch Polypore grows on birch trees, living or dead. It grows around the world wherever birch trees are found.

Birch Polypore’s main claim to fame is that it was found among the possessions of Oetzi, the mummified Stone Age man from 5,300 years ago whose remains were found in 1991 in a glacial ice cave on the border of Italy and Austria.

It is believed that Oetzi used Birch Polypore as a remedy against intestinal parasites, in particular Trichuris trichuria. [190]

The traditional use of Birch Polypore extract does indeed include use as an anti-parasitic agent, as well as to stop bleeding, and as an antimicrobial agent in general. [25]

Studies from 1997 also reported that compounds isolated from Birch Polypore helped reduce chronic skin inflammation [191] as well as inflammation in general. [192]

An antibiotic compound named Piptamine has been isolated from Birch Polypore, [193] and extract of Birch Polypore has demonstrated effectiveness against Bacillus megateterium. [194] Paul Stamets, world leading medicinal mushroom expert, has suggested studies of Birch Polypore extract against Bacillus anthracis, the anthrax bacteria. [134]

Another compound that is found in high concentrations in Birch Polypore is known as Betulinic Acid. Produced by the birch trees upon which this mushroom grows, Betulinic Acid gets extracted and concentrated by the Birch Polypore. A 1995 study on melanoma found that Betulinic Acid killed the malignant melanoma cells but did not harm healthy cell tissue. [195] Seven years later, another study showed that Birch Polypore extract inhibited the enzymes that promote tumor cell growth, which may help explain how Betulinic Acid works against cancer. [196]

In 2001, Betulinic Acid derivatives of Birch Polypore extract demonstrated unique antiviral effects against HIV by blocking HIV reproduction. [197]

A U.S. patent on a Birch Polypore extract was filed in 2004 by world leading medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets, after research at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) concluded that his proprietary Birch Polypore extract was effective against vaccinia virus and cowpox, and non-toxic to human tissues. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Dr. Markho Rafael has been in the natural health field since Chiropractic College in 1996. His current focus is writing and research on medicinal fungi, specifically working with the MycoMedicinals of Paul Stamets, whose Birch Polypore extract is part of the synergistic blend Paul Stamets Host Defense for Travelers. For research references to this article, go to the Piptoporus betulinus page.

Shiitake Extract Used in Asia as Cancer Medication

Tell Americans that a dish contains “mushrooms” and their minds automatically jump to button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), which have been grown commercially in the West since the 1600’s. In contrast, individuals from Far East Asia are far more likely to jump to Shiitake as the most logical ingredient. Shiitake, which has only recently become a common household name in the West, has a long history of commercial cultivation in Asia.

Originating in China, wild Shiitake is also commonly known as Black Mushroom and Chinese Mushroom. The name Shiitake comes from the Chinese Shii Tree, which is the most common host tree. But it can also grow on beeches and oaks. The cultivation of Shiitake in China and Japan goes back at least 1000 years.

What is less known in the West is that in the form of Shiitake extract, this is also the most studied medicinal mushroom of the Orient. The primary focus of research has been on the anti-viral [93] and anti-tumoral [94] properties.

The benefit of using Shiitake mycelium extract as opposed to the mushroom fruit body is that there are compounds in the mycelium that don’t exist in the fruiting body or that may be in much higher concentration in the mycelium.

In fact, the most commonly researched Shiitake extract is known as Lentinula Edodes Mycelia extract, or LEM for short. (Lentinula edodes is the Latin name for Shiitake.) LEM has been reported in various research papers as being anti-bacterial, [98, 99] boosting the immune system, [95, 96, 97] and being anti-tumoral. [100] A study on melanoma found that it killed the mutated melanoma cells but caused no harm to cells that were healthy. [101]

Lentinan is the name of another much researched compound isolated from Shiitake, named after the Latin genus name Lentinula. Lentinan is a polysaccharide that has been found to stimulate the human immune system to combat cancer. [102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110] It is currently used in Asia as an intravenous cancer drug.

Arabinoxylanes of Shiitake extract derived from rice cultivated mycelium have been shown to have powerful anti-viral properties. [111, 112, 113]

Two viruses in particular that have been studied with promising results are herpes simplex type 1 [114] and HIV [115, 116, 117]. It should be mentioned, however, that the previously mentioned Lentinan as an isolated compound does not appear to affect HIV replication. [25]

Additional studies have reported positive results with Shiitake extract in conditions of chronic fatigue syndrome [119] and Candida [118], as well as for septic shock prevention. [120]

In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Shiitake extract to have a beneficial effect: Blood Pressure; Blood Sugar; Cholesterol; Kidney Tonic; Liver Tonic; Sexual Potentiator; Stress; Breast Cancer; Liver Cancer; Prostate Cancer. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.

Buy Pau D’arco Bark: Lower Stress

A thousand years ago, the Incas of Peru found the inner bark of the pink-flowered lapacho tree indispensable for treating fever, sore throat, dysentery, snakebite, bladder and yeast infections, and even cancer. They also used its wood to make bows for hunting.

Although preliminary lab tests show that a chemical in pau d’arco called lapachol can kill some viruses, bacteria, and fungi in test tubes, it isn’t known whether it will have the same effects when taken by humans. So even though pau d’arco is sometimes used for conditions ranging from candidiasis (a yeast infection of the vaginal or oral areas), herpes simplex virus, and influenza to parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis and bacterial infections such as brucellosis, there is no evidence it works. Test tube studies to evaluate whether pau d’arco has any effect on cancer have shown mixed results; and even in studies where pau d’arco does reduce the number of cancer cells, the amounts used would be toxic to humans.

The same is also true of some of the doses that might be needed to kill bacteria or viruses. If you decide to take pau d’arco, do so only under your doctor’s supervision.

First, the research isolated the chemical lapachol in pau d’arco that they felt cured the cancer. Since then Researchers have isolated over 20 active chemicals in pau d’arco. Some feel it is a combination of several or all these together that makes it effective. Second, it has been shown that the use of the whole herb does not create the side effects that extracted lapachol causes.

Pau d’arco has certain anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity, including against herpes I and II. It may reduce viral replication, according to a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Pau d’arco is sold as tablets, dried bark tea, and tincture (which contains alcohol). The chemicals that give pau d’arco its medicinal effects dissolve poorly in water, so a tea is not recommended.

Tea can be made from the bark by adding one tbsp of bark for every three cups of water. The tea should be boiled for twenty minutes or longer in a non-aluminum pot. One cup of tea can be taken three or four times daily for acute conditions. One-half cup three or four times daily is recommended for other conditions. Pau d’arco tea has a cool, bitter flavor.

Dosage In tablets or capsules, 1 to 4 grams per day in divided doses–or 1 to 2 teaspoons of tincture three times a day. Consuming 1.5 grams per day or more may cause dizziness and GI upset, so consult your herbalist. Avoid pau d’arco if you’re taking anticoagulants or having surgery, or if you are pregnant or nursing.