Lapacho facts for kids
Lapacho (say: lah-PAH-cho) is a special herbal tea. It is made from the inner bark of a tree called pau d'arco (say: POW DAR-koh). This tree is also known as Handroanthus impetiginosus.
People have used Lapacho for a very long time. It comes from the Andes mountains in South America. The inner bark of the red or purple lapacho tree was an important medicine for ancient groups like the Incas. The Kallawaya people have used it for over 1,000 years.
What is Lapacho?
Lapacho is a type of herbal tea. It comes from the inside part of the bark of the pau d'arco tree. This tree grows in the rainforests of South America. The tea is also sometimes called taheebo.
Traditional Uses of Lapacho
Many indigenous peoples (native groups) in South and Central America used Lapacho. They used it in their traditional herbal medicine. They believed it could help with different health problems. These included infections, fevers, and stomach aches.
Important Safety Information
Some people believe Lapacho can help with serious illnesses, like cancer. However, big health organizations, like the American Cancer Society, say there is no strong proof. They state that studies have not shown it to be an effective treatment for cancer in humans.
It is very important to know that using Lapacho can have harmful side effects. Scientists have found that some parts of Lapacho can be unsafe. For example, studies in rats showed it could cause problems with reproduction. This means it might not be safe for everyone, especially for pregnant people.
Always talk to a doctor or a trusted healthcare professional before trying any herbal remedies. They can tell you if it is safe for you.
