Pau D'Arco Tea Benefits, Side Effects and How to Make It

Pau d'Arco tea comes from the inner bark of a South American tree and is a popular, caffeine-free herbal drink in Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. It has a mild, slightly sweet, vanilla-like flavor and a long history of traditional use, though most of its specific health claims haven't been confirmed in human studies.

What Is Pau D'Arco?

Pau d'Arco (also called lapacho or Inkas tea) is made from the inner bark of trees in the Tabebuia genus, native to South America. The bark contains minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, along with a compound called lapachol. Because it's naturally caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed any time of day, including at night.

Traditional Use and Early Research

Indigenous communities in South America have used Pau d'Arco bark for centuries as a general wellness tea. Modern research on its specific compounds is still limited and mostly based on lab or animal studies rather than large human trials, so claims about treating specific diseases go beyond what the evidence currently supports.

What's reasonably established:

• It's naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for an evening drink.
• Some lab research has looked at compounds like lapachol and quercetin found in the bark, but this doesn't mean drinking the tea produces the same effects seen in a lab setting.

Memorial Sloan Kettering's review of the evidence notes that Pau d'Arco compounds have shown antibacterial and anticancer activity in lab studies, but these effects "have not been shown in humans." Avoid sources that claim Pau d'Arco cures infections, cancer, or other diseases — those claims aren't supported by solid human research, and treating a serious condition with tea alone can delay proper medical care.

How to Make Pau D'Arco Tea

1. Bring 1 liter of water to a boil with 2 tablespoons of Pau d'Arco bark.
2. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and let it steep for 15–20 minutes.
4. Strain thoroughly to remove all bark pieces, then sweeten to taste if desired.
5. Drink hot or cold; a common serving size is up to about 1 liter per day.

It pairs well with fresh mint, a slice of lemon, or a bit of cinnamon in colder months.

Side Effects and Precautions

• Pau d'Arco is generally well tolerated, but high doses can cause stomach upset or nausea.
• Blood thinners: it may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication, so talk to your doctor before using it if you take blood thinners.
• Pregnancy: avoid Pau d'Arco during pregnancy — animal studies have found reproductive toxicity, and safety in humans hasn't been established.
• Stomach conditions: people with gastritis or a gastric ulcer may find the tannins irritating.
• Not recommended for children.

If you're taking any prescription medication or managing a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before adding Pau d'Arco tea to your routine.

FAQ

Does Pau d'Arco tea have caffeine?

No, it's naturally caffeine-free.

Can I drink Pau d'Arco every day?

Many people drink it daily in moderate amounts, but check with your doctor first if you're pregnant, on blood thinners, or managing a health condition.

What does Pau d'Arco taste like?

It has a mild, slightly bitter taste with a subtle vanilla note.

The Bottom Line

Pau d'Arco is a caffeine-free herbal tea with a pleasant, mild flavor and a long tradition of use in South America. Treat it as a general wellness drink rather than a treatment for any specific condition, and check with your doctor if you're pregnant or take blood-thinning medication.

Looking for other caffeine-free options? See our guides to medicinal herbal teas and teas that are good for blood pressure.