LaPacho plays a central role in the herbal medicine of several South American indigenous peoples. LaPacho bark is typically used during flu and cold season and for easing smoker's cough. It works by promoting the lungs to expectorate and free deeply embedded mucus and contaminates during the first three to ten days of treatment.

LaPacho is used by herbalists as a putative treatment for cancer, HIV, and numerous other maladies. Studies by the U.S. National Cancer Institute showed that LaPacho may prevent, delay, or treat cancer; but the oral doses needed to reach useful levels in the blood also cause severe side effects. Brazilian researchers isolated a substance in LaPacho tea that apparently contains a chemical chain, anti-tumor agent. Dr. Paulo Martin, a medical researcher for the Brazilian government stated, "We isolated a compound we called quechua from LaPacho and found it to be a powerful antibiotic, with virus-killing properties." Dr. Norman Farnsworth of the University of Illinois, who supports Dr. Martin, is quoted as saying: "LaPacho undoubtedly contains a substance found to be highly effective against cancer." Some

feel that one of the most significant contributions of LaPacho tea is the elimination of pain. Apparently this takes about 3 days of drinking a quart of Red or purple LaPacho tea each day, properly prepared, and 2-3 cups per day thereafter.

LaPacho, Pau d‟arco or Taheebo is an herbal tea made from the inner bark of Pink Ipê, (Tabebuia impetiginosa).

Origins

Taheebo, or Pau d'Arco, is the common name for the inner bark of the Red or Purple LaPacho tree. This tree grows high in the Andes of the South American rainforest. The Red LaPacho's purple-colored inner bark was one of the main medicines used by the Incas and has been used for over 1,000 years by the Callawaya tribe, descendants of the Incas.

Production

To produce LaPacho, the inner bark of the Pink Ipê is dried, and shredded. A powdered form of LaPacho is also made by using this same process, then grinding the bark into a fine powder.