Pau d'Arco is harvested from the inner bark of a South American tree and has a long history in traditional herbal practices.
Traditional Historical Uses
Indigenous peoples of South America traditionally used Pau d'Arco as part of wellness preparations.
May Support*
General wellness
Daily vitality
Active lifestyles
Seasonal wellness support
Preparation Ideas
Decoctions
Tea
Tinctures
Flavor Profile
Woody, earthy, and mildly bitter.
Interesting Herbal Trivia
"Pau d'arco" is Portuguese for "bow stick" — the tree's strong, dense wood was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to craft hunting bows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pau D'Arco taste like?
Pau d'Arco has a woody, earthy flavor with a mild bitterness typical of inner tree barks. Its grounded taste makes it a sturdy base note in bark and root blends.
How is Pau D'Arco traditionally prepared?
Because it is a dense bark, it is traditionally simmered as a decoction to draw out its character, though it can also be steeped as a longer-infused tea. It is also prepared as a tincture in folk practice.
Can Pau D'Arco be blended with other herbs?
Yes — it is a classic companion in traditional bark-and-root blends. It is often combined with Oregon Grape Root, Peony Root, or Rosemary in time-honored herbal preparations.
Pairs Well With
Oregon Grape Root — a fellow bitter root that simmers well in the same decoction
Mugwort — a storied herb of European folk tradition
Mullein Leaf — a soft, mild leaf for gentle infusions
Nettle Leaf — a nutritive green classic of everyday teas
Oat Straw — a mellow herb often steeped in long infusions
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
