PINK LAPACHO – TAHEEBO TEA, LAPACHO TEATabebuia impetiginosa
Common name: Pink Lapacho
Latin name: Tabebuia impetiginosa
Other names: Taheebo-tree, Pink Ipê, Pau d’Arco, Lapacho morado, Lapacho colorado, lpê Roxo
Family: Bignoniaceae
Habitat: Pink Lapacho is native to South and Central America.
Description: Pink Lapacho is a large, deciduous tree, growing up to 30 meters in height. It has a large, globous and sparse canopy. Its leaves are oppositely arranged, elliptic and lanceolate in shape. They are palmately compound, with five leaflets and lightly serrated margins. Flowers are large and tubular, with pink, magenta or white corolla. Fruit is a narrow capsule with winged seeds. Pink Lapacho flowers from June to September.
Parts used: Inner bark
Useful components: Vitamins A, C, B-complex and minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, cobalt and chromium).
Medicinal use: Pink Lapacho is considered to have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Herbal tea made from the inner bark of Pink Lapacho, called Taheebo or Lapacho, is used by herbalist in treatment of different types of ailments. It is used in alternative cancer and HIV therapy, but there is still not enough evidence for the claim of its efficacy. Some studies suggest that it could prevent, delay and treat cancer, but that doses needed to reach useful levels in the blood may also cause difficult side effects. Taheebo has been very beneficial in treatment of immunodeficiency diseases, diarrhea and intestinal infections. It supports the normal blood function, improves appetite and assists in the detoxification of our body. Topical application has been useful in treatment of different sorts of skin injuries (such as insect bites) and other conditions (psoriasis, eczema, candidiasis, herpes and other fungal and viral infections).
Safety: Lapachol possesses significant toxicity. Please consult your doctor/herbalist before consumption of any herb.