How to make pau d’arco tea

Pau d’arco tea, also known as lapacho tea, is made from the inner bark of the Tabebuia impetiginosa or Tabebuia avellanedae tree. It’s known for its potential health benefits and is used traditionally in herbal medicine. Here’s how to make pau d’arco tea:

Ingredients:

1. Pau d’arco Bark: You can find dried pau d’arco bark in health food stores or online. You’ll need about 1-2 tablespoons of dried bark for every cup of tea.
2. Water: You’ll need fresh, clean water.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bark:
   • Measure 1-2 tablespoons of dried pau d’arco bark for each cup of tea you want to make.
2. Boil Water:
   • Bring a pot of fresh water to a boil. You’ll need enough water to cover the pau d’arco bark and allow for some evaporation during boiling.
3. Add the Bark:
   • Once the water is boiling, add the measured pau d’arco bark to the pot.
4. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the bark simmer in the water for about 20-30 minutes. This simmering allows the beneficial compounds in the bark to infuse into the water.
5. Remove from Heat:
   • After simmering, remove the pot from the heat source.
6. Steep:
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let the pau d’arco bark steep in the hot water for an additional 15-20 minutes. This steeping period enhances the flavor and extracts more of the beneficial compounds.
7. Strain:
   • Use a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser to strain the liquid into your teacup or teapot, removing the bark.
8. Serve:
   • You can enjoy pau d’arco tea plain or with a touch of honey or lemon for added flavor. It has a slightly earthy and woody taste.
9. Store Leftovers:
   • If you have leftover pau d’arco tea, you can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy more.

Note:

• Pau d’arco tea is often consumed for its potential health benefits, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any herbal remedy to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
• Pregnant or nursing individuals, as well as those with allergies to the Bignoniaceae family, should avoid pau d’arco tea.
• Pau d’arco tea should be consumed in moderation, and excessive intake is not recommended.