Lapacho, or "Inca tea", is a drink whose properties and healing effects have long been discovered by the tribes of Central and South America. In the traditional medicine of the Latin American Indians, lapacho is still used today for practically all ailments: colds, mycosis and even cancer. However, specialists warn that lapacho can also cause side effects and there are many contraindications regarding its use.

Lapacho( Tabebuia impetiginosa ), also known as pau d'arco, ipe roxo, taheebo or tahuari, is the name of the one growing in rainforests Central and South American trees. Drought is obtained from the inner layer of its bark, on the basis of which a drink called lapacho or " Inca tea " is prepared. Itsproperties and healing effects ofwere appreciated, among others, by Inca tribes used it for almost all ailments. Modern scientific research confirms some of the he alth properties of lapacho. However, experts point out that "Inca tea" may also haveside effects , therefore there are somecontraindicationsregarding its use.

Lapacho (Inca tea) - use

"Inca tea" has been used for centuries by the tribes of Central and South America to treat many ailments. For example, for the Garifuna tribe of Nicaragua, lapacho bark decoction is an antipyretic and anti-diarrheal drug. In Colombia, on the other hand, the Tikuna Indians treat the decoction of the whole plant as a remedy for anemia and malaria, and also as a rinse for a sore throat. Peruvian Indians treat diabetes with bark decoction.

"Inca tea" has also been used as a medicine for:

  • arthritis,
  • stomach ulcer
  • Parkinson's disease.

Lapacho supporters also claim that:

  • relieves infections,
  • reduces inflammation,
  • supports digestion,
  • strengthens the immune system,
  • flushes out toxins from the body,
  • protects against cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

Some people apply the boiled bark externally (as a poultice) to treat inflammation, fungal infections, eczema, and wounds.

Lapacho (Inca tea) - composition and healing properties

So what are the real properties of lapacho?

From laboratory and animal researchit appears that "Inca tea" does indeed have a potential healing effect. He owes them, inter alia, to components such as:

  • calcium
  • iron
  • magnesium
  • manganese
  • potassium
  • quercetin
  • karnasol
  • coenzyme Q10
  • alkaloids
  • hydrobenzoic acids
  • steroid saponins

However, special properties are attributed to two active substances isolated from lapacho - the first islapacholand the second is beta-lapachon .

Laboratory tests have shown thatlapacho barkstimulates immune cells called macrophages. In turn, other studies show that the bark extract can kill bacteria (including staphylococci and streptococci) and fungi (includingCandida albicans ). The researchers also argue that lapacho works against theHerpes simplex(herpes) virus and against various flu viruses. Therefore, "Inca tea" may have immunostimulating properties, i.e. strengthening the human immune system.

In addition, it has been shown that "Inca tea" has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system. It is especially recommended for people struggling with ulcers. Lapacho reduces the secretion of gastric acid and increases the secretion of mucus, thus alleviating the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. Laboratory studies have also shown that lapacho fights the bacteriaHelicobacter pylori, , which causes stomach ulcers.

Is lapacho ("Inca tea") a cancer cure?

Lapacho supporters argue that it is also a cancer cure. No wonder - in the traditional medicine of the Latin American Indians, "Inca tea" has been used in cancer diseases for centuries. In the Bolivian Andes, Calaway Indians reportedly used lapacho bark to cure leukemia, and in Mexico Huastec Mayans still use a decoction of the inner cortex to treat cervical cancer. On the other hand, in Brazil, lapacho is commonly used in the form of teas, decoctions, tinctures and ointments in cancer diseases.

Unfortunately, as we learn from the website of the American Cancer Society, there is no scientific research conclusively confirming that "Inca tea" can cure cancer. There are only studies that suggest that lapacho haspotential anti-cancer effects . Therefore, lapacho cannot be treated as a cancer treatment, especially as some studies show that in some cases it can even stimulate the development of tumors.

Previous research confirms that the bark of the Lapacho tree killed lung cancer cells and cancer cellsliver was grown in test tubes, and also reduced the rate of spread of lung cancer in mice after surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Other studies conducted on animals show that the active substance lapacho, i.e. lapachol, showed a destructive effect on certain types of cancer cells of animal origin, such as e.g. sarcomas, but other types of cancer were not affected, including leukemia and adenocarcinoma. Moreover, some rodent studies have shown that higher doses of lapachol can support tumor metastasis as well as stimulate changes in DNA, which may contribute to the development of cancer.

It is worth knowing that at the end of the 1960s, research on the anti-cancer effects of lapacho in humans began (the activity of lapachol contained in it was tested, among others, against Walker sarcoma, leukemia and sarcoma). They turned out to be promising, but in the course of the experiment it was also shown that lapachol is a substancehighly toxicand may cause side effects hazardous to he alth. As a result, human trials were discontinued and terminated by the US Food and Drug Administration (under Investigational New Drug).

Lapacho - how to brew it?

Half a liter of waterPour into the pot and bring to the boil. Then add2 teaspoons of lapacho barkto it and simmer for approx.5 minutes . Then leave the pot, covered, to cool for approx.15 minutes .

However, according to the traditional recipe, the infusion (i.e. dried with boiling water - in the proportion of 1-2 teaspoons of dried per cup of water) should be boiled under cover for about 20 minutes. It should be noted that the drink obtained in a traditional way will be quite strong and intense in taste.

The drink prepared on the basis of the bark of the Lapacho tree has a characteristic bitter-sour taste and brown color. In turn, the aroma of "Inca tea" has a grassy note. It's good to know that "Inca tea" does not contain caffeine.

Importantly, you should not exceed the dose of 8 glasses of "Inca tea" a day.

Lapacho bark - where to buy it?

Dried bark of the Lapacho tree can be purchased in herbal stores, both stationary and online. Price - about PLN 10 for 50 g.

It's good to know that Lapacho is a tree that is currently on the list of endangered species. There is therefore a concern that the bark marketed as lapacho-derived may actually be sourced from other types of trees. This has already happened in Canada.

Lapacho ("Inca tea") -side effects and contraindications

Human studies show that the active ingredient of Inca tea - lapachol - may reduce blood clotting. In addition, it may interact with aspirin and blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding. It may also increase the risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia. Therefore, lapacho should not be consumed by people with coagulation disorders and taking anticoagulants.

However, animal studies show that lapacho may contribute to fetal impairment, birth defects and even increase the risk of miscarriage. That is why pregnant and nursing women should absolutely give up the "Inca tea". It should also not be given to young children.

In addition, even relatively low doses of "Inca tea" can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is also possible to develop allergic reactions.

Remember that Lapacho is asupplement(dietary supplement), not a drug! Therefore, the therapy prescribed by the doctor cannot be dispensed with. This can have very dangerous he alth effects.

People who struggle with some diseases and take medications should consult a doctor before consuming "Inca tea". Mixing certain herbs with medications can sometimes have serious he alth consequences. Herbs can change the effect of drugs - either increase or decrease the recommended dose and cause the harmful effects of the prescribed drug. In addition, any herb, even taken by he althy people, can cause harm if used improperly.

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