Synonyms: Amapa, Ipe Roxa, Ipe Roxo, Ipes, Lapacho, Lapacho Colorado, Lapacho Morado, Red Lapacho, Taheebo, Tecoma, Trumpet Bush
Family: Bignoniaceae
Genus species: Tabebuia heptaphylla (Lapacho Colorado, Lapacho Morado, Ipe Roxo, Taheebo), Tabebuia impetiginosa (Ipe Roxo, Taheebo)
Type: Deciduous tree
Part Used: Inner bark
Location: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, South America
Actions: Antibacterial (Helicobacter pylori), anticancer, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitumor activity, astringent, blood purifier, diuretic, immunostimulant (low doses), lymphagogue
Indications: Abscess, acid-fast bacteria, AIDS, asthma, athlete's foot, bedsore, boil, bronchitis, cancer, candidiasis, canker sores, chicken pox, chlamydia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cold sore, colitis, common cold, Crohn's disease, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, diverticulitis, dog bite, dysentery, eczema, edema, fibrocystic disease of the breast, fungal infections, gram-positive bacteria, hemorrhoids, inflammation, jaundice, leukemia, liver disorders, lymphatic disorders, malaria, psoriasis, rheumatism, skin cancer, skin disorders, smoker's cough, tumor, ulcer, warts
Chemicals & Nutrients: Calcium, Carbohydrates (70%), Cobalt, Fats (0.5%), Fiber (15%), Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (9%), Silicon, Vitamin C
Preparation & Dosages:
Dried bark; 2-3 g, 2x/day
Extract: 1 part bark, 6 parts water, boil 30 minutes, cool, add 2 parts alcohol; 2-5 ml 3x/day
Infusion, Cold: 2-4 ounces up to 3x/day
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 50% alcohol, 15-30 drops up to 5x/day
Tincture: 1:5 in 50% alcohol, 0.5-1 teaspoons up to 4x/day
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Dizziness, nausea, vomiting.