Lapacho is also known as "Tea of the Incas". It is a herbal tea that comes form the inner bark of the lapacho tree native to South America. It may help arthritis, diabetes, bowel problems, bladder infections, as well as infections and inflammation.

All about Lapacho, Herbal Tea

What it’s like, and how to make it

CaffeineCaffeine free
TasteEarthy, woody, slightly bitter, astringent — distinctive bark tea flavor
What’s in itLapacho
How to brew it
  • 212°F / 100°C
  • Steep 5–7 minutes COVERED
  • Use 1–2 tsp per 8oz
  • Covering traps the volatile oils that carry most of the flavour

212°F / 100°C — SIMMER 15–20 minutes (a decoction is essential; steeping alone will not do it) — Use 2 tsp per 8oz — Earthy and bitter — Add honey

Beyond the cup

Lapacho bark — also called Pau d'Arco — comes from the inner bark of a South American tree used by indigenous peoples for centuries. This one needs to be simmered, not steeped: add 2 tsp to water and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. The traditional decoction method extracts what standard steeping can't. Earthy, woody, and slightly bitter. Traditionally used for immune support and general wellbeing. Not for use during pregnancy. If you take blood thinners, check with your doctor first.

  • Lapacho loose leaf tea, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Illustration: Lapacho with Asunción, Paraguay, at the end of winter
  • Illustration: a cup of Lapacho tea with fresh and ground ginger
  • Illustration of Lapacho in The Tea & Spice Shoppe pouch, with Asunción, Paraguay, at the end of winter
  • Lapacho - The Tea & Spice Shoppe
Good for

For keeping well

  • Pau d'arco bark, traditionally taken as an infusion across South America
  • Lapachol, the bark's signature compound, has been studied since the 1960s
  • Woody, mild and naturally caffeine-free
  • The cup from the Amazon's own tradition
What the research looked at

Traditionally used in South American Indigenous medicine, where the inner bark was a primary preparation.
Rich in tannins and water-soluble flavonoids.
Must be simmered as a decoction, not steeped — a standard infusion will not extract it, which is the single most common mistake with this bark.
Naturally caffeine-free, earthy and bitter. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy and by anyone on an anticoagulant; ask a pharmacist.

These teas are foods, sold as such. Nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What it goes with

Ginger Ground is the #1 partner here — it counteracts lapacho's tendency to cause stomach discomfort and adds its own anti-inflammatory power. Our Cloves Ground and Cinnamon Ground both contribute antifungal properties that complement lapacho's traditional uses.

Also in these blends

On its own, this is the straight thing. Read about Lapacho (Pau d'Arco) →

Reviews

What the time-travelers say

206 of the shop’s 213 reviews are five stars — left by people who actually bought the tea

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Great products and great service

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great…

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great products.

— Nick C. Verified

Great tea

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very…

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very tasty!

— Zoe R. Verified

Maple Peach

The maple peach is delicious. What a beautiful combination. I will most definitely order it again, and a higher quantity of it.

— Gerda S. Verified

Always handy

I use dillweed often. This dill is fresh and has a nice aroma. I use it in marinades, salad dressings, and on fish. Good stuff.

— Jennifer D. Verified

Great stuff

This has helped my household a lot with circulation and alertness when we had it everyday. Will be ordering again soon. Thanks

— Dave G. Verified

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product.…

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product. 10/10!!

— Erin Poeta P. Verified

Delicious

I love this black tea, it has a really nice smooth flavour and love how it’s Swiss water method decaf. Will be buying again!

— Jessica A. Verified

Great flavorful tea

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite…

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite flavorful.

— Joel R. Verified

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a…

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a flavoured tea!!!

— Ted H. Verified

teas

love , love, love and they shipping is very fast. the headache tea works great, the throat coat tea works great as well

— Miranda A. Verified

4 stars

It worked beautifully; perhaps if I add a little more honey, it would make it better… It is a wellness tea, after all!

— Merrilee B. Verified

Bancha with a splash of lemon

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an…

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an enjoyable second cup!

— Monika F. Verified

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