pau d’arco, an herbal product harvested from an evergreen flowering tree native to Florida, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central/South America. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used for cancer, inflammation, and infection. It is possibly unsafe when used orally in typical dosages; there are insufficient data regarding its efficacy for any indications. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: For those ignoring the general concerns related to personal safety, it should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children less than 18 years of age, or in those with hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease, thrombocytopenia, or known hypersensitivity.
