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Due to a lack of research, little is known about the long-term safety of pau d'arco. Commonly noted side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The likelihood and severity of side effects tend to increase with the dose.
When taken in doses larger than 1.5 grams (1,500 milligrams), pau d'arco can become toxic and cause damage to the kidneys or liver. Overuse of pau d'arco can lead to severe vomiting, abdominal pain, fainting, and bloody stools.
Pau d'arco may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using pau d'arco for at least two weeks before undergoing any type of surgical procedure.
Because pau d'arco can slow blood clotting, it should not be used with anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) or antiplatelet drugs like Plavix (clopidogrel). The same may apply to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Voltaren (diclofenac) in which the combined use may lead to gastric bleeding and stomach ulcers.
Due to the lack of safety research, pau d'arco should not be used in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. It should also be used with caution in people with kidney or liver disease. To avoid interactions or unforeseen side effects, always advise your doctor about any herbal supplement or traditional medication you are taking. *
