Brazilians call it divine. The Guarani, Tupi and other tribes used to call it “tajy” which means “to have strength and vigor.” Ancient Inca people appreciated Lapacho for healing stomach problems, fever and cough. Even though it’s a well-known fact that South Americans don’t really drink tea, but this special type of tea that comes from a tree bark has a long history.

Lapacho tea is prepared using the inner bark of a tree called Lapacho. The tree grows in the warmer parts of the continent like the Amazon jungles of Brazil, mountainous parts of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. Lapacho can only be found in pollution free areas where the air is fresh and pure. That is why people believe in its healing powers ever since.

Light brown to red color bits of Lapacho bark have a soft, unique taste and pleasant aroma. This tea sooths and relaxes, so it’s best to drink in the evening.

Lapacho tea is prepared in a different way than traditional tea. Use 6 teaspoons to add into boiling water (approx. 1L) and boil it on a slow heat for around 5 minutes. Leave it covered for another 15-20 minutes.

Health benefits of Lapacho to mention just a few:

• Regulates digestive functions, stimulates appetite
• A so called blood builder which increases the hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells
• Helps with mild anxiety states
• Can be a very good antioxidant

My source: http://www.cantron.com/html/nutraceuticals/lapacho.html