The Pau D’Arco Protocol: A 7-Day Herbal Reset

The Pau D’Arco Protocol: A 7-Day Herbal Reset

Welcome to Your Herbal Reset

This guide is designed to help you gently support your body with time-tested herbs over the course of seven days. It's not a cleanse in the extreme sense, but rather a ritual of daily nourishment, awareness, and balance. Rooted in traditional herbal practices, this protocol features Pau D’Arco as the anchor, complemented by three carefully chosen allies: Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle, and Wormwood.

Meet the Lead Herb: Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Pau D’Arco is derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia tree, native to the Amazon rainforest. It has been used for generations in South American herbal traditions. With its earthy taste and grounding presence, Pau D’Arco forms the foundation of this 7-day ritual.

• Form: Dried bark (loose or tea bag)

• Flavour: Woody, slightly bitter

• Suggested Use: 1 cup first thing in the morning; optional second cup midday

• Preparation: Simmer for 10–15 minutes, strain, and enjoy warm

Your 7-Day Routine

Each day follows the same structure to promote consistency and body awareness:

Morning

• 1 cup Pau D’Arco tea on an empty stomach

• Optional: Light stretching or journaling

Midday

• Hydration: aim for 6–8 cups of water

• Optional second cup of Pau D’Arco or a supporting herb (see next pages)

Evening

• Light herbal infusion or calming tea

• Early wind-down routine

Tip: Choose 2–3 days during the week to swap in one of the supporting herbs for your midday tea.

Support Herb Spotlight: Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Traditionally used in European and North American herbalism, Dandelion Root is valued for its ability to support liver function and digestive balance.

• Form: Cut root or powdered

• Flavour: Roasted, nutty, slightly bitter

• Use: Steep 1 tsp in hot water for 10 minutes

• Best Time: Day 2, 4, or 6 at midday

Pairs well with Pau D’Arco for a grounding tea blend.

Support Herb Spotlight: Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk Thistle is often included in herbal routines that focus on liver support. Known for its striking purple flower and spiny leaves, it has a long history in European herbal traditions.

• Form: Crushed seeds

• Flavour: Mild, slightly sweet when simmered

• Use: Simmer 1 tsp seeds in water for 10 minutes; strain

• Best Time: Day 3 or 5 as a midday tea or evening infusion

Tip: Blend with Dandelion Root for a deeply nourishing tea.

Support Herb Spotlight: Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Known for its intensely bitter profile, Wormwood is traditionally used in short durations and small quantities as part of digestive and cleansing herbal systems.

• Form: Dried aerial parts

• Flavour: Very bitter

• Use: Use sparingly — steep a pinch in hot water for no more than 5 minutes

• Best Time: Day 7, in place of Pau D’Arco

Caution: Not for long-term use; not recommended during pregnancy.

Daily Support Tips

• Prioritize sleep and gentle movement

• Avoid processed foods and excess sugars

• Focus on whole, plant-based meals where possible

• Note changes in energy, digestion, and clarity

This is a protocol of observation, not perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine herbs? Yes, but we recommend starting simple. Try pairing Pau D’Arco with one additional herb at a time.

Can I repeat the protocol? Absolutely. Many people revisit it seasonally or when feeling sluggish.

Can I drink Pau D’Arco longer than 7 days? Yes, but take regular breaks. This guide is structured as a short-term reset.

What if I miss a day? No problem. Resume the next day where you left off.