Lapacho Bark – Tabebuia impetiginosa – Herba Organica

Description

Lapacho Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) Dried Inner Bark for Infusions & Decoctions

Lapacho Bark Herba Organica provides finely cut inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa, a deciduous tree native to South and Central America. Known for its rich reddish-brown colour and earthy, slightly woody aroma, Lapacho is a versatile botanical suited for infusions, decoctions, and creative herbal blends. Its distinctive character makes it ideal for both traditional herbal preparations and modern infusion techniques, offering a naturally aromatic base for a variety of beverages.

Historical and Botanical Background

Lapacho, sometimes referred to as “Taheebo” or “Pau d’Arco”, has a long-standing presence in South and Central American herbal traditions. Indigenous communities have utilized the inner bark of Tabebuia species for generations in daily herbal preparations. Lapacho’s deep reddish hue and woody aroma made it a recognizable ingredient in traditional botanical use, from teas to cultural rituals.

European herbalists later took note of Lapacho following the introduction of South American botanicals in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became appreciated for its strong aromatic character and its suitability for herbal infusions. Today, it remains a popular botanical for those exploring global herbal traditions, offering a distinctive earthy base for contemporary herbal blends.

Characteristics of Lapacho

Herba Organica’s Lapacho Bark is finely cut to ensure consistent texture and ease of use. The bark produces a deep amber to reddish-brown infusion with a naturally earthy aroma. Its flavour is warm, slightly woody, and subtly herbaceous, making it suitable for standalone infusions or for combining with other dried botanicals to create layered beverages.

Ingredients

100% Lapacho Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) – free from additives, preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings, retaining the natural aroma, colour, and texture of the inner bark.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses

Herbal Infusions

Dried bark of Lapacho produces a warm, amber infusion with a gentle earthy aroma. Its subtle woody flavour makes it suitable for standalone teas or blended herbal beverages. Infusions provide a smooth, naturally aromatic base for daily enjoyment.

Herbal Decoctions

For a richer, more full-bodied herbal preparation, the bark can be simmered in water for 10–15 minutes. Decoctions release deeper woody and herbal notes, creating a robust liquid that pairs well with other botanicals for complex infusions.

Cold Macerates

This botanical is also suitable for cold-water extractions. Steeping the bark in chilled water over several hours produces a gentle, aromatic herbal extract. Cold macerates offer a refreshing alternative to hot infusions and can serve as a subtle base for layered blends.

How to Prepare Lapacho Tea

Herbal Infusion

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of Lapacho to 200–250 ml of hot water.

• Cover and steep for 8–10 minutes.

• Strain before serving.

Herbal Decoction

• Simmer 1–2 teaspoons of dried bark in 200–250 ml of water for 10–15 minutes.

• Strain before use.

• Ideal for deeper, more aromatic herbal preparations or for blending with other botanicals.

Cold Macerate

• Place 1–2 teaspoons of Lapacho in 200–250 ml of cold water.

• Refrigerate and steep for 6–8 hours.

• Strain before use for a smooth, subtly aromatic cold extract.

Suggested Herbal Blends with Lapacho Bark

Lapacho Bark offers a warm, woody base that integrates well with spices, citrus elements, flowers, and mild leaves. Its earthy aroma provides structure to blends without overpowering accompanying botanicals, making it suitable for both hot and cold preparations.

Lapacho Rooibos Herbal Blend

• 1 tsp Lapacho Bark

• 1 tsp Rooibos Red Tea

• ½ tsp Orange Peel

Add all botanicals to 200–250 ml of hot water. Cover and steep for 8–10 minutes. Strain before serving. This blend produces a smooth, naturally aromatic infusion with soft woody and citrus notes.

Lapacho Rosehip Hibiscus Herbal Blend

• 1 tsp Lapacho Bark

• 1 tsp Rosehip Peel

• ½ tsp Hibiscus Flowers

• ½ tsp Lemon Peel

Combine the ingredients and steep in hot water for 8–10 minutes, or simmer gently for 10 minutes for a deeper extraction. The result is a richly coloured infusion with a balanced interplay of earthy and bright botanical tones.

Lapacho with Chamomile and Linden

• 1 tsp Lapacho Bark

• 1 tsp Chamomile Flowers

• ½ tsp Linden Flowers

• ½ tsp Lemon Balm Leaf

Steep in 200–250 ml of hot water for 8–10 minutes. This preparation yields a mild, rounded herbal infusion where the woody character of Lapacho Bark is softened by gentle floral and leafy notes.

Preparing Herbal Extracts from Lapacho Bark

Gentle Tabebuia impetiginosa extracts can be prepared from Herba Organica’s Lapacho Bark. Hot infusions, simmered decoctions, or cold macerates yield naturally aromatic herbal extracts suitable for layered beverages, culinary applications, and creative herbal blends. These extracts retain the characteristic woody aroma and amber colour of the bark, offering a convenient method for incorporating Lapacho into daily herbal routines.

Storage

Store Lapacho Bark in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and strong odours. Once opened, keep in an airtight container or the original packaging to maintain freshness, aroma, and texture. Proper storage ensures the herb remains suitable for multiple preparations, from daily infusions to complex herbal blends.

Quality and Authenticity

Herba Organica prioritizes quality and authenticity in every batch of Lapacho Bark. Each harvest is carefully selected, processed, and packaged to preserve the natural aroma, colour, and texture of the inner bark. Free from additives, preservatives, and artificial flavourings, Lapacho Bark reflects both traditional herbal practices and contemporary standards for purity and usability.

Lapacho Bark (Tabebuia impetiginosa) – Herba Organica is a versatile, finely cut botanical with a warm, woody aroma and soft herbal undertones. Traditionally valued in South and Central American herbal practices, it is ideal for infusions, decoctions, cold macerates, and creative herbal blends. Its subtle earthy flavour provides a flexible base for standalone teas or multi-herb compositions. By incorporating Lapacho Bark into daily routines, enthusiasts can explore global herbal traditions while enjoying naturally aromatic, visually striking, and richly flavoured herbal preparations.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.