Palo Azul: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects

Palo azul, scientifically known as Eysenhardtia polystachya, is a shrub or small tree native to Mexico and southeastern North America. 

It stands approximately 3-9 meters high and has leaves that divide into smaller leaflets. The bark, which is rough and scaly in texture and reddish-brown in appearance, is traditionally steeped in water to create an infusion with an earthy flavor and iridescent blue hue. This is why palo azul was given its name, which, from Spanish, translates to blue stick. 

Palo zzul has been used in folk medicine by Indigenous peoples for centuries as a natural remedy for urinary tract, digestive, and inflammatory conditions. It was also valued for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties.

Today, palo azul has gained attention for its potential to support kidney health, digestive regularity, blood sugar balance, and pain management. This growing interest has led researchers to investigate its health-promoting properties. 

Palo azul, often referred to as “kidney wood,” has an array of plant compounds that may support kidney function and aid in the prevention of kidney stones.

Studies exploring the beneficial components of palo azul have found the plant is a rich source of flavonoids and fatty acids. While more human research is needed, animal studies have revealed that these compounds can halt the formation and growth of kidney stone crystals due to the compounds’ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects play a crucial role in combating harmful reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body) and damage healthy kidney cells. By protecting the kidneys from oxidative stress, palo azul helps create an environment that discourages the formation of kidney stones.

The diuretic properties of palo azul may also increase urinary flow while preventing electrolyte loss, helping to flush out toxins and crystal-forming compounds before they develop into large stones and harm the kidneys.

The branches and leaves of palo azul contain an active compound called D-pinitol, which may provide relief from digestive discomfort. Notably, D-pinitol makes up nearly 27% of palo azul’s composition, making it one of the primary components of the plant. 

Animal studies have shown that this natural compound may be as effective as standard drugs, such as loperamide, in treating diarrhea. Researchers believe this effect is due to palo azul’s ability to delay the onset of diarrhea and prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the large intestines. 

However, further research, particularly involving humans, is necessary to fully understand palo azul’s potential in managing and preventing diarrhea.

Consuming palo azul might alleviate the joint pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

RA is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body from infections and foreign substances, mistakenly targets and attacks joint tissue. 

This immune malfunction is typically accompanied by the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These cytokines activate surrounding immune cells that release more inflammatory molecules, creating a continual cycle that further damages and impairs joint function. As a result, people with RA experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints.

Experimental animal studies have found that the flavonoids in palo azul bark contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties and might reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and GM-CSF in those with arthritis. Researchers highlight that palo azul is also an effective analgesic (pain-relieving) agent that helps reduce inflammatory joint pain. 

Since the studies rely on animal models, more research is needed to determine whether these anti-arthritic effects translate to humans. 

Palo azul may assist in maintaining balanced blood glucose (sugar) levels. Too much glucose in the blood can cause elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, damage fats, and interfere with the body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin—the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. 

Another significant issue with high blood sugar is the glycation of proteins. This process occurs when excess sugar molecules attach to proteins, leading to the formation and buildup of harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body. 

Each of these factors contributes to the onset and progression of diabetes. 

According to an animal study, the flavonoids in palo azul may protect the body from the cell-damaging effects of reactive oxygen species by acting as antioxidants. Further research has revealed that palo azul also helps lower glucose levels and prevent the formation of AGEs, though the research was done on animals or is in early stages.

Like other potential benefits of palo azul, more human research is necessary to confirm its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

Palo azul has a mild, woody, and subtly sweet flavor that is often enjoyed in the form of tea. Traditionally, preparations of palo azul tea require one or two pieces of bark or approximately 10 grams of the branches and leaves. However, the bark is the primary ingredient used to make the tea.

To prepare palo azul tea, simply do the following:

1. Fill a pot with 1 gallon of spring water and bring it to a boil
2. Add 1 ounce (oz) of palo azul bark to the boiling water
3. Allow the bark to simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the liquid turns a deep amber color with a blue, fluorescent hue
4. Strain the tea using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the bark and excess debris
5. Pour the tea into a cup and enjoy it either hot or cold
6. Refrigerate the remaining tea to preserve the plant compounds and antioxidants

Although palo azul has been used for centuries, very few scientific studies have been conducted to determine its safety and efficacy. Limited research on animal subjects suggests it is relatively non-toxic when consumed orally. 

However, you should always consult your healthcare provider before adding herbal teas and remedies to your dietary regimen. This is particularly important for people who are pregnant or lactating, as the effects of palo azul have not been thoroughly studied in these populations.

Since herbs can interact with medications, it’s also a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider about any potential effects palo azul might have with any medicine you are taking.

If you do experience unpleasant side effects such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort from ingesting palo azul infusions, it is advisable to reduce the dose or frequency of consumption or discontinue its use.

Palo azul, or kidney wood, is a shrub or small tree traditionally infused in water to create a blue, fluorescent tea containing several beneficial compounds. These include flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and D-pinitol, which all contribute to palo azul’s supposed health-promoting properties. 

Several of the potential benefits of consuming palo azul tea include kidney stone prevention, digestive relief from diarrhea, reduced joint pain and inflammation, and improved blood sugar regulation. However, many studies that highlight the benefits of palo azul were conducted using animals. Therefore, more comprehensive human studies are needed to fully establish its effectiveness and confirm the extent of its health benefits.

Although limited research suggests palo azul is non-toxic with few side effects, you should always speak to your healthcare provider before including herbal remedies in your dietary regimen.