Palo Guaco Bark 4 oz (Guaco Herb, Mikania Glomerata)

Organic or wildcrafted cut palo guaco bark for tea, 4 oz. The plant is Mikania glomerata, known in English simply as guaco herb and in Spanish as hierba guaco or palo de guaco. Grown and harvested in Honduras.

What guaco is

Guaco is a climbing vine of Central and South America, a relative of the daisies despite looking nothing like one. It grows fast, scrambling over other plants toward the light, and it has been used in the household herbal traditions of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Central America for a very long time. In Brazil it is common enough to be sold in ordinary pharmacies.

Where the name comes from

Guaco takes its name from a bird. The story, repeated across the region, is that people watched the guaco bird eat the plant and drew their own conclusions. Whether or not that is how it began, the name stuck in half a dozen countries.

How to make guaco tea

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to 8 oz of boiling water. Cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Cover the cup while it steeps, or the aromatics end up in the room instead of the tea.

What it tastes like

Green and slightly sweet, with a vanilla note that surprises people. Guaco contains coumarin, the same compound that gives freshly cut hay and sweet clover their smell, and you can taste it.

Frequently asked questions

What is guaco herb?
Guaco is the common name for Mikania glomerata, a climbing vine from Central and South America. Palo guaco, guaco herb and hierba guaco all refer to the same plant.

What is guaco in English?
There is no separate English name in common use. English speakers say guaco.

Is this the bark, the leaf or the root?
This is cut bark. People search for guaco leaf and guaco root as well, because different traditions use different parts of the plant.

How much do I use?
1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz cup, steeped 5 to 10 minutes with the cup covered.

Does it have caffeine?
No. Guaco is naturally caffeine free.

Where is it from?
Honduras, and it is printed on the bag.

How should I store it?
Tightly closed in a dry place at room temperature, 59 to 86°F.

PRECAUTIONS

• Guaco is in the daisy family (Asteraceae), the same family as ragweed and chrysanthemum. If you are allergic to those, do not use it.
• Guaco contains coumarin. If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin, speak to your physician before use.
• Not for use during pregnancy or nursing.
• Individuals under 18 and individuals with known medical conditions should consult a physician before use.

DIRECTIONS:

Palo Guaco bark is traditionally prepared as tea. To prepare as a tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of Palo Guaco bark to 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain, then enjoy!

• Processing Time: Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days.
• Refunds: 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact within 30 days of receipt, return unused portions at your expense, and receive a full refund upon receipt.
• Customs Duty Tax: Pre-paid and covered for most countries.