Palo Azul Tea: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & How to Brew

Palo Azul (Spanish for “blue stick”) is an herbal tea made from the bark of the palo azul tree (Eysenhardtia polystachya) or related species. This traditional kidneywood tea turns a stunning blue when brewed and has been used for centuries in Mexico for urinary and kidney health. Herbalists believe Palo Azul can support kidney function, detoxification, and digestion. In this article we’ll explore what palo azul is, its science-backed benefits (and side effects), how to brew it, and even where to find it. By the end, you’ll know para qué sirve el palo azul (“what palo azul is good for”) and whether this blue herbal tea is worth trying.

Eysenhardtia polystachya (“palo azul” or Mexican kidneywood) in bloom. The small white flowers and bark are used to make the blue, fluorescent tea.

What is Palo Azul?

Palo Azul is a small flowering shrub (a type of kidneywood tree) in the legume family. Its scientific name is Eysenhardtia polystachya. In Spanish-speaking regions, it’s also called palo azul, palo dulce, or taray. The name “palo azul” refers to the bluish tint the wood gives to water when steeped. The tree grows wild in central and southern Mexico (at elevations of ~1,000–2,400 m). It bears delicate white blossoms (see image) and tiny bean-like seed pods.

Like many legumes, palo azul produces pods with seeds. The dried palo azul fruit pods (pictured below) contain seeds but are not used in the tea – only the wood/bark is. The wood is flourescent: soaked in water it imparts a bright blue color, due to natural compounds. (As the Health.com review notes, the tea’s hue can even shift to yellow or amber depending on light, but it often appears a clear blue.)

Seed pods of the Palo Azul (kidneywood) tree. The dried wood (not the seeds) is used to brew the blue herbal tea.

Aside from Mexico’s kidneywood, the term “palo azul” can refer to Cyclolepis shrubs from Argentina. However, the most commonly used palo azul tea is the Mexican kidneywood (E. polystachya). This plant has a long history in folk medicine – it was famed for its “almost miraculous ability to cure kidney and bladder ailments”. Today, Palo Azul tea is enjoyed worldwide, prized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties (and of course its pretty color!).

Palo Azul Tea Benefits

Palo Azul tea is rich in flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and compounds like D-pinitol that may benefit health. While human clinical trials are limited, laboratory and animal studies (as well as traditional wisdom) suggest several potential benefits of Palo Azul tea:

• Kidney & urinary support: Palo Azul is best known as a gentle diuretic and detox tea. It may help flush the kidneys and urinary tract, supporting kidney function and reducing risk of kidney stones. In fact, studies suggest Eysenhardtia bark can suppress oxidative stress in kidney cells and promote the rapid expulsion of toxins and crystal-forming compounds. Traditional use and research indicate palo azul tea can strengthen the kidneys’ detox system, promote “healthy urination,” and prevent kidney stones. In short: for many people “palo azul” tea is used for kidney and bladder health.

• Detoxification: As a diuretic, palo azul helps the body eliminate excess fluids and waste. Its compounds may also protect the liver’s detox pathways. The combined antioxidant and diuretic actions mean the tea may help cleanse the body without significant electrolyte loss (unlike some harsh diuretics).

• Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relief: Palo azul’s active components have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Animal studies show E. polystachya extracts can inhibit inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α, IL-6, GM-CSF) and reduce swelling (edema) in arthritic models. Anecdotally, people drink palo azul to ease arthritis pain, gout, and general inflammation. The tea’s flavonoids may lessen joint pain and tenderness over time.

• Digestive Support: The tea is known to soothe the digestive tract. It contains D-pinitol, a compound that delays intestinal fluid buildup. Animal studies found palo azul as effective as standard anti-diarrheal drugs, likely by slowing intestinal motility and absorption. In other words, it may calm diarrhea or stomach upset. Many people use palo azul tea for relief from indigestion or loose stools.

• Blood Sugar & Metabolic Health: Palo azul may aid blood sugar regulation. Lab research shows its flavonoids have antioxidant, antidiabetic and antiglycation effects. In diabetic models, palo azul extracts lowered blood glucose and prevented formation of advanced glycation end-products. It also helps inhibit high blood sugar and cholesterol, protecting the liver (important for diabetes prevention). Though human data is lacking, these findings suggest palo azul could help stabilize blood sugar levels and protect metabolic health.

• Weight Management: Palo Azul is sometimes used to support weight loss. In one animal study, mice given E. polystachya bark showed significant reductions in body weight, blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. The mechanism is not fully understood, but the plant’s diuretic (water-flushing) effect may contribute. At minimum, palo azul tea is a calorie-free beverage that can replace sugary drinks.

• Antioxidant Protection: The high flavonoid and phenolic content gives palo azul strong antioxidant activity. It can neutralize free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage. This may help prevent chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress (like diabetes, aging, and inflammation). For example, one review noted palo azul contains antioxidants 8x stronger than green tea (and no caffeine).

Key Takeaways: Palo Azul tea (palo azul tea benefits) is most prized for kidney detox and urinary support, but also offers anti-inflammatory, digestive, blood sugar and antioxidant benefits. It’s naturally caffeine-free, making it safe to drink anytime. Many herbal enthusiasts brew it as part of a wellness routine. The Latin name and alias “kidneywood” give away its primary use: renal health and detoxification.

How to Make Palo Azul Tea

Making palo azul tea is easy. You’ll need dried palo azul bark (often sold as wood chips or sticks) and water. Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Boil Water: Add about 6 cups (1.5 liters) of water to a pot and bring to a boil. (Health.com recommends ~1 gallon / 4 liters of water for 1 oz bark; adjust proportionally to how much tea you want.)

2. Add Palo Azul Bark: Drop in 1 ounce (~28 grams) of palo azul bark or wood chips to the boiling water.

3. Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20–30 minutes, or until the liquid becomes a deep amber with a blue, fluorescent tint. (Longer simmering brings out more color and compounds.)

4. Strain: Remove the pot from heat and strain the tea through a mesh or cheesecloth to remove the bark.

5. Serve: Pour the tea into cups and enjoy it hot or cold. You can sweeten it slightly if desired, but many prefer its natural subtle flavor.

Tip: If you want a brighter blue color, simmer the bark longer and use clear glass against a light background – the blue hue often shows best with natural light. Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat when ready.

Some people brew palo azul much stronger (higher bark-to-water ratio) for concentrated detox effects, while others use a milder infusion as a daily health tea. Experiment to see what flavor and strength you like. The key is to boil the bark thoroughly – only the simmered bark releases the medicinal compounds and characteristic color.

Palo Azul Side Effects and Precautions

Palo azul is generally considered safe when consumed as tea, but like any herb, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Diuretic Effect: Because it increases urine output, palo azul causes more frequent urination (like coffee or green tea). This is how it flushes toxins, but drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is generally a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it doesn’t leach electrolytes as strongly as synthetic diuretics.

• Digestive Upset: A small number of people report mild stomach upset or nausea if they drink too much palo azul at once. If you feel any GI discomfort (bloating, nausea, diarrhea), cut back on the dose or stop temporarily. Starting with a weaker brew can help you gauge tolerance.

• Pregnancy and Nursing: There’s not enough research on palo azul’s effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Most sources advise erring on the side of caution and avoiding it if you’re pregnant or lactating.

• Medication Interactions: Any strong diuretic or herbal remedy could theoretically interact with medications (especially blood pressure or diabetes drugs). If you’re on medication, consult your doctor before using palo azul tea regularly.

• Allergies: If you have a known allergy to legumes or related plants, be cautious. Allergy reports to palo azul are rare.

• Quality and Source: Always use pure, organic palo azul bark from a trusted supplier. Some products labeled “palo azul tea” might be mixed or of low quality. Look for reviews or reputable herbal brands.

In summary, side effects are uncommon. Most sources (and user reports) say palo azul has “very few side effects” and is non-toxic in typical doses. The biggest precaution is its diuretic nature and the usual advice to check with a healthcare provider if you have health conditions or are pregnant.

Where to Buy Palo Azul Tea

Palo Azul tea has become popular enough that it’s sold by many tea companies and health shops. If you’re wondering “palo azul near me”, here are some tips to find it:

• Online Retailers: Major marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, or specialty tea shops carry palo azul. Look for products labeled “Palo Azul Tea”, “Kidneywood Tea”, or “Blue Stick Tea”. For example, some sellers offer bulk dried Eysenhardtia polystachya bark (often called “Kidney Wood – Palo Azul”). There are also ready-to-steep tea bag packs (sometimes with other herbs). Check that the botanical name is Eysenhardtia polystachya (or “Mexican Kidneywood”) to ensure quality.

• Herbal or Health Food Stores: Many natural grocers or vitamin shops stock palo azul in their bulk herb section or tea aisle. If not on shelves, they may order it for you. Health stores with a Latin-American herbal section often carry it as “té de palo azul” or “palo dulce”.

• Mexican/Latin Markets: In the U.S., Hispanic markets sometimes sell palo azul bark or tea bags (especially near the tea/coffee section). It may be labeled simply as “palo azul” or “hierba de riñón”.

• Local Harvest or Community: In some regions of Mexico or the Southwest, herbalists harvest and sell wild palo azul. If you live in such an area, community health food co-ops or farmer’s markets might have it seasonally.

When shopping, compare prices by weight. Purchasing the dried bark (wood chips) in bulk is usually more economical than tea bags. Also check customer reviews: a good palo azul tea should produce a bright blue brew and smell subtly sweet or woody. Finally, consider organic and sustainably wildcrafted sources to ensure purity and environmental responsibility.

FAQs

Q: What is Palo Azul tea used for?
A: Palo Azul (kidneywood) tea is mainly used as a kidney and urinary detoxifier. People drink it to support kidney health, prevent kidney stones, and flush toxins from the body. Thanks to its diuretic effects and antioxidants, it’s also used for inflammation relief (joint pain) and digestive comfort. In short, palo azul sirve para la salud renal y depurar el cuerpo.

Q: What are the main benefits of Palo Azul?
A: The key palo azul benefits include kidney detox and urinary support (diuretic action to flush kidneys and help prevent stones), anti-inflammatory effects (may reduce joint pain and swelling), digestive aid (calms diarrhea and stomach upset), and antioxidant support (protects against oxidative stress). It may also help regulate blood sugar levels and assist modestly with weight management by reducing water retention. These benefits are why people often brew it daily or weekly.

Q: Does Palo Azul have any side effects?
A: Palo Azul is generally safe, but side effects can occur if overused. Its main effect is mild diuresis (more frequent urination). Rarely, some people experience a bit of nausea or upset stomach. There are no widely reported toxicities. Still, avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult a doctor if you have kidney issues, take medications, or have special health concerns. As always, start with a weak brew to test tolerance. If you notice dizziness or unusually strong diuretic effects, drink plenty of fluids and stop using it until you consult a healthcare provider.

Q: How do I brew Palo Azul tea?
A: To make palo azul tea, boil water (about 6 cups) with 1–2 ounces of palo azul bark or wood chips. Simmer for 20–30 minutes until the water turns a deep amber-blue. Strain out the wood and serve the tea hot or let it cool and drink it as a refreshing iced tea. You can reuse the same bark for a milder second steeping if desired. This process releases the active compounds and gives the tea its signature blue color.

Q: ¿Para qué sirve el Palo Azul? (What is Palo Azul good for?)
A: En la medicina tradicional mexicana, el Palo Azul sirve para limpiar los riñones y el tracto urinario, actuando como té diurético que ayuda a eliminar toxinas. También se usa para prevenir piedras en los riñones y para aliviar dolores articulares por su efecto antiinflamatorio. En resumen, para qué sirve el palo azul: para salud renal y desintoxicación.

Q: Where can I find Palo Azul near me?
A: You can usually find Palo Azul tea in local health food stores or Hispanic markets. Many online retailers ship nationwide. Look for “Palo Azul tea,” “kidneywood tea,” or “Eysenhardtia tea.” If you google “palo azul near me,” you might find boutique tea shops or co-ops that carry it. Buying in bulk (wood chips) is cost-effective. Always choose a vendor who clearly labels the botanical name (Eysenhardtia polystachya).

Conclusion

Palo Azul tea is a unique, caffeine-free herbal remedy prized for its kidney-support and detoxifying properties. Brewed from the bark of the Mexican kidneywood tree, it delivers antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and a natural diuretic punch. Popular uses include flushing the kidneys, easing arthritis pain, soothing digestion, and balancing blood sugar. Many people find it a gentle but effective daily detox tea.

If you’re curious, try making palo azul tea at home using the steps above. Remember that benefits accumulate over time, and it’s best enjoyed regularly (but in moderation). Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you have medical conditions or are on medications. Share your experience – have you tried palo azul tea? Let us know in the comments!