In South American herbal medicine, it is considered to be astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and a laxative. It is used to treat ulcers, syphilis, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, candida and yeast infections, cancer, diabetes, prostatitis, constipation, and allergies. In North American herbal medicine, pau d'arco is considered to be analgesic, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a laxative, as well as having anti-cancerous properties. It is used for fevers, infections, colds, flu, syphilis, urinary tract infections, cancer, respiratory problems, skin ulcerations, boils, dysentery, gastrointestinal problems of all kinds, arthritis, prostatitis, and circulation disturbances.