Palo Azul, a centuries-old herbal tea from Mexico, isn’t just known for its earthy, mellow flavor.
It’s famous for something a little more magical.
Brew it just right, and the tea flashes an iridescent blue glow.
Lately, Palo Azul has been popping up in unexpected places, like TikTok, where it’s trending for its diuretic properties and rumored “pass a drug test” powers (more on that below).
But there’s much more to this ancient brew than social media fame. Keep reading to find out.
What Is Palo Azul?
Palo Azul, which translates to “blue stick” in Spanish, comes from the bark and wood of the Eysenhardtia polystachya tree.
In English, it’s commonly referred to as Kidney Wood.
Native to Mexico and the desert regions of the southwestern United States, this humble-looking shrub has a long history in traditional medicine throughout Mexico and Central America.
The Aztecs and other indigenous groups considered it a gift from the gods and used it for various purposes, from remedies to ceremonial rituals.
Its blue-tinted water was believed to hold protective and purifying qualities, warding off negative energies and creating spiritual harmony.
The bark and leaves were brewed into teas and tonics to support kidney and urinary health, ease digestive issues, and reduce inflammation.
Its allure extended beyond medicine in Europe.
Palo Azul’s polished wood was carved into fine ceremonial objects.
One famous example, a cup, was reportedly gifted to Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III.
During the 17th century, rare and exotic woods from the Americas were often presented to European nobility and royalty as prized diplomatic gifts.
The Numerous Health Benefits of Palo Azul
Palo Azul’s wide range of health benefits comes from the powerful natural compounds packed into its bark, which is rich in saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids.
These plant-based chemicals are known for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
It’s this unique mix that makes Palo Azul such a versatile remedy.
Among the most celebrated health benefits of Palo Azul is its support for kidney health.
The tea acts as a natural diuretic, helping to flush out excess water, toxins, bacteria, and waste from the kidneys.
This supports kidney function and can help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce discomfort and support faster recovery.
Palo Azul even shows promise for liver support, thanks to hepatoprotective properties.
This tea is also a great natural choice for aiding digestion.
Tannins and flavonoids help soothe the digestive tract and ease discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help relieve indigestion, support healthy digestion, and calm an upset stomach.
Some early studies suggest that Palo Azul could help manage obesity by influencing hormones that help to regulate fat storage and appetite.
Extracts from the bark have also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, offering additional support for managing type 2 diabetes.
Beyond these core health benefits of Palo Azul, the tea is also packed with powerful antioxidants.
Studies show it contains two to eight times more polyphenols than green or black tea, and nearly four times more than spirulina.
Palo Azul has even been shown to outperform vitamin C in fighting free radicals, offering protection for the liver, supporting cellular health, and helping to slow signs of premature aging.
The new thing on TicTock is touting Palo Azul’s natural diuretic effects and that it might help flush out drug metabolites by increasing urine production, but results are pretty mixed.
So, if you’ve got a drug test coming up, we wouldn’t recommend relying on this!
The Magic of the Blue Glow
One of the most magical things about Palo Azul is its famous blue glow.
Unlike blueberries or butterfly pea flowers, the color isn’t due to pigments; it’s all about a trick of the light.
Palo Azul tea contains special plant compounds, mainly flavonoids and polyphenols, that stay suspended in the water.
When light passes through the solution, it scatters off these tiny particles, creating a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect, which makes the brew appear blue – the same reason the sky looks blue.
Palo Azul also has some natural fluorescence: under strong light, especially sunlight or UV, certain compounds can absorb light and re-emit it, adding to the surreal, luminous effect.
Although Indigenous peoples had long revered Palo Azul for its healing power, spiritual significance, and protective energy, the plant remained enigmatic to European botanists.
Early accounts described a rare “blue wood” used in traditional medicine, said to possess extraordinary healing properties and an almost magical glow.
Despite growing fascination, Palo Azul evaded scientific classification for decades – which only added to its legend.
How To Brew a Blue Cup of Palo Azul Tea
- Use 1-2 ounces (28-56g) of Palo Azul bark per gallon of water
- Bring water to a boil in a non-aluminum pot
- Add the bark and reduce the heat to a simmer
- Cover and simmer for 15-30 minutes (longer for stronger tea)
- Remove from heat and let steep for around 30 minutes – some people add a splash of lemon juice for taste (this also enhances the blue glow.)
- Strain and enjoy hot or cold.
The tea has a mild flavor. Some describe it “like drinking rainwater after a storm.”
It can be enjoyed alone or sweetened with honey or cinnamon.
The bark can be reused two or three times before the potency, and the health benefits of Palo Azul begin to diminish.
Where to Buy It & What to Look For
When choosing Palo Azul, look for whole bark pieces rather than powdered versions; the larger pieces are usually fresher, less processed, and better for brewing that signature blue glow.
It’s available in many Mexican markets, herbal stores, and online shops.
Whether you try it for its health benefits or simply to create a cup of glowing blue liquid, Palo Azul is a beautiful reminder of the mysteries and healing power of nature.
Studies are limited on the effect of Palo Azul during pregnancy or breastfeeding; it’s best to avoid using it during these times.
