Areca Husk (Da Fu Pi)

Chinese Bulk Herbs – Areca Husk (Da Fu Pi)

Areca husk has been used as a diuretic. It can help get rid of dampness in the digestion, eases a distended abdomen, edema, constipation, and difficulty with urination. It is said to help move the qi downward (move energy downward, as in peristalsis). It’s also used on pets to kill tapeworms in Asia and some European countries.

Clinical Use (Chinese):
Lowers Qi and soothes the Middle Heater, is a diuretic. Pungent in flavor, slightly warm in property, acts on the Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, and small Intestine channels.

Latin Name:
Areca catechu

Chinese Name:
Da Fu Pi

Common Names:
Areca peel, betel husk, betel nut, areca palm, areca nut palm, betel palm, betel nut palm, Indian nut, Pinang palm, catechu

Parts Used:
Peel– Dried husk or shell of the nut. The unripe peel is called Da Fu Pi, and the ripe fruit is called Da Fu Mao

Properties:
Arecae is acrid or pungent in flavor, slightly warm in energy, acts on the spleen, stomach, large and small intestine.

Cautions:
If you have loose stool, areca is not recommended. Also, people who are allergic to betel nuts should not take areca peel in any form. Those who are allergic to betel nuts or who take large doses of areca peel decoction may suffer an allergic reaction, which usually manifests as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.

It should be used with extreme caution by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. *These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Folk Lore:
Areca husk works for digestion, eases a distended abdomen, edema, constipation, and difficulty with urination. It is said to help move the qi downward. It’s also used on pets to kill tapeworms in Asia and some European countries.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

**This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts please consult an acupuncturist or herbal practitioner trained in the use of Chinese herbs or refer to more in-depth reference materials. Chinese herbal remedies are meant to improve health and function, not act as a substitute for medical care.