The source is from the mature seed of Areca catechu L., family Palmae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Hainan, Fujian, and Yunnan, etc.. Collected from the end of spring to the early stage of autumn, dried after being boiled, the fruit being peeled and the seed being taken out, dried in the sun. The crude form is used for medication.

Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the stomach and large intestine meridians.

Activate circulation of qi and relieve dyspepsia, kill parasites and promote diuresis.

1. For dyspepsia and stagnation of qi with epigastric fullness, constipation or dysentery with tenesmus, it is usually combined with Muxiang ( Radix Aucklandiae ), Qingpi ( Pericarpium Citri Retieutatae Viride ), and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), etc., such as Muxiang Binglang Wan (Pill).

2. It is used to treat diseases caused by all kinds of parasties such as taeniasis, ancylostomiasis, ascariasis, oxyuriasis, chronic gastritis, duodenitis, and fasciolopsiasis. Especially it is most effective for taeniasis and it can be used alone or combined with Nanguazi (Semen Cucurbitae); for ascariasis and oxyuriasis, usually combined with Shijunzi (Fructus Quisqualis ), and Kulianpi ( Cortex Meliae).

 

It is used for edema and painful beriberi. For edema of sthenia-syndrome and difficulty in urination and defecation, it is usually combined with Shanglu ( Radix Phytolaccae ), Zexie ( Rhizoma Alismatis ), and Mutong ( Caulis Akebiae), etc., such as Shuzao Yinzi (Decoction); for swollen and painful beriberi of cold-dampness type, usually combined with Mugua ( Fructus Chaenomelis ), Wuzhuyu ( Fructus Evodiae ) , and Jupi (Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae), etc., such as Jiming San (Powder).

6 - 15 g is used in decoction for oral use.

Contraindicated in the cases with diarrhea due to spleen deficiency or qi-collapse due to qi deficiency.