Betel Husk, Dà Fù Pí, 大腹皮, Pericarpium Arecae Catechu

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

AboutBotanyChinese MedicineCaution
Health Benefits
For: acid regurgitation, abdominal pain, constipation, edema, urination difficulty
Attributes: diuretic, laxative, stimulant, increases intestinal contractions, teratogenic, fetotoxic[18]
Products

Extract

Granules

Dried Husks

Granules

Dried Husks

Granules

Dried Husks

Granules

Research
Articles:
Constituents: 

Arecoline • Arecaidine • Quvacine • Guvacoline • Pararecoline • Catechins

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Areca Peel, Betel Peel, Da Fu Mao, Bing Lang Pi, Bing Lang Yi
Plant Family: Palmae
Betel husk is from a palm call betel tree.  The nuts from the tree are often chewed as a stimulant along with the betel leaf.  Betel leaf is not from the same tree but from a vine (Piper Betie) belonging to the Piperaceae family.  The nuts are used by almost 1/10 of the world's population as a stimulant that's equal to 6 cups of coffee.  It's effectiveness can be compared to nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.  Arecoline is the psychoactive constituent that makes betel nuts a heavy stimulant.  This usage leads to oral cancer and prompting governments for regulation.[ref]

The betel seeds is surrounded by a husk.  When the seeds are tried, the husk is removed.  This post is focused on the medicinal benefits for betel husk, which has different properties from the seed itself.  Betel is listed in the following pharmacopeias: Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao

Species
 None noted
Growth
Arecae Catechu is in the USDA database.  Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:

USA: Not found in the wild.  USDA Zones: 11

World: West Indies, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, East Africa Coast, India, Malaysia

Habitats: Tropical areas

Category: Regulate Qi 
English: Betel Husk    Pinyin:  Da Fu Pi      Pharmaceutical: Pericarpium Arecae Catechu  
Organs: Large intestine • Small intestine • Spleen • Stomach        Temperature: Slightly Warm
Taste: Pungent        Toxicity: None noted  
Patterns: Food stagnation, Qi Stagnation, Middle Jiao Dampness 
Actions:  move Qi downward, regulates Middle Jiao, relief edema, promote diuresis, transform dampness
Key 2nd Actions: Promote Urination
Indications: Damp accumulation, Qi stagnation, water accumulation, acid regurgitation, abdominal pain, epigastric distention, belching, irregular bowel movements, sudden turmoil disorder, superficial edema, damp leg Qi
Contraindications: Pregnancy • Qi deficiency • Neuroleptic drugs • Antidepressant drugs
Typical Dosage: 4.5g to 9g          Guidelines
Parts Used: Husk     Notable for: Promote Urination
Usage: This herb would be useful for patients suffering from Middle Jiao Dampness and Qi stagnation, leading to nausea, vomiting, borborygmus, constipation/diarrhea. Patients experiencing acid regurgitation from overeating or overindulgence of fried, rich food.
Combine With Purpose
Hou Po + Chen Pi Constipation from stagnant qi and dampness (Fen Xiao Tang) 25
Fu Ling Pi + Shen Jiang Pi Superficial edema (Wu Pi Yin)25
Formulas with Da Fu Pi
Fen Xiao Tang, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, Mu Xiang Liu Qi Yin, Shi Pi Yin, Shu Zao Yin Zi, Wu Pi San (Wu Pi Yin), Yi Jia Jian Zheng Qi San

Alert
  • Da Fu Pi can conflict with antipsychotic drugs and antidepressant drugs.
  • Da Fu Pi is a diuretic, laxative, and a stimulant.  It can also increase intestinal contractions. Do not use if pregnant since it is teratogenic, fetotoxic[18]
Potential Drug Interactions

Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs.  Examples below:

Herbs: None noted

Pharma Drugs:Neuroleptic drugs: Fluphenazine (Prolixin), Thorazine, Thioridazine (Mellaril), Haloperidol (haldol)[18]

Bibliography: [3], [5], [8]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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