Areca catechu, Betel nut Areca, Betel nut, Bing Lang 槟榔 Bing Lang (Seed, TCM)Da Fu Pi (Fruit peel)Faufal (Unani) Koehler, F.E., Medizinal Pflanzen, 1890 Chaumeton, F.P., Flore médicale (vol. 1), 1833 Sliced Betel nut Betel nut(Photo by Thamizhpparithi Maari) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Areca catechu Parts used: Seed; also the Fruit peel Temperature & Taste: Cold, dry (Warm in TCM). Bitter, pungent“Cold and Dry in the third degree”. (Avicenna) Classifications: 3Q. ANTHELMINTIC TCM:S. Worms and Parasites Uses: 1. Moves Qi, Opens Obstructions: (TCM, Ayurveda)-stagnation of the digestive system-Food Stagnation-abdominal distention, constipation-chewed to sweeten the breath and promote appetite and digestion-also for Gall Stones-“used in hot and hard Swellings” (Avicenna)2. Moves the Qi, Clears Damp, Promotes Urine: (TCM, Ayurveda, Tibet)-Edema (in cases of excess, not deficiency)-Swelling of the legs with Heat-Oliguria-Kidney diseases in Tibet-Diarrhea and Dysentery with Damp-Heat3. Kills Worms: (TCM, Ayurveda, Tibet)-especially for Tapeworm-also Pinworms, Roundworms, Blood Flukes, Intestinal Flukes (fasciolopsis buski)4. Moves the Blood, Promotes Menstruation:-Amenorrhea5. Treats Malaria: (TCM)-Malarial disorders-Intermittent Fevers6. Externally:-an astringent wash for the eyes, causing pupil dilation-conjunctivitis, the ash is applied-“suitable for persons suffering from Ophthalmalgia” (Avicenna) -mouth wash for mouth sores and ulcers, bleeding of the gums, to strengthen the teeth and gums-topically for watery leukorrhea-powder…

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