Arecae Pericarpium
Aliases：Bīng Láng Pí (Areca Nut Peel); Bīng Láng Ké (Areca Nut Shell); Fú Máo (Poria Hair); Bīng Láng Yī (Areca Nut Coat); Dà Fù Róng (Large Abdomen Velvet); Dà Fù Máo (Large Abdomen Hair).
Dà Fù Pí (Areca Peel) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried pericarp of Areca catechu L., a plant of the Arecaceae family. Its medicinal material is somewhat ellipsoid or long ovate in shape like a scoop, with a dark brown to nearly black outer surface, light in weight, and hard in texture. Depending on the harvesting time, the pericarp peeled from immature fruits collected from winter to the following spring is commonly known as “Dà Fù Pí” (Areca Peel). The pericarp peeled from mature fruits collected from late spring to early autumn is commonly known as “Dà Fù Máo” (Hairy Areca Peel).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes qi circulation and relaxes the middle jiao; promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
Indications
Epigastric and abdominal distension with fullness, unsatisfactory defecation, edema with distension, beriberi with edema (edema of the legs), and difficulty in urination.
Modern Pharmacology
Regulation of gastrointestinal function: Areca Peel (Dà Fù Pí) can promote gastrointestinal motility. Its decoction increases the tone of isolated intestinal segments. Its effect is antagonistic to atropine. Potential effects: Studies have suggested potential pharmacological effects such as antidepressant activity. Clinical targeting: Modern research has summarized its therapeutic targets into “Symptom Targets” (abdominal distension and fullness, edema) and “Biomarker Targets” (pleural effusion, ascites, and decreased gastrointestinal motility).
Ingredients
Alkaloids: Arecoline, guvacine, arecaidine. Others: Tannins, α-catechin, condensed tannins, amino acids, among others
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 4.5–9g, or 5–10g. May also be prepared in pills or powder. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed for external application, or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with qi deficiency and weak constitution: As this herb has relatively strong qi-moving and diuretic effects, it has a tendency to consume qi. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with qi deficiency and weakness (often presenting with fatigue, lassitude, shortness of breath, etc.). Contraindicated during pregnancy: It should be avoided by pregnant women. Should not be used in excessive amounts or for a prolonged period. A small number of patients may experience adverse reactions such as diarrhea and urticaria (hives). If these occur, discontinue use immediately.
Selected Formulas
For edema (Huashi Zhongzang Jing, Wupi San) Take equal parts of Dafupi (Areca peel), Shengjiangpi (Ginger peel), Sangbaipi (Mulberry root bark), Chenjupi (Tangerine peel), and Fulingpi (Poria peel). Grind into coarse powder. Take 9g each time, decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Areca Peel and Carp Soup: Take 30g of Areca Peel (Dà Fù Pí), and cook it together with White Atractylodes (Bái Zhú), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí), Ginger Peel (Shēng Jiāng Pí), and other ingredients. This soup is suitable for edema due to qi stagnation and dampness obstruction.
Medicinal Parts
Dried pericarp.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from moisture and insects.
