Areca catechu. Betelnut palm, Areca  Family: Palmae  
大 腹 皮  Dà fù pí   Dried fruit peel    
Nature- slightly warm     FLAVOR: Pungent, acrid    CHANNELS: Spleen, Stomach, Large intestine, Small intestine
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Qi Regulating
1. Push down Qi. Stimulates energy circulation.[1] Mainly acts to descend Qi.[4]
2. Expand the middle region.
3. Promote flow of water. Promotes diuresis.[1,4] Drying up Dampness.[4]
4. Eliminates stagnation - constipation.[2,4] Diminished urination and other stoppages.[4]
ACTIONS
INDICATIONS
1. Dyspepsia and constipation.[1] Swelling and fullness of Stomach and abdomen.[4] Chronic hepatitis, indigestion.[4]
2. Edema.[1,2,4] Beri-beri.[1]
3. Diminished urinary outputand other stoppages.[1,2]
PREPARATIONS: Decoction 4-9 g.[1,2,4]
  
槟 榔  Bīng láng   Areca nut, Betelnut    
Nature: Slightly warm    FLAVOR: Bitter, pungent, acrid, biting   CHANNEL: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Antihelminthics
1. Kills worms and relieves stoppages, loosen energy stagnation.[1]
2. Break up Energy stagnation for smooth elimination of stools.[1] Push down Qi.
3. Promote flow of water. Diuretic and aids conversion of moisture.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Parasites. Abdominal pain due to worms.[1]
2. Indigestion, stomach ache, abdominal swelling, diarrhea. Dysentery. Difficulty in bowel movements, sputum. Constant urge to pass stools. Indigestion and fullness.[1] Diarrhea and dysentery (continuous urges "to go").[1]
3. Energy stagnation in chest and abdomen.[1]
4. Edema, beriberi, malaria[1]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Falling symptoms in Qi deficiency.[2]
PREPARATIONS:  Decoction 4-9 g dry ripe seed.[1] In powder for external use.[2]
Betel quids
The most common method of using betel nut is to slice it into thin strips and roll it in a betel leaf with slaked lime (powder) or crushed seashells. This leaf package is known as a betel quid, betel nut chew, betel chew, betel pan or betel paan (India). Betel quids may also contain tobacco and other additives such as cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, aniseed, coconut, sugar, syrups and fruit extracts, to enhance the flavour. Sometimes areca nuts are rolled in leaves other than betel leaf, such as a leaf from the rubiaceous plant (Mitrogyna speciosa), nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), or the pepper plant used in kava (Piper methysticum).[5]
        
NOTES: Main producers of Betelnut are India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Philippines producing around 191,000 in 1982.[3] This coconut-like tree produces a seed that when chewed is similar to a chewing tobacco like Skoals or Redman. You can achieve a gentle like buzz when chewing it. This legal stimulant is basically Taiwan's version of chewing tobacco. Also nicknamed “Taiwan Chewing Gum”. It derives from a type of native Taiwan fan palm tree. This palm tree is also found in abundance in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The first time you try it may possibly be your last as it is a very strong, uncomfortably warm feeling.
DESCRIPTION: The nuts vary a good deal in size and quality, being from 18-25 mm in length. They are brown in color, conical at one end and truncated at the other, which is marked by a depressed, whitish scar.
References