Gastrointestinal diseases treated with TCM betel husk

What is betel husk(Da Fu Pi)? Also known as areca peel, it refers to the dry peel of Areca catechu L., a member of palmae plants. Medicinally the immature fruits are usually harvested from winter to spring. And then the fruits are boiled and dried. After that they are sliced in half longitudinally and the peel is stripped. And this herb contains a small amount of arecoline and catechins.

Betel nut husk health benefits
As what mentioned before, betel nut husk is a common herb in Chinese medicine. So, next let’s take a look at what it really can help on health.

Pharmacology
1. This herb excites gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The decoction of areca peel can increase the tension of intestines isolated from rabbit. That being said, the contraction of the rabbit’s smooth muscle decreases. And its role could be antagonized by atropine.

2. This herb promotes gastrointestinal motility.

3. This herb promotes fibrinolysis.