Chinese Herb: Areca Peel / Dafupi

Areca Peel / Dafupi

Chinese Herb Areca Peel, known as Dafupi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is characterized by its acrid taste and slightly warm properties. This herb is recognized for its ability to downbear qi, expand the center, move water, and disperse swelling, making it a valuable remedy in managing various health conditions.

Modern research has highlighted its potential benefits, revealing that Areca Peel can stimulate intestinal smooth muscle, thereby promoting intestinal movement and aiding in the breakdown of fiber and protein. As a result, Areca Peel is commonly used to address issues such as digestive disturbances, water retention, and abdominal swelling, showcasing its dual role as both a traditional and contemporary therapeutic agent.

Chinese Name	大腹皮
Chinese Pinyin	Dafupi
English Name	Areca Peel
Latin Pharmaceutical Name	Arecae Pericarpium
Category	Fruits and seeds
Origin	The dried pericarp of Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae).
Production Regions	Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Fujian, Taiwan, Hainan.
Macroscopic Features	Slightly oval or long egg-shaped, 4~7cm long, 2~3.5cm wide, 0.2~0.5cm thick. Exocarp is dark brown to black, with irregular longitudinal wrinkles and bulging horizontal lines, with remnants of style on the apex, with fruit stem and remnants of calyx on the base. Endocarp is indented, brown or dark brown, smooth shell-like. Light, hard; a fibrous mesocarp can be seen after tearing longitudinally. faint odor; slightly astringent.
Quality Requirements	Superior medicinal material is yellowish-white, pliable, without foreign matter.
Properties	Acrid; slightly warm.
Functions	Downbears qi, expands the center, moves water, disperses swelling. Modern research has found this medicinal material can excite intestinal smooth muscle, promote intestinal movement, and promotes the breakdown of fiber and protein.