Latin Name: Semen Arecae Catechu

Properties: bitter, pungent, warm

Actions: kills parasites, removes undigested food, subdues upward Qi, unblocks bowels, promotes flow of fluid, stops malarial attacks

Medical Indications: intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, pinworms, roundworms, fasciolopsis, and blood flukes, abdominal distension and fullness due to Qi stagnation and food accumulation, diarrhea, constipation, malarial disorders, chest congestion with phlegm, wheezing, and belching, benign cysts, ascites, edema

Contraindications: none

Caution: to be used with caution in cases with Qi deficiency or Qi collapse of the middle Jiao with loose stools, to be used with extreme caution during pregnancy

Dosage: 6 to 15 grams