Skip to content
Cura x Cura

Da Fu Pi大腹皮

Arecae Pericarpium · Areca Husk · Betel Nut Husk

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《开宝本草》

Overview

The fibrous husk of the areca fruit, and a much gentler herb than the seed inside it: acrid and slightly warm, it moves stuck qi in the middle and lower burner and moves water at the same time, so it suits abdominal distension and puffiness that arrive together. It has none of the seed's parasite-expelling force.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Slightly warm

Channels

Spleen · Stomach · Large Intestine · Small Intestine

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
大腹皮Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Moves qi, relaxes the middleAbdominal and epigastric distension and fullness, belching, sluggish bowels from qi stagnation with damp.
  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingPuffy skin and limbs, abdominal fullness with fluid, damp in the skin — one of the five peels of Wu Pi San.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Da Fu Pi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Abdominal and epigastric distension, fullness after eating
    - Edema of the limbs and face with abdominal fullness
    - Damp obstruction with a heavy, bloated feeling

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

BloatingFunctional dyspepsiaEdemaAscites

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid and dispersing: it consumes qi, so it is unsuitable for qi deficiency without stagnation and for patients who are already weak and depleted. Do not confuse it with the areca seed Bing Lang 槟榔, which is a much stronger herb with a different action.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Used with caution in pregnancy — moving and descending, practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中华本草》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.