3Bing lang - Areca seed - Semen arecae

Bing Lang (Areca Seed) is a warm, bitter, and acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for promoting the movement of Qi, resolving food stagnation, and expelling parasites. It is the dried ripe seed of Areca catechu, commonly known as betel nut. Bing Lang is particularly valued for treating abdominal distension, constipation, and indigestion from food accumulation, as well as parasitic infections such as tapeworms and pinworms. It is also used in formulas to promote urination and reduce swelling in cases of edema. In southern China and Southeast Asia, Bing Lang has a long history of use, though in TCM it is applied with caution and under professional guidance due to potential side effects from long-term or excessive use.

Functions & Benefits

Promotes Qi Movement and Relieves Food Stagnation
Alleviates bloating, fullness, and poor appetite after overeating.

Expels Parasites
Effective against tapeworms, pinworms, and roundworms.

Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling
Supports water metabolism in cases of edema.

Supports Digestive Function in Damp Conditions
Helps with sluggish digestion in humid climates.

Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)
✔ Individuals with abdominal bloating and distension after heavy meals.
✔ People with intestinal parasites.
✔ Those with edema or difficulty urinating.
✔ Patients with sluggish digestion in damp environments.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Thick greasy coating in food stagnation or dampness.
Pulse: Slippery in food accumulation; wiry or soggy in dampness patterns.

Related TCM Patterns
Food Stagnation with Qi Obstruction – Causes bloating, belching, and indigestion.
Intestinal Parasites – Leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and itching.
Damp Obstruction with Edema – Produces swelling and urinary difficulty.

Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)
Acute Indigestion – Promotes Qi flow and food breakdown.
Parasitic Infections – Kills and expels intestinal worms.
Edema – Aids fluid regulation and reduces swelling.
Damp-Climate Digestive Sluggishness – Improves appetite and bowel function.

Common Herbal Formulas with Bing Lang
Often combined with Mu Xiang and Chen Pi for indigestion, or with Nan Gua Zi for parasite expulsion.

Precautions & Contraindications
Not for long-term use due to potential toxicity.
Avoid in cases of Qi deficiency without stagnation.
Excessive use may irritate the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
Do not use during pregnancy without professional supervision.

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations
✔ Eat smaller, balanced meals to prevent food stagnation.
✔ Avoid raw, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods during treatment.
✔ Maintain good hygiene to prevent parasite reinfection.
✔ Stay active to support healthy digestion and Qi movement.

Conclusion
Bing Lang (Areca Seed) is a warm, bitter, and acrid herb in TCM that moves Qi, relieves food stagnation, expels parasites, and promotes urination. It is useful for indigestion, abdominal bloating, intestinal worms, and edema, but must be used cautiously.