Da Fu Pi-Betelnut palm pericarp-Areca catechu

Da Fu Pi, also known as Arecae Pericarpium or Betel Husk, is a pungent and slightly warm herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to regulate Qi, reduce distension, promote urination, and relieve edema. It is primarily used to treat Qi stagnation in the middle burner, especially when accompanied by dampness and abdominal bloating. With its descending and dispersing qualities, Da Fu Pi is often included in formulas for digestive discomfort, urinary difficulty, and edema due to Qi obstruction.

Functions & Benefits

Promotes Qi Movement & Reduces Abdominal Distension
Da Fu Pi is effective for treating Qi stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, particularly when there is bloating, fullness, or epigastric discomfort. It is commonly used in formulas that address digestive sluggishness, poor appetite, and distending pain due to stagnant Qi.

Promotes Urination & Reduces Edema
This herb supports the transformation and movement of water by promoting urination, making it useful for superficial edema and urinary difficulty, especially when associated with dampness obstructing the Qi dynamic.

Descends Rebellious Qi & Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Da Fu Pi helps descend rebellious Qi in cases of belching, hiccups, or nausea caused by Qi stagnation or improper movement of the digestive energy. It harmonizes the middle burner and alleviates fullness.

Supports Spleen & Damp Regulation
By promoting the movement of both Qi and fluids, Da Fu Pi gently assists the Spleen’s function of transforming and transporting dampness, making it useful in damp-related digestive disorders.

Indications

Abdominal distension, bloating, or discomfort from Qi stagnation.
Poor appetite, belching, nausea, or epigastric fullness due to middle burner blockage.
Urinary difficulty or superficial edema caused by damp obstruction.
Mild cases of damp-heat with abdominal swelling or water retention.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM

Tongue: Pale or slightly red with a thick, greasy white or yellow coating, indicating dampness and Qi stagnation.
Pulse: Slippery or wiry, sometimes moderate or soft, reflecting Qi constraint with damp accumulation.

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Da Fu Pi

Da Fu Pi treats Stomach and Intestinal Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness, and Damp Obstruction with mild urinary difficulty. These patterns typically present with abdominal fullness, bloating, reduced urination, and symptoms that improve with movement or pressure.

Precautions & Contraindications

Not suitable for Qi Deficiency without stagnation, as it may overly disperse Qi.
Use with caution in cases of Yin Deficiency or fluid depletion.
Avoid during pregnancy unless under professional supervision due to its downward-moving nature.
Not recommended for patients with frequent urination or chronic dryness.

Conclusion

Da Fu Pi is a Qi-moving herb in TCM that effectively reduces bloating, supports urination, and alleviates abdominal fullness caused by dampness and Qi stagnation. It is ideal for middle burner discomfort and mild damp-related edema. Its warm, dispersing nature makes it an important herb in formulas treating digestive sluggishness and fluid retention.