What are the efficacy and functions of betel nut in traditional Chinese medicine?
As a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient, betel nut has various functions and effects, mainly including expelling parasites, eliminating food accumulation, promoting qi circulation, promoting diuresis, and interrupting malaria. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Expelling parasites: The alkaloids contained in betel nut have a paralyzing effect on multiple intestinal parasites and can be used to treat tapeworm disease, roundworm disease, and fasciolopsiasis.
2. Eliminating food accumulation: Used to treat symptoms such as food accumulation with qi stagnation, indigestion, and abdominal distension and pain.
3. Promoting qi circulation: Betel nut can be used to treat qi stagnation of the spleen and stomach, chest tightness, abdominal distension, and other symptoms.
4. Promoting diuresis: It has a diuretic and edema-reducing effect and is suitable for conditions such as edema and difficult urination.
5. Interrupting malaria: Can be used to treat malaria, such as alternating chills and fever.
In daily life, betel nut contains ingredients that may be harmful to the human body. Long-term and excessive use may increase the risk of oral cancer. It should be used in moderation under medical guidance. Individuals with spleen deficiency and loose stools, or qi deficiency with prolapse should use it cautiously; pregnant and lactating women should avoid its use.