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Mother Tincture info

Areca catechu

It is also called as Areca catechu E Seminibus. Commonly known as Betel nut, it is native to India and Malaysia, cultivated along the west coast, coastal regions of Southern Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, Mysore, Kerala, Bengal, etc. A tall slender palm with a smooth stem reaching a height of 12-13m. The trunk is about 50cm in circumference and is surmounted by a crown of pinnate leaves 1.2 to 1.8m in length in which upper pinnate confluent.

Areca nuts contains mostly glycerides of lauric (50%), myristic and Oleic acid.

It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India as well as Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States.

A homoeopathic tincture is made from the seed (Nut). Its alkaloid areolin hydrobrom contracts pupile. It increases the amplitude of pulsations of the heart and promotes the contractibility of the intestine. The Wealth of India says that it is used in dermatosis, dropsy, hepatosis and insomnia.

A recent research review has found it possessing antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. It has property to increase peristaltic movement of the intestine and guts. It is being used to eliminate tape-worm, hook-worm, etc. Tincture of Areca catechu diluted in water is useful for bleeding gum.  It is indicated in pyrosis of pregnancy.

Recommended dose: 1x and 3x

Caution: 1X increases heart rate and blood pressure; to be used carefully.

References:

1. P. N. Varma, Indu Vaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
2. Andrew Chevallier, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1st Edition, 1996, Dorling Kindersley, London.
3. Wei Penga et al., Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): A review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 164, 22 April 2015, Pages 340–356
4. K. M. Nadkarni, Indian Materia Medica, Edited by A. K. Nandkarni, Volume 1, Bombay Popular Prakashan, Mumbai – 34.
5. W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.