Acrid and warm, Arecae Pericarpium (da fu pi) enters the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen, and Stomach channels. Unblocking because of its warm nature, and dispersing because of its acrid flavor, it transforms dampness which has clumped and obstructed the flow of qi, thus restoring normal qi and fluid circulation. It eases the middle, drives qi downward, promotes fluid metabolism and flow, and reduces edema. When the fluids flow in a regular fashion, urination is natural and easy. By this means it treats abdominal distention and fullness, incomplete bowel movements, urinary difficulty, edema and leq qi due to pathogenic dampness obstructing the qi dynamic. (from Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd ed)*