Areca Nut – What It Is, How It Works and Side Effects!

Areca nut is used to treat a mental disorder called schizophrenia and an eye disorder, as well as a digestive aid. Some people use areca as a recreational remedy because it speeds up the skin ‘s central nervous system .

In veterinary medicine, areca extract is used to expel tapeworms in cattle, dogs, and horses, to empty the intestines of animals, and to treat intestinal colic in horses.

Areca nut side effects : 

Not enough is known about the short-term safety of taking it by mouth. However, it is considered insufficient when taken orally long-term or in high doses. Some of the chemicals in this nut have been linked to cancer . Other chemicals are poisonous.

Eating 8-30 grams of areca nut  can cause death. Also, chewing this nut can make your mouth, lips , and stools turn red. It can cause stimulant effects similar to caffeine and tobacco use .

It can also cause more serious effects, including vomiting, diarrhea , gum problems, increased saliva, chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, low blood pressure, shortness of breath and rapid breathing, heart attack, coma, and death from water .

Areca nut special precautions and warnings :

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Also, taking areca by mouth is unsafe for anyone, due to cancer and toxicity concerns. But pregnant and lactating women have extra risks. Areca nut can affect the  central nervous system and this can put your pregnancy at risk.

Chemicals can pass into breast milk and harm the infant. In that case, avoid using it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

2. Asma: 

In addition, areca nut can worsen asthma  symptoms  , which can cause an asthma attack.

3. Slow heart rate (bradycardia):

Areca nut  can slow the heart beat . This can be a problem in people who already have a low heart rate.

4. Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract:

In addition, this fruit can cause “congestion” in the intestines. This can cause problems for people who have a blockage in their intestines.

 5. Ulcers:

This nut can increase secretions in the stomach and intestines. In that case, there is concern that it could make the ulcers worse .

6. Lung problems:

Walnut can increase fluid secretions in the lung. Additionally, there is concern that it could worsen lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema .

7. Seizures:

In addition, there is concern that areca nut  may increase the risk of seizures.

8. Urinary tract obstruction:

Also, this nut can increase secretions in the urinary tract . In addition, as such, there is concern that it could worsen urinary obstruction.

Areca Nut Dosage: 

The proper dose of areca depends on several factors such as age, health and various other issues of the patient. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dose of Areca.

Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Also, follow relevant instructions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before use.