Overview

Betel Nut is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. Puga (Betel Nut/Supari) is the fruit of the Areca Palm, widely cultivated in Southern and Eastern India. The nut is chewed with Betel leaf (Paan) after meals as a digestive. It is astringent and anthelmintic. The ripe nut is harder and more astringent than the tender nut. Supari contains the alkaloid Arecoline which has anthelmintic properties. The dried nut is processed in various ways - boiled, cut, and flavored. It is an important social and cultural item in India. Fresh tender betel nut (Chikni Supari) is sweeter and less astringent. Excessive use can stain teeth red and cause oral submucous fibrosis with long-term use. The nut is used in veterinary medicine as a dewormer. Chemical composition includes 15% tannins and the alkaloid Arecoline. Dose: 1-2 masha; as mouth freshener after meals. Verses: 13.

How Betel Nut Helps with Parasites and Worms

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Betel Nut has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:

Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Ruksha (dry)

Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms

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Agarwood Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.

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Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.

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Ailanthus Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

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Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan

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Alum Potash Alum

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Apamarga Achyranthes aspera Linn.

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Asclepias Asclepias curassavica Linn.

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Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.

See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.

▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)

That which loosens the joint bindings and separates Ojas from the Dhatus is called Vikashi (dissociative), like Kramuka (Areca catechu/betel nut) and Kodrava (Paspalum scrobiculatum).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)

Mada (intoxication) is of another four types from betel nut (Puga), cannabis (Bhanga), and Kodrava (millet).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases)

Also: Chavika (Piper retrofractum), Hapusha (Juniperus communis — juniper), Dhanya (Coriandrum sativum), Kramuka (Areca catechu — betel nut), Katuki/Katurohhini (Picrorhiza kurroa), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Triphala — Haritaki, Bibhitaka, Amalaki — Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), and the two Nishas — Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Purva Khanda, Chapter 7: Rogagananam (Enumeration of Diseases); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.