Areca is a plant. The nut is used to make medicine. Areca nut is chewed alone or in the form of quids, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced areca nut, and slaked lime wrapped in the leaf of ? betel? vine (Piper betel) Areca is used for treatment of a mental disorder called schizophrenia and an eye disorder called glaucoma; as a mild stimulant; and as a digestive aid. Some people use areca as a recreational drug because it speeds up the central nervous system (CNS).In veterinary medicine, an extract of areca is used for expelling tapeworms in cattle, dogs, and horses; to empty animals' bowels; and for treating intestinal colic in horses.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for. Schizophrenia. Early research suggests that betel nut might be helpful for schizophrenia. Some patients with schizophrenia who chew betel nut seem to have less severe symptoms. Stroke. Early research suggests that taking a solution containing betel nut extract might improve speech, strength,and bladder function in people who have had a stroke. Glaucoma. Aiding in digestion. Other condition More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of betel nut for these uses.