Health Benefits of Betel Leaves

Health Benefits of Betel Leaves

The betel plant is an evergreen and perennial creeper, with glossy heart shaped leaves. It belongs to the family of Piperaceae, which includes pepper and Kava. It is native to South and South East Asia (India, Nepal, Bang-ladesh and Sri Lanka).

Betel leaves play a vital role in Indian tradition, customs and rituals. It is traditionally used to treat various diseases like bad breath, boils and abscesses, conjunctivitis, constipation, swelling of gums, cuts and injuries. The root is known for its female contraceptive effects, or inhibits the growth of the deadly bacteria that cause typhoid, cholera, tuberculosis, etc.

1. A paste of betel leaves mixed with salt and hot water can be ad-ministered for filariasis.
2. For treating obesity, one betel leaf mixed with piper nigrum is prescribed for two months.
3. Its juice along with honey or a liquid extract is useful to treat coughs, dyspnoea, and indigestion, among children.
4. When the leaves smeared with oil are applied on the breasts of lactating women, it is said to promote milk secretion.
5. A local application is recommended for inflammatory swellings such as orchitis, arthritis and mastitis.
6. For childhood and old people, leaves soaked in mustard oil and warmed are applied to the chest in order to relieve cough and dyspnoea.
7. Eliminates bad breath, body odour and prevents tooth decay.
8. Prevents and treats vaginal discharge, and reduces itching of the vagina.
9. Stops bleeding in the nose.
10. It contains vitamins such as thiamine, niancin, riboflavin and carotene.