BETEL LEAF

Introduction:

Betel leaf is grown in many parts of India. The climber plant has lush green leaves. To support the stem, it is put on a wood post or on bamboo roof. Usually it gets length up to around 15-20 feet. It is regularly used as “PAN”, mouth freshener, after a meal. Leaves, fruits and roots have medicinal uses.

1. Betel leaves are useful in relieving headache due to its cooling properties. The leaves are placed on both the temporal regions in case of headache.
2. It is useful in treatment of wounds and boils due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The leaf is placed on the affected part and bandaged to clean the wound and get relief from pain.
3. Also useful in joint pain and arthritis. Bearable heat is given to the leaves and placed on the affected part.
4. Useful for stomach pain and cough of infants. Apply few drops of castor oil on the smooth part of the leaves and apply some heat by placing over candle flame. Be careful not to overheat the leaves. Place on stomach area for stomach pain or on chest for relief from cough.
5. For sore throat, take out betel leaf juice from 2-3 leaves and add pinch of black pepper and honey. This takes out cough and relives sore throat. Gargle with betel leaf juice helps keeping throat clean.
6. Widely used for relief from Indigestion and bad breath. In fact, in many parts of India betel leaves are chewed after meals. It increases secretion of digestive fluids thereby reliving bloating of stomach and help in relieving constipation.
7. On insect bites betel leaf juice may be applied to get relief from pain.

(Betel leaf should not be used by those suffering from, tuberculosis, asthma, epilepsy and psychological disorders)