Piper betel is called Paan in Hindi and Taamboolam in Sanskrit, and is highly linked to Indian traditions and culture. More than seven varieties of betel leaf have been identified in ancient Ayurvedic texts. The Sanskrit words to describe paan are Vasya and Kaamajanani—it draws people to you. Because of these qualities and since it is stimulating, making the juices flow, it is also an aphrodisiac and is recommended before and during sex. Arakene, the alkaloid constituent in the leaves, which is akin to cocaine, may be the cause of their stimulant effect.
The betel leaf combines well with a pinch of slaked lime (choonam) and a few pieces of areca nut. A study showed that this habit was responsible for preventing osteoporosis in a group of economically, and socially disadvantaged people. It inferred that the calcium in the choonam was easily assimilated in the presence of betel juice. Tobacco has polluted the chew, the chewer and his surroundings and spoiled an otherwise laudable tradition.
Betel leaf has many medicinal uses and has been recommended in the ancient scriptures of Ayurveda. The betel leaf is known for its acrid, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, astringent, bitter, carminative, hot and stimulant properties. In combination with lime, areca nut and one’s own saliva, the emerging concoction helps in the clearance of the throat, improving voice, the digestion, and expelling worms and intestinal gas. Sometimes, other aromatic herbs such as cloves, cardamoms, nutmeg, sounf, karpur and gulkand are added for additional benefit. A chemical analysis of betel leaves reveals the presence of several goodies—calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. A phenolic constituent, called chavicol, found in its essential oil is reported to have shown anti-bacterial activity.
MEDICINAL USES
• Warm leaves (lightly heated on a tavva) and smeared with mustard oil are applied to the chest in cases of coughing and difficulty in breathing during infancy and childhood.
• Warm leaves, smeared with castor oil can be applied on inflammatory conditions like scrotal swelling, breast abscess, boils, burns, wounds etc.
• A teaspoonful each of the juices of betel leaf, ginger and tulsi, in 1 tsp honey, helps not only in cough and chest congestion, but also aids in lessening the weakness on the nerves.
• In case of headache, put 2 or 3 drops of leaf juice into the nostrils and take rest.
• Betel leaf reduces pain due to insect stings—fold in 2-3 peppercorns and take with 1 tsp honey.
• To prevent dandruff and to lengthen the hair, apply the paste of betel leaves and coconut oil to scalp.
• Betel leaf is credited with diuretic properties. Its juice, mixed with dilute milk and sweetened slightly, helps in easing urination.
• According to Vaidyamanorama, a classical treatise of Ayurveda, one betel leaf mixed with 10 gm. black pepper and taken with cold water for two months makes one lean and thin.
• In case of filarial conditions, regular intake of the paste of betel leaves mixed with salt along with hot water is useful.
PLEASE NOTE
It is estimated that about 50 crores of people indulge in chewing betel leaves. Since most of them are ignorant of personal and social hygiene, they spit the tainted saliva anywhere they like. This bad habit plays a major part in spreading a number of infections. If the betel leaf is taken for first time, there is a possibility of giddiness and sharp stabbing pain due to calcium ions in it. This can be remedied by sucking a crystal of common salt or some sugar. Persons suffering from congestive heart failure, hypertension, etc., should use betel leaf, especially in combination with choonam cautiously. The stem of the betel leaf and the roots are said to produce sterility in women and that would perhaps account for the fact that the stem is always removed before chewing the leaf. The leaves are said to be invigorating and an aphrodisiac and, therefore, not to be used by celibates and ascetics. Chewing betel leaves 4 to 10 times daily for more than 2 years regularly, develops addiction like alcohol or opium. There is threat of sub-mucous fibrosis, a pre-cancerous condition in such abusers.