The Betel Leaf

 
The betel (Piper betle) is a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and kava. Betel leaf is mostly consumed in Asia, and elsewhere in the world by some Asian emigrants, as betel quid or in paan, with Areca nut and/or tobacco.leaves contain many curative and healing health benefits.

The leaves are full of vitamins like vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and carotene and are a great source of calcium. Since betel is an aromatic creeper, you can easily grow it as an ornamental plant in your homes and derive the maximum health benefits from the same.

In the entire world, Hinduism is the oldest religion. In Hindu tradition, in one or other way, we will be praying nature. In all the festivals and religious ceremonies, we will include nature as the prior to pray. In Ugadi, we offer neem prasada by praying to Neem Tree , Pongal- pray to farm animals, highlighting their effort in harvesting  and granaries, Vinayaka chuturthi, we offer variety of grass and fruits to God, showing that everything has its value . In all religious occassions, we see betel leaves, as thamboola in the first place. When comes to Hanuman pooja, we pray him, by decorating with betel leaves, which he loves the most. Often referred to as a paan leaf.
 
Uses of Betel Leaf:

• It is used while doing poojas and in all the religious ceremonies.
• In Indian culture, having tamboolam after dine is tradition.                                            
• Betel leaf juice can be used to get relief from throat pain.
• Respiratory disorders will be relieved, by applying oil to leaf, heat it and placing on chest.
• Can be tied for wounds, by applying ghee to betel leaf
• Betel extract can be used to as drops, get relief from ear pain.

 

Health Benefits:

• It is very healthy for body. It has calcium for bones, folic acid, A vitamin, C vitamin.
• It improves, immune system.
• It has more fiber.
• Like other leafy vegetables, betel leaves has more properties, in helping to improve our digestive system.
• Betel leaves works as anti oxidant. It keeps you young with wrinkle free skin.
• We can store oils by placing betel leaf, which prevents from spoiling.
• If we have high BP, it is not recommended to consume as tamboolam ( Betel+lime stone+Betel nut).
• If we have high BP, it is not recommended to consume as tamboolam ( Betel+lime stone+Betel nut).
• By squeezing betel leaves, we can take 1-2 spoons daily as a medicine.
• Drops of Betel leaves juice and honey (mixed in equal amount) can be used as eye drops.
• Betel leaves juice, tulasi juice,, ginger juice, honey and pepper powder mixed in equal amount, can be given to children, to get relief from cough and cold.
• If heart beat is not uniform, by consuming a tea spoon of betel juice daily can make it better.