Betel

The word “betel” is derived from the Malayalam word- Vettila. Vetel- means betel and ila means leaf. The botanical name is Piper Sarmentosum. It belongs to the family of Piperaceae. The betel leaf commonly known as Paan along with betel nut or areca nut has ceremonial and symbolic value since ancient times. Betel leaf is known as Paan in Hindi, Tambula and Nagavalli in Sanskrit, Vetrilai in Tamil, Tamalapaku in Telegu, Veeleyada Yele in Kannada, Vettila in Malayalam, Naagarvel na paan in Gujarati, Wild Pepper, betel pepper, kadok etc.