All Betel leaves 

Ayurvedic uses Betel leaves

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Betel leaves have immense medicinal benefits. Betel leaves contain 85.4 per cent of moisture, protein 3.1 per cent, fat 0.8 per cent, minerals 2.3 per cent, fibre 2.3 per cent and carbohydrates 6.1 per cent per 100 grams. Its minerals and vitamin contents are calcium, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. Its calorific value is 44. Betel leaves are rich in fibre, vitamins A, B, C and minerals like calcium, iodine, iron and potassium.

According to Ayurveda, betel leaves consist of three properties- sharp (Thikshana), dry (ruksh) and light (laghu). The leaves taste bitter and pungent and have hot potency (Ushna virya).

Betel leaves act as stimulants, anti flatulent, antibiotic, aphrodisiac, and antiseptic agents. Leaves are effective in treating kapha and vata doshas. It is effective as an anti infection and deworming agent, due to its pungent smell. It aids in digestion. The leaves, due to its hot potency, expel the mucus from the respiratory tract. Chewing 6 betel leaves with a bit of slaked lime is equivalent to 300 ml of cow milk in terms of mineral and vitamin nutrition.

The essential oils in the leaves contain antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal properties.

Following are some of the uses of betel leaves:

  • Diuretic: The juice of betel leaves mixed with sweetened milk helps in easing urination. (Effective in treating water retention in the body)
  • Colic pain: Betel leaves smeared with castor oil, heated mildly and then placed on the stomach of small infants’ is effective for treatment of colic pain. This is said to give immediate relief.
  • Lactation: Consumption of betel leaves after meals is advised for lactating mothers as it aids in lactation.
  • Prevent tooth decay: Water in which 5-6 betel leaves are boiled can be used to rinse the mouth in the morning and evening. This not only reduces bad breath, but also strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
  • Mouth Ulcers and swollen gums: Water in which 5-6 betel leaves is boiled with salt added to it, when used as gargle is effective in treating mouth ulcers and swollen gums.
  • Body odour: Betel leaves soaked in water with white sugar added to it, should be consumed daily. This concoction is effective in eliminating body odour.
  • Cough: Betel leaves (finely chopped) boiled along with tulasi leaves, cinnamon bark, ginger, cloves and cardamom in 3 cups of water and reduced to ½ a cup is effective in treating cough.
  • Bronchitis: Drinking a decoction of betel leaves along with sugar cubes is effective in treating bronchitis.
  • Headache: Betel leaves have analgesic and cooling properties. In Malaysia, betel leaves are used to treat headaches, arthritis and joint pain. A paste of betel leaves applied over the painful area relieves pain.
  • Nervous weakness: A concoction of betel leaves with honey taken twice a day is effective in treating nervous weakness and nervous pains.
  • Stomach disorder: A mixture of betel leaves with pepper taken twice a day is effective in treating indigestion. A decoction of betel leaves is given to small children to aid in digestion.
  • Respiratory disorder: The leaves soaked in mustard oil and warmed should be applied on the chest to give instant relief from cough and difficulty in breathing.
  • Constipation in children: The stalk of the betel leaf dipped in castor oil should be introduced into the rectum. This will immediately relieve constipation.
  • Wounds: For the treatment of wounds, juice of the betel leaves should be extracted and applied on the wound. A betel leaf should be wrapped over the wound and bandaged. This will hasten the healing of the wound.
  • Boils: Betel leaves are very effective in treating boils. A betel leaf is warmed over light flame, till it becomes soft. Castor oil is smeared on the leaf and then spread on the boil. The leaf has to be changed every few hours. After few applications, the boil will rupture draining out the fluid in it.
  • Sore Throat: The leaves can be applied locally to get relief from sore throat.
  • Obesity: Chewing betel leaves along with black pepper helps in treating obesity.
  • Other uses: Salads are used with the leaves in combination with shredded carrots.
  • Chopped betel leaves combined with gram flour, spices and water and deep fried is used as snacks.