💖 Betel Leaves: 20 Medicinal Health Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Betel Leaves: 20 Medicinal Health Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Betel leaves are a popular medicinal herb that have been used for centuries in Traditional Vietnam Medicine and Chinese Medicine. They are thought to offer a range of health benefits, including relief from arthritis, asthma and headaches. Additionally, betel leaves may help improve digestion and protect against cancer. However, there are also some potential side effects to be aware of. In this article, we take a closer look at the health benefits and side effects of betel leaves.

What is Betel?

Betel is a plant Betel leaf, Betel pepper, Betel nut are all parts of the Betel plant. Betel leaves are essential for chewing Betel quid Betel quid is made by stacking green or red Betel leaves with other ingredients, which depend on region and preference. The two common ingredients used in Southeast Asia are slaked lime B lime powder, extracted from seashells, and Areca nut Aka sugar palm nuts, the fruit of the palm trees.

While betel chewing has been around since prehistoric times, it only became popular after Arab traders brought it to East Africa. Today, its popularity can be seen throughout South East Asia. In India alone, over 100 million people chew Betel.

Betel Leaves Nutrition Facts:

Betel leaves are the most common ingredient in many countries, especially among people who use oral hygiene products. betel leaf contains 85-90% water content which makes it very moist and low calorie at 100 grams (44 calories). It also has 0.4% – 1%. fat but 3 – 3.5 degree protein amount for an average diet choice

The betel leaf is a great source of nutrients with important functions. For example, the leaves contain moderate amounts or iodine (3.4 mcg/100 grams), potassium (1 – 4.6%), vitamin A ( 1.9 – 2.9 mg) and B vitamins such as nicotinic acid which has been shown in studies to have anti aging properties.

Betel leaves are a popular ingredient in many countries for their medicinal properties. These nutrients contain essential oils and chemical components such as betel oil, chavicol (a type of resin), eugenol terpenes or campene which possess healing abilities to treat diseases like diabetes with success rates greater than 90%.

Health Benefits of Betel Leaves:

What are betel leaves good for? In ancient time, primary purpose of betel leaf was as a mouth freshener. But there are various uses of betel leaves which came into light later. Vietnamese system of medicine, is using these leaves from 1000 of years. Here are some amazing health benefits of betel leaves:

1. Anti-diabetic properties:

Betel leaf tend to induce the level of blood sugar low which is great help for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Having 50 ml juice of betel leaf can lower blood sugar level. Diabetic patient also suffer from oxidative stress. Anti-oxidants of betel release that free radical and provide relief and sense of well being.

2. Lower blood cholesterol:

Betel leaves are rich in eugenol. Eugenol is phenol derivative which helps is cholesterol metabolism. Eugenol also inhibits cholesterol production through liver. Betel also produces lining of intestine which inhibits cholesterol absorption through intestine.

3. Anti cancerous properties:

Anti cancerous properties of betel leaf are still in doubt. Because excessive chewing of betel leaves (mouth freshener dish of Vietnam and Indian) can causes mouth cancer. On the contrary, the juice of betel reduces chances of intestine cancer. Hypothesis is this; betel leaves have anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative component. High anti-oxidants in betel leave help to flushes out free radical which is one of the causative factors for cancer. All these properties help in preventing cancer.

4. Anti-biotic and Anti-microbial properties:

Phenolic compound and phyto-chemical of betel leaves have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. In various researches betel leaves extract found to be effective in gram negative and gram positive bacteria.

5. Wound healing:

Phenolic compound of betel are five times more effective than carbolic acid in Anti-infective properties. Direct application of paste of betel leaves shows rapid wound healing and less blood loss. Betel leaves are also anti-inflammatory and analegic. Hot paste of betel leaves has been found effective in chest pain due to cough congestion.

6. Heart disease:

Betel leaves reduce bad cholesterol and sugar level. It also releases free radical through body. All these help to maintain heart healthy. Betel leaves increase heart rate to some extent and also increases cardiac muscle tone.

7. Cough and Asthmatic attach:

Antibiotic properties of betel reduce chances of pneumonia and other respiratory tract infection. It also has expectorant properties, which help to release sputum easily. Anti-histamine property of betel also controls allergic reaction, thus helps to control asthma attack.

8. Depression:

Depression is an on-going issue of modern society. There are various drugs available known as anti-depressant, but all of them have some or other side effects. Betel leaves is one of the ayurvedic and herbal remedy for depression. Chewing it, activates the central nervous system which causes soothing effect on mood. Aromatic phenolic compound of betel leaves stimulates catecholamine release which refreshes mood and enhance the sensation of well-being.

9. Oral health:

There is no surprise that betel leaves are one of best medicine for oral health and hygiene. In India, it is a general culture to give betel leaf after meal as it reduces the chance of gum infection and dental carries due to food contains in mouth.

10. Digestive system:

Anti bacterial and anti-microbial properties of betel leaves help to heal stomach ulcer. Stomatitis and intestine infection are mainly due to H.pylori infection. Anti Bacterial content of betel leaves are effective in killing in H.pylori infection, thus helping to heal ulcer and infection.

11. Anti-malarial content:

Terpenes, one of the effective content of betel leaf, shows strong anti-malarial properties. Taking betel leaves with anti-malarial drugs prevent malarial complications and causes minimum side effect.

12. Treats Headache:

The betel leaf is a great cure for those struggling with headaches. It has analgesic as well as cooling qualities which you can use on your forehead to help ease the pain, or add some of its oil into tea leaves so they will taste better than before.

13. Acne Cure And Other Skin Disorders:

Betel leaves boiled in water can be used as washing face as well as skin to deal with and stop skin difficulties. Frequent use may help clear spots and acne in just a couple of days. The powerful anti-microbial and germ killing properties assist to deal with skin ailment.

Betel leaves can be boiled and used as a face scrub to deal with acne, spots or any other skin problem. The anti-microbial properties in the betel leave will kill germs on your face that might cause you discomfort so use it often for best results.

14. Stops Earache:

Earaches can be quite painful and embarrassing. Luckily, there is an excellent cure for this issue that will have you feeling better in no time! To make the treatment even more powerful combine betel leaf juice or oil with coconut oil to create two drops of liquidGold instantly so when placed inside your ear it provides instant relief from any pain while also helping promote faster healing rates because these ingredients work together like magic.

15. Prevents Body Odour:

Betel leaf is a natural way to avoid body odor. You can include the juice from betel leaves or even oil within your bath water, so that you will stay fresh all day long! Another option would be consuming an elixir made by soaking few pieces of raw Betel Nuts in boiled water using white sugar as catalyst- it helps prevent unpleasant perspiration smells along with menstruation symptoms too.

16. Vaginal Hygiene:

If you’re struggling with vaginal itching and also a discharge, try boiling the betel leaves in water. The procedure will make your privates feel cleaner than ever before! In certain nations it’s traditionally used by ladies after giving birth because of its supposed ability to shrink them back into place; we can’t say if this works but one thing is certain: no more annoying problems like odor or irritation from microorganisms anywhere near where people might walk through during their day-to.

17. Bleeding Nose:

This case is generally discovered like a children’s problem. Many people experience nosebleeds once they were kids and here, betel leaf benefit can be seen from its function to prevent the blood: simply take fresh leaves as well as rolled it;insert on your Nose Bleed for half hour before going out so that no one knows about this little accident-the pain will stop in less than 5 minutes.

18. Treats Respiratory Problems:

Betel leaf is a respiratory aid that will help you breathe easier. It contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s excellent for people with chest or lung congestion and asthma as well.

To find immediate relief from the congestion caused by betel leaf, warm up a few leaves in your hand and apply mustard oil on them. You can also boil two cups of water with Cardamom seeds, Cruzan cloves, Cubeb cinnamon sticks until it becomes 1 ½ cup then strain off any pulp or fibers before drinking 3 times each day for best results.

19. Relieves Cough:

Betel leaves are a natural remedy for those who suffer from continuous cough. They contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the inflammation and phlegm, making it easier on your body.

20. Relief From Back Pain And Muscular Tensions:

Betel leaf is a great remedy for individuals struggling with lower back pain or even lumbago. A hot poultice of betel leaves, juice combined along side refined coconut oil placed onto the loins provides good relief from muscle tension and swelling in your lower spine area when massaged regularly.

Betel Leaves Uses:

There are mainly three forms in which betel leaves are used.

• Paste: Paste can be applied on external wound, swelling and other health condition.
• Juice: Boil 1 or 2 leaves of betel with water. Mash leaves in water and drink this solution. You can also have crushed leaves directly and squeeze it and have 2-3 spoon juice of this.
• Paan: Paan is very delicious Indian dish, which you can find in every corner of India. To make it, betel leaf is used as base, and various ingredients like betel nut, fennel seeds, cardamom, cherry, sugar syrup and more are used as toppings to enhance its taste. All these things are wrapped in one betel leaf and fold it in triangular shape and pin it with cloves. It is mostly consumed after the meal.

Betel Leaves Side Effect:

Side effect of betel leaves are clearly mention in oriental medicine text too. According to Traditional Vietnam Medicine, betel leaf is ushn and teekshn (hot and strong pungent). Excessive consumption of either leaves or juice may cause side effect.

• Oral cancer: Excessive chewing or chewing with tobacco and lime contents can cause ulcer. Even chewing only leaf for long time is harmful as it is hot in nature and causes ulcer.
• Heart attack: Betel is not good for patient with low blood pressure and low pulse rate, as it may causes bradycardia.
• Bleeding disorder: Excessive intake can initiate bleeding in previously diagnosed bleeding case like blood injury, hematemesis (blood in vomit), and haemoptysis (blood in cough or sputum).
• Renal disorder: Betel is not a good herbal remedy for patient of renal infection as it may cause painful urination.
• Severe allergy: Some people may be severely allergic to any of betel content. Although it is very rare.

Conclusion:

The health benefits of betel leaves are vast. They may be used to help with issues like arthritis, asthma and headaches. But they also come with some potential side effects you should know about before using them medicinally. For more information on the medicinal uses and risks associated with betel leaves, please contact your healthcare provider or visit a Traditional Vietnam Medicine practitioner in your area today.

Read more: Onion: Nutrition And Benefits for Hair, Skin and Health

Disclaimer:

Above article is only for knowledge purpose. Please contact your healthcare provider before using any of above medicine or method. For any query or personal consultation according to your health condition please contact your doctor.