Revisiting the benefits of Betel leaf
Revisiting the benefits of Betel leaf
Human dependency on plant kingdom for therapeutics dates back to ancient eras. A renaissance of attention on natural products as a reservoir of medicine have been observed in recent years, especially those of the distant past and ethnomedicine.
Betel vine, an Asiatic plant of antiquity, is an evergreen climber of tropical and sub-tropical habitats with global distribution and recognition by diverse cultures. The leaves are bestowed with remarkable medicinal properties and occupy a unique position in the medicinal plants’ list. The betel leaves hold a great traditional value in the Southeast Asian countries like India, Srilanka and Nepal. The leaves are traditionally offered as a mark of respect and luck during any auspicious beginning. Betal leaves contain great nutritional values and many health benefits that many of us are not aware. Betal leaves contain 85.4% moisture, 3.1% protein, 2.3 % minerals, 0.8% fat and 6.1% carbohydrate. Apart from this, the betel leaves are the potential sources of riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin c and carotene.
The renowned uses of betel leaf are known for centuries for its inherent curative properties. Some of the remarkable applications include reduction/prevention of body odour and bad breath, ruling out throat and lung problems, prevention of cough and healing and reduction of unwanted vaginal secretions. The habit of using betel leaves for different ailments is still in practice among the tribal people. Betel leaf is one among the medicinal plants whose therapeutic potentials are validated with technical research and is a source of lead molecules in many drug discoveries.
Treat Cold and cough
The betel leaf is excellent for treating Cold and cough. A decoction of the leaf extract in water prepared from boiling water is the best way to use betel leaf. This extract also provides excellent rest from chest congestion and continuous cough.
Promotes oral health
The betel leaf refreshes the breath, protects from germs and various other oral pathogens of the buccal cavity. It cleanses the mouth as well as prevents the tooth from decay. Gargling the mouth with betel leaf oil with a cup of warm water removes the cavities.
Improves digestive system
Betal leaves regulate various metabolic activities of the body by enhancing the circulation and energizing the intestines to soak up all the vital minerals and nutrients. Hence, wastes get removed efficiently improving the digestion. Chewing the leaf after a meal is a traditional practice owing to its intestinal, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties.
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits
The betel leaves are rich in molecules that provide an effective defence against the germs. Betel leaves are widely used for dealing with inflammations like arthritis. People use betel leaves as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.
Eases Bronchitis
Betel leaves are an amazing remedy for bronchitis and are prominently used in the kids and people with asthma and other breathing illness. A reduction in inflammation all along the bronchial cord and lungs has been observed after inhaling the vapours from the leaf extract. Further, the volatiles in the leaf eases chest congestions further improving breath.
Relief from Backpain and Muscular Tensions
People suffering from lower back pain get good relief by massaging the lower back with betel leaf oil and a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil to alleviate the pain. A hot poultice of betel leaves or juice can also be mixed with a carrier oil and applied on the muscles to get good relief.
The physiological function in the body is mediated by three aspects – Vatham, Pittam and Kabam. Uptake of betel leaf with a proportionate quantity of areca nut and slaked lime after dinner helps to balance these three aspects and regulate all the metabolic activities. Hence, the betel leaves are chewed together in a wrapped package along with areca nut and mineral slaked lime.
“Betel leaf is a magical herb bestowed with miracle health benefits”
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