Beetle leaf plant

Introduction:

Betel leaf  is a heart shaped leaf that is consumed in Indian subcontinent as a mouth freshener after a meal also called as Paan. Apart from being used as a mouth freshener betel leaf comes with tonnes of other health benefits too. The betel (Piper betle) is a vine of the family Piperaceae, which includes pepper and kava. 

History of Beetle Leaf:

In India, Betel leaf plays an important role since ancient culture. Its use in India dates back to 400 BC. As per ancient books of Ayurveda, Charaka, Sushruta Samhitas, and Kashyapa Bhojanakalpa, the practice of chewing Beetle Leaf after meals became common between 75 AD and 300 AD. Toward the 13thcentury, European traveler Marco Polo recorded betel chewing among kings and nobles in India.
From using it in prayers and religious ceremonies to eating it in the form of a “paan”, betel 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.

The Top 5 Benefits of Betel Leaf:

Analgesic: Betel leaf is an excellent analgesic that offers instant relief from pain. It can be used in alleviating pain caused due to cuts, bruises, rashes. Make a paste with tender betel leaves and apply on the affected area. Betel leaf juice provides relief from internal pains in the body.

Eases Constipation: Betel leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants which clear radicals from the body. It restores normal PH levels in the body and helps upset stomach. Ayurveda widely recommends eating betel leaves for relief from constipation. Crush betel leaves and put it in the water overnight. Drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach to ease bowel movements.

Improves Digestion: Ever wondered why chew on betel leaf after a good meal? It is recommended because of its carminative, intestinal, anti-flatulent and for those properties that help in protecting the gut. Betel leaves increase metabolism triggering circulation and stimulating the intestines to absorb vital vitamins and nutrients. 

Reduces respiratory issues: Betel leaf widely helps in treating issues related to cough and cold. It is an excellent cure for those suffering from chest, lung congestion and asthma. Apply some mustard oil on the leaf, warm it and place it on the chest to cure congestion. You can also boil few leaves in water, add cardamom, cloves and cinnamon in two cups of water. Reduce it to 1 cup and consume this concoction two to three times a day for an excellent relief from congestion and breathing issues.

Antiseptic and anti-fungal properties: Betel leaves have amazing antiseptic properties as they are rich in polyphenols especially chavicol offering dual protection from germs. It is also used extensively in treating arthritis and orchitis. 
It’s amazing anti-fungal properties provide instant relief from fungal infections. Applying the paste of betel leaves kills fungal infection in the affected region.

How to Grow Beetle Leaves:

It’s a perennial herb, which can also be grown in containers and hanging baskets. You can grow it from cuttings and root division. It thrives well in a subtropical and tropical climate but growing betel leaf plant in a cold climate (as an annual, mostly) is also possible with extra care, in containers.

Source: Internet