Betel Leaves

Sanskrit Name: Thamboolavalli

Scientific Name: Piper betle

Telugu Name

Tamala paaku

Hindi Name

Paan

Tamil Name

Vettilai

Malayalam Name

Vettila

Kannada Name

Veelyada ele

Major Part Used

Leaf

Regions Grown and Other Relevant Info

Widely cultivated in hotter and damper parts of India. Betel leaves symbolises the beginning of Auspicious event they are part of Indian tradition ,customs and rituals, it is used as a pooja item in every hindu rituals.

Ayurvedic Properties and Benefits

Piper betel leaf extract have showed potential cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cell lines, This plant is known for inflammation and pain alleviation along with its potent antioxidant activity. Piper betel is a treasure of bioactive phenolics possesses great potential to fight against cancers of oral, mammary , prostate , skin and gastric origin. Betel leaf juice is used as Anupana (Adjuvant) in kapha related diseases like cough , running nose, bloating etc

Major Classical Ayurveda Medicines Containing the Drug

Laghu sutshekhar rasa, Bhrihat vishama jwaranthaka lauha, Nagavallabha rasa

Usages Practised

1. Chewing betel leaf after meals reveals indigestion, bloating and cleanses the mouth
2. Betel leaves with castor oil is warmed and applied over the chest relieves asthma and cough in children
3. Betel leaves are warmed and tied over Arthritic joint to relieve pain swelling and inflammation