A mixture of betel leaves and other ingredients is used as a masticatory, which acts as a gentle stimulant and is taken after meals to sweeten the breath. The ingredients of the betel mixture (quid) can vary widely per country or region. The three basic ingredients are often the betel leaf, the seed ('nut') from the areca palm (Areca catechu L.) and lime, produced by burning seashells or slabs of limestone. In the Moluccas and certain regions of Papua New Guinea, the betel leaf is replaced by the inflorescence of Piper siriboa. Other possible ingredients include gambier (Uncaria gambir), tobacco, palm sugar and various spices, such as cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum). The various mixtures provide a wide range of different tastes. Chewing the quid discolours teeth and stains saliva, mouth and lips red. It results in copious salivation, so users have to spit frequently [310 ]. Chewing betel quids can lead to cancers in the mouth and on the tongue [254 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The leaves, roots and seeds are all used for medicinal purposes in Asia [310 ]. The leaves are anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, expectorant, galactofuge, laxative, sialagogue, stimulant, stomachic and tonic [254, 283, 310 ]. Leaf preparations and the leaf sap are applied to wounds, ulcers, boils and bruises. Heated leaves are used as a poultice on the chest against cough and asthma, on the breasts to stop milk secretion, and on the abdomen to relieve constipation [283, 310 ]. The leaves are used to treat nosebleed, ulcerated noses, gums and mucous membranes, while the extract from the leaves is applied for wounds in the ears and as an infusion for the eye[310 ]. A decoction of the leaves is used for bathing a woman after childbirth or is drunk to lessen an unpleasant body odour [310 ]. The essential oil obtained from the leaves is antibacterial and antifungal [310 ]. It has shown anthelmintic activity against tapeworms and hookworms [310 ]. It has been used to treat affections of the mucous membrane of the nose, throat and respiratory organs [310 ].

Agroforestry Uses: The plant is intercropped with coconut palm and areca palm [310 ]. Other Uses: The primary use of betel leaf is a wrapper for chewing areca nut or tobacco, where it is mainly used to add flavour. A yellowish-brown essential obtained from the leaves has an aromatic odour resembling creosote and tea and a burning, sharp flavour [310 ]. Important constituents are the phenols eugenol, chavicol, methyl chavicol (estragol) and chavibetol (betelphenol; an isomer of eugenol). However, the composition of the essential oil varies enormously per cultivar [254, 310 ]. Leaves from the upper parts of the plant contain more essential oil than those from the lower parts [310 ]. In India and Sri Lanka, a bundle of betel leaves is offered as a mark of respect and auspicious beginnings in traditional Indian culture. Occasions include greeting elders at wedding ceremonies, celebrating the New Year, and providing payment to physicians and astrologers.

Special Uses