On a day to day basis, we see betel leaves. Be it in the market or in our house. However, are we aware that the betel leaf is not used for making ‘Paan’ but also has various medicinal uses?
Betel leaf also known as ‘Paan Ka Patta’ in Hindi and ‘Tamalapaku’ in Telugu is a heart shaped leaf that exhibits unmatched medicinal properties. Betel leaf’s medicinal uses are hugely underrated, but highly efficient.
Here are a list of the benefits of betel leaf!
- Pain relief
Betel leaf is an amazing analgesic that offers relief from pain. It can be used to alleviate pain caused due to cuts, bruises, rashes, inflammation (internal as well as external), indigestion, constipation, etc.
Once can simply make a paste of betel leaf and apply to it the bruised area. It can also be chewed and made juice to get relief from internal pain.
- Eases Constipation
Betel leaf restores the normal PH level of an upset stomach. As a result, constipation is eased. You can simply chew the betel leaf and ingest its juice on an empty stomach each day to get relief from constipation. Another way is mincing betel leaf with water and storing it overnight. Drink the stored water on an empty stomach the next day.
For children suffering from hard stool problem, a suppository made of the stalk of betel leaf dipped in castor oil can be introduced into the rectum.
- Improves Digestion
Betel leaf is good for digestion. Betel leaf oil can be massaged on the stomach as it helps in the secretion of digestive acids and gastric juices. For children suffering from indigestion, boil betel leaf with a little pepper in water. Strain it, and give two teaspoons of this mixture to children twice a day for an instant cure.
- Reduces Gastric Pain
Betel leaf is essentially very helpful in reducing acidity caused due to imbalanced PH levels of the stomach.
- Increases Hunger
Decreased appetite is also an outcome of an upset stomach. Betel leaf is highly capable of restoring the normal pH levels of the stomach by flushing out all the toxins. Hence, it increases appetite and promotes health.
- Treats Respiratory Problems
Betel leaf is very good for treating respiratory problems and helps to treat cough and cold. It also brings much relief to people suffering from chest and lung congestion and asthma. It even helps to cure breathing problems.
You can apply mustard oil to the leaf, warm it and keep it on the chest to cure congestion. Alternatively, boil a few leaves with cardamom, cloves, cubeb and cinnamon in two cups of water. Reduce it up to 1 ½ cup. Strain and drink this concoction three times a day to find instant relief.
- Treats Urination
Betel leaf is a good diuretic. Crush a betel leaf and extract its juice, mix it with a little diluted milk and drink it. This helps to treat water retention in the body. It also helps in easing urination for people suffering from scanty or obstructed urination.
- Improves Alertness
If you are feeling sluggish or suffering from nervous exhaustion, the betel leaf is a good remedy to improve alertness. A teaspoon of betel leaf juice with honey acts as a tonic. It can be taken twice a day. It improves mental functioning and treats debility. It also energizes and motivates people, thereby curing them of their sluggishness.
- Treats Headache
For people suffering from headache, the betel leaf is a good cure. It has analgesic and cooling properties. You can apply the betel leaf on your forehead to ease headaches. You can also use betel leaf oil for the same.
- Acne Cure And Other Skin Disorders
Betel leaf is a good remedy for acne, black spots, etc. Its antimicrobial properties help to treat skin ulceration, allergies, itchiness, and body odour. Crush a few betel leaves and extract its juice, mix with a little turmeric and apply on the acne and allergies to find good relief. Betel leaves boiled in water can be used for washing face and skin to treat and prevent skin problems. Regular usage will help clear spots and acne within a few days. The powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help to treat skin infections.
- Vaginal Hygiene
For women suffering from vaginal itching and vaginal discharge, betel leaf is a good home remedy. The betel leaves are boiled and are used as a genital wash. In some countries, it is widely used by women after giving birth as it causes genital shrinkage.
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