Betel nut palms
originally grew
wild in
Southeast Asia,
perhaps in the
Philippines or
Malaysia. They
were brought to
the Indian
subcontinent by
humans in
prehistoric
times. The
betel nut palm is
now cultivated
across the Asian
tropics as a
cash crop, as
well as in
almost every
village garden.
It is used for
its seeds which
are chewed as a
Origins
The betel nut
palm is only
known in
cultivation, and
its exact origin
is not known. It
is likely to
have evolved in
Southeast Asia
where it is
thought to be of
very ancient
cultivation and
where diversity
of the genus
Areca is
greatest. The
chewing of the
seeds is an
ancient
tradition for
millions of
people across
South and
Southeast Asia.
The practice is
known as 'tamboul'
in India and may
have originated
in the region of
Vietnam and
Malaysia. From
here it was
probably first
introduced to
India.
Betel Nuts are
chewed
throughout Asia,
India and the
Pacific.
Betel Nuts come
from an
evergreen tree
which grows to a
height of 30
meters (90+
Feet) with a
spread of 5
meters (15+
Feet).
Betel Nuts are
used medicinally
in the treatment
of intestinal
worms.
A common use of
Betel Nuts is in
ritualistic
chewing. The
chewing of Betel
Nuts causes mild
stimulation and
a feeling of
well-being.
Betel Nuts
popular use
throughout Asia,
India and the
Pacific makes it
one of the most
popular
stimulants in
the world.
Methods of Use
Betel nut is chewed, on its own,
with herbs and spices, or with
tobacco. Generally some
sort of lime is added as this
makes the active compounds far
more effective. Without
the use of lime, betel can still
be chewed for its taste and
mouth freshening properties
but will have a less marked
stimulant effect.
Effects :
The active compounds in betel
nut act as a mild stimulant. The
effects include increased
alertness, greater energy,
reduced fatigue, talkativeness
and excitability. Some users
also
report euphoric feelings.
Uses of Betel Nuts
Betel nut, also known as Pinang
or Areca nut, is the seed of the
Betel Palm (Areca catechu).
Betel nuts are often chewed for
their intoxicating effects,
which are caused by the
relatively high levels of
alkaloids in the seed. Chewing
Betel nuts is an important and
popular cultural activity in
many Asian countries. It is also
used as an offering in Hinduism.
3
Betel Nut Handmade Art
4 Active compounds
5 Effects on Health
5.Carcinogenicity
5.Teeth
5.Habit-forming
5.Other harmful effects
5.Positive effects
6 Tradition
7 Structure
8 Modern day consumptio
Other uses
Powdered betel nut is used as a
constituent in some tooth
powders. Other medicinal uses
include the removal of tapeworms
and other intestinal parasites
by swallowing a few teaspoons of
powdered betel nut, or by taking
tablets containing the extracted
alkaloids
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