Betel Leaf (Piper Betel)

Description

Betel leaf is a vine plant from the family Piperaceae. Its leaves are consumed with Areca nut or “supari” as Paan in India and several other Asian regions. The Betel leaf scientific name is Piper Betel.

Besides being a good source of calcium, the leaves also contain vitamins like vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and riboflavin.

Betel Leaf Benefits

Here are some betel leaf health benefits for human metabolism:

 

1. Manages diabetes

Betel leaves are rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress in diabetic patients. This reduces blood glucose levels and thus acts as an anti-diabetic agent.

 

2. Heals injuries and wounds

Betel leaves increase the protein content and wound contraction rate. Also, they reduce oxidative stress in the body. As a result, wounds, especially burn injuries, heal faster.

 

3. Decreases bad cholesterol levels in the body

Eugenol in betel leaves blocks the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and absorption in the intestines. It also aids the catabolic process of Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Hence the risk of heart diseases and strokes.

 

4. Prevents asthma attacks

Antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties of betel leaves ensure uninterrupted flow of air through bronchitis. Thus the chances of asthma attacks are reduced.

 

How to Grow Betel Leaf

Here’s a detailed guide to growing betel leaf-

1. Growing habit

The herb grows up to 1 meter tall, so it is better to train it as a climber or a groundcover. Once it reaches a height sufficient to form creeping stems with heart-shaped leaves. If you crush the leaves, you will smell a mild scented scent, and the white flowers give off a mild peppery smell.

2. Planting and  Propagation

You should then remove all the leaves from the stem except the two at the top. Once your cutting is ready, soak it in water and place it on the windowsill, where it will receive indirect sunlight. Keep the water fresh every few days. Depending on the depth of the pot or the ground, you can plant it.

 

3. Soil

For betel leaf to thrive, you will need acidic soil with sand and a bit of moisture. When growing this herb in a container, you will want a deep container rather than a wide one. Make sure that you make drainage holes in your pot to keep the soil well-drained and place the pot in a partially shady spot.