Herbs anyone??? (Part 2) - Betel Leaves

Another useful herbal spice is the Betel leaves (scientific name Piper Betel & locally known as Sireh). I bought a small pot of this herbal plant for a mere $2 (local currency) in mid last year. Now, I have propagated to a few planters & given a few saplings to close friends.











The Betel leaves are said to contain medicinal properties. They are widely used in many parts of Southeast Asia & South Asia. It is easy to propagate Betel plant and it requires a rich soil under semi-shade position. Since it is a climber, it is best to include or construct a small 'climbing' structure for the plant.


In Malaysia, the leaves are traditionally used to relief headaches, diarrhoea, arthritis & joint pains whereas in Thailand & China, the roots are crushed & blended with salt to relief toothache.

In India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, etc. the betel leaves are stuffed with betel nut slices together with other spices to be taken as snacks or as an offering to honour guests BUT take note that overeating of the concoction is actually bad for oral hygiene.

The Betel leaves are highly valued as a natural antibiotic in Indonesia. The leaves are chewed with betel nut & the juice swallowed to relief coughs & asthma. To drink Betel leaves tea daily is said to benefit one's health including removing bad body odour especially during perspiration. To prepare the special tea, 2 cups of water is bring to boil together with 7 mature size leaves and simmer till the liquid has evaporated down to approximately 1 glass. Strain and drink daily.

The usefulness of the Betel Plant is well-known in many countries where almost every part of the plant is believe to have its own medicinal quality...and its usage list seems to be infinite.

To be continued.....