The betel (Piper betle) is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and kava. Betel leaf is mostly consumed in Asia, and elsewhere in the world by some Asian emigrants, as betel quid or in paan, with Areca nut and/or tobacco.
In Sri Lanka and in many parts of India a sheaf of betel leaves is traditionally offered as a mark of respect and auspicious beginnings. Occasions include, greeting elders at wedding ceremonies, New Year, offering payment to Ayurvedic physicians and astrologers where usually money and/or areca nut are kept on top of the sheaf of leaves and offered to the elders for their blessings.
A symbol of prosperity, a magical ingredient of Ayurveda and an important part of religious customs and traditions, the refreshing and evergreen creeper, commonly known as Paan Patta, holds a special place in Hindu tradition. Native to South-East Asia, betel leaves are as important as the sacred Tulsi plant which is worshiped in many households. But we never think of the reasons behind the connection of betel leaf with many traditions despite the fact that it is used in almost every religious custom.
In South India in a region known as ‘old Mysore’, it is a tradition to offer two betel leaves to the guests on every auspicious occasion. Also, a betel nut and a coin are placed on a betel leaf to be offered as dakshina for priests and elders in South India. Likewise, Assamese offer a betel leaf to guests after having a meal. It is a custom to chew paan ke patte especially after meals as it acts as a digestive. Betel leaves are also used to embellish the Kalash (pot) used for performing various religious rituals as it purifies the water.
According to Ramayana, the time when Shri Hanuman reached Lanka to convey the message of Lord Ram to Sita Devi, she gave him a garland made with betel leaves when she couldn’t find anything else to offer him as a token of delight and appreciation. This is why people offer betel leaves while worshiping Shri Hanuman.
According to Ayurveda, betel leaves contain certain elements which can help to cure diseases caused by air and bile. According to the Vaidyas in Sanskrit, betel leaf juice was often prescribed as a remedy for infected ears and pus formation and can cure a headache by applying it on the forehead.
In Mahabharata also, the betel leaf played a significant role. It is believed that Arjun was asked to acquire a betel leaf after his victory the over evil powers in Rajaugya Yagnya by the priests that was needed to start the Yagnya. Since there were none available in that area, Arjun had to go to the Kingdom of Snakes – Nag Lok and ask the queen to give him a betel leaf. This is why the betel leaf is also known as Nag-Velli or Nagarbel.
A betel leaf contains vitamin C, iron, carotene, fibre, potassium, iodine and thiamine and hence is used widely in Aryuvedic medicines to prevent bad teeth, treat ulcers and acne, help in relieving coughing and even to cure respiratory disorders like bronchitis.
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