Betel (Piper betle)

The Piper betle leaf plant is a green leafy vine that grows in India . It may climb as high as 10-15 ft. Sometimes the plant can also grow as a ground cover, the plant is very similar in growth to pepper. The Piper betle leaf prefers a warm and humid climate.
The leaves are used in a number of traditional remedies for treatment of stomach ailments, infections and as a general tonic. Some research suggest that betel leaves can have immune boosting capacities.

There are millions of Asians who consume daily the betel leaf, mostly in combination with betelnut, kava kava and kolanut.They chew grinded nuts, often in combination with several spices and wrapped in betel leaves. They enjoy betelnut daily as much as the Europeans enjoy their cup of coffee. Regular use of betelnut stains the mouth and teeth deep red. Asian betel chewers are quite proud of these stains.

Effects

The betel leaf is in combination with betelnut a stimulant.

Usage

In Asia the grinded nuts are chewed, often in combination with several spices and wrapped in betel leaves. Leftovers are to be spit out. For example, try combining betelnut with kava kava and kolanut.The betel leaf has a fresh pepperly taste.