Betel leaves, also referred to as Piper betel is a spice and commonly used as a mouth freshner. The leaves are glossy, heart-shaped and chewed with lime and areca nuts. These leaves are used as a stimulant, poultice for bruises and an antiseptic. It is seen to be of much use in auspicious ocassions, especially in South India. Betel leaves are used for deworming, lactation and indigestion. Eating betel leaves relieves from cough and cold. A drop of the leaves' juice put in the nose proves beneficial against headaches. The betel chew is a masticatory often served after a meal for its digestive and antacid properties.
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