Applications of Betel leaves as Medicine!
Betel leaves help to heal the following illnesses such as,
Headache: Betel leaf is a popular home remedy for headache. The betel leaf has analgesic and cooling properties. It can be applied with beneficial results over the painful area to relieve intense headache.
Obstructed Urination: Betel leaf juice is credited with diuretic properties. Its juice, mixed with dilute milk and sweetened slightly, helps in easing urination.
Nerve weakness: Betel leaves play a vital role in the treatment of nervous pains, nervous exhaustion and debility. The juice of a few betel leaves, with a teaspoon of honey, will serve as a good tonic. A teaspoon of this can be taken twice a day.
Sore Throat: Betel leaf is an excellent household remedy in the treatment of cough and sore throat. Local application of the leaves is effective in treating sore throat. The crushed fruit or berry should be mixed with honey and taken to relieve irritating cough.
Respiratory Disorders: Betel leaves are useful in pulmonary affection in childhood and old age. The leaves, soaked in mustard oil and warmed, may be applied to the chest to relieve cough and difficulty in breathing.
Constipation: In the case of constipation in children, a suppository made of the stalk of betel leaf dipped in castor oil can be introduced in the rectum. This instantly relieves constipation.
Problem of Breast milk secretion: The application of leaves smeared with oil is said to promote secretion of milk when applied on the breasts during lactation
Inflammation: Applied locally, betel leaves are beneficial in the treatment of inflammation such as arthritis that inflammation of the testes.
Wounds: Betel leaves can be used to heal wounds. The juice of a few leaves should be extracted and applied on the wound. Then a betel leaf should be wrapped over and bandaged. The wound will heal up with a single application within 2 days.
Boils: Betel leaf is also an effective remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it gets softened, and is then coated with a layer of castor oil. Oiled leaf is spread over the inflamed part. This leaf has to be replaced, every few hours. After a few applications, the boil will drain all the purulent matter.
Thus, betel leaves are used for an antimicrobial activity, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic activity, anticancer activity, antifungal activity. It is quite evident from this review that betel leaf contains and which reveals its uses for various therapeutic purposes. The plant or its individual parts can be used for the treatment of various disorders in human being such as, diabetes, fungal infection, microbial infection, inflammation, anti-ulcer etc. Betel leaves really as a cheap, natural and easily available appetizer, digestive, mild stimulant and refreshing mastication. Flavonoids present in betel leaf possess significant activity against different parasite strains of malaria. Thus, betel leaves contain novel anti-malarial compounds that can be used in the fight against malaria.
Still, so much work is required with the betel leaf to investigate the mechanism of actions with other therapeutic activities. This adequately justifies its nomenclature as the “Green Gold of India”.
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