Bethel Palm And Battel Nut - Applications And Benefits

Video: Bethel Palm And Battel Nut - Applications And Benefits

Video: Bethel Palm And Battel Nut - Applications And Benefits
Video: Researcher finds key clues about “betel nut” addiction that plagues millions worldwide 2024, December
Bethel Palm And Battel Nut - Applications And Benefits
Bethel Palm And Battel Nut - Applications And Benefits
Anonim

The betel palm or Areca catechu is a tropical palm tree up to 20 m tall with a straight and thin trunk. Its dark green leaves can spread to 5 meters. It was born in the Philippines, but is now widely cultivated in tropical India, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, southern China, eastern India and parts of Africa.

Its seeds can be eaten raw, while the young leaves, inflorescences and the sweet inner part of the shoots are eaten prepared as vegetables. The seeds are used for chewing. The betel palm is a great source of tannins, a number of alkaloids - arecaine, guvacolin, guvacin. They also contain phenolic compounds, resin, choline, tobacco dye. Its wood is used in construction. Sometimes the tree is used as an ornamental plant.

Batel's nut
Batel's nut

The fruits are arranged in clusters and have a yellow or orange color when fully ripe. The betel nut is the seed of the fruit of arekata. Common names, preparations and specific ingredients vary depending on the cultural group and the individuals who use it. Can be used fresh, dried, cooked or baked.

Betel nut is a stimulant. Its chewing dates back to antiquity. In the 1st century AD, Sanskrit medical writings claim that betel nut has 13 qualities. It is sharp, bitter, spicy, sweet, salty and astringent, deceiving hunger, abdominal discomfort and fatigue. It kills intestinal parasites and other pathogens and also has a diuretic and laxative effect. It is mainly used in veterinary medicine to get rid of tapeworms.

Batal flames, Areca
Batal flames, Areca

The seeds are used against anemia, seizures, leukoderma, leprosy, obesity and worms. It is also used to treat dysentery and malaria. In combination with other ingredients, it is also a purgative and ointment for nasal ulcers. Green and ripe berries are chewed as an astringent and stimulant. The bark is also used as a laxative for gas constipation and bloating, as well as a diuretic in the treatment of edema.

The fruits are harvested when fully ripe and can be dried for later use. The betel nut is used in a manner similar to Western use of tobacco or caffeine. Arecaine is responsible for some of the effects - wakefulness, increased endurance, well-being, euphoria and salivation. Chewing walnuts stimulates the flow of saliva to aid digestion. It is also used for appetite stimulation. The leaves are also used to make tea, which helps with bronchitis. In some countries, such as Malaysia, flowers and young shoots are used for food.

The use of betel nut has psychoactive properties. Causes euphoria, sweating, increased alertness, greater efficiency. Plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and adrenaline increase.

Batel nut and leaves
Batel nut and leaves

However, there may be side effects such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

Eating 8 to 30 grams of nuts can lead to death.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume nuts, also patients with emphysema and ulcers.

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