Chewing paan or betel leaves , many a times is frowned upon. But here are a few reasons one should regularly consume betel leaves. Ideally, a paan is made by wrapping areca nut, tobacco and slaked lime in betel leaf. Since tobacco and areca nuts are known to cause cancer, chewing paan with them should be avoided. The betel leaf has many medicinal benefits and has been extensively used in Ayurveda.
# DigestionChewing betel leaves takes a lot of effort and ‘works’ your salivary gland. It stimulates the release of saliva which is the first step of digestion, as various enzymes in it break down food, making it easy to digest. Natural substances like ginger, figs, fennel etc. are also known to improve digestion.
# Good oral hygieneBetel leaves have various compounds which have bactericidal effects that help in destroying bad breath causing bacteria. Also, various spices like cloves, fennel, cardamom. etc. when wrapped in betel nut to make paan, make an excellent mouth-freshener. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg etc. are also known to solve many oral problems.
# Treats gastric ulcersExtracts of betel leaves are known to have gastro protective activity and help in preventing gastric ulcers.
# Cures boilsThey are widely used in Ayurveda for treating boils. Betel leaves are warmed till slightly softer and coated with a castor oil and placed over the boil. This treatment is known to rupture the boil and drain it.
# Treats diabetesExtracts of betel leaves are known to control blood sugar levels and have an effective anti-diabetic property
# Cures constipationStalk of betel leaves dipped in castor oil, when introduced in the rectum, effectively relieves constipation. Along with betel leaves, natural remedies like flaxseeds, triphala, lemon, etc. are also known to cure constipation.
# Relieves headacheBetel leaf is also known to have analgesic properties and hence applying it over the affected area is known to effectively reduce headache.