Vettrilai or Betel Leaf

All Indian functions and celebrations are incomplete without a thambulam and thambulam is incomplete without betel or paan leaves.

If you have the chance to visit Hanuman (or Anjaneyar) temple, you will see the paan ka garland or garland made of folded betel leaves.

Have you tasted a betel (paan) leaf? Slightly acidic and spicy in taste, a betel leaf helps in reducing digestion problems, cold, and body pains. 

Botanical name is Piper betle. It is called as Vettila in Malayalam, Vettrilai in Tamil, Tamalapaku in Telugu, Veelaya in Kannada.

Easy to grow, betel plant is a quick growing light-green climber with heart-shaped leaves.

Betel leaves can be washed and eaten directly. They are rich in Calcium, Potassium, Iodine, and Fibre. They also contain Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Carotene, Vitamins A and C.

The following links contain more information about the benefits of using Betel:

·        http://www.yadtek.com/health-benefits-of-betel-leaves-tamalapaku/

·        http://www.allayurveda.com/herb_month_november2009.asp

How to use:

Drink to reduce throat infections

1. Boil 3-4 betel leaves (chopped) with 5-6 pepper seeds, and 2 clove (krambhu)
2. Pour 2 cups of water.
3. Let the liquid boil until it becomes 1/4^th the original volume.
4. (Optional) Add a spoon of honey to the liquid and serve.

Folded Paan to improve digestion

1. Take one huge betel leaf or 2 small leaves.
2. Add 5-6 pepper seeds.
3. Fold the betel leaf and lock it with 1 or 2 cloves.

Steamed Paan to reduce digestive disorders in kids

1. Spread 3-4 drops of castor oil on one betel leaf.
2. Heat the leaf directly on a candle flame so that the castor oil side faces the flame.  
3. Allow the leaf to cool.
4. Place the leaf on the kid’s stomach. Remove it after 5-10 minutes.

Massaging balm

1. Heat coconut oil and add 3-4 betel leaves (chopped).
2. Stop after the liquid comes to a boil.
3. Gently apply the balm on affected areas to reduce pain.

ITry eating a paan leaf (just one leaf) a day. This is an easy way to avoid digestive problems and improve your health.