What diseases can be treated with betel leaves?

Nutritional composition of betel leaves

The article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, states that betel leaf is a soft plant that often grows in damp areas and is cultivated for use as a spice or for medicinal purposes.

100g of Piper betel leaves contain 39 calories, 86.5g water, 4.3g protein, 2.5g fiber, 260mg calcium, 980mg phosphorus, 4.1mg iron, and 34mg vitamin C. The roots of Piper betel contain benzyl acetate, while the leaves and stems contain alkaloids and beta-caryophyllene.

You can use fresh betel leaves or chop them up and dry them for long-term use. You should store these leaves in a dry, airy place and avoid direct sunlight.

Piper betel leaves are a healthy spice and herb.

What diseases can be treated with betel leaves?

According to the Health & Life newspaper, Dr. Lam Nguyen Thuy An, a specialist at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City – Branch 3, stated that in traditional medicine, betel leaves are classified as a remedy for rheumatism. Betel leaves have a spicy, pungent, slightly bitter taste and a warm nature; they aid digestion, eliminate dampness, dispel wind, and promote qi circulation. Betel leaves affect the spleen, stomach, and liver meridians.

Piper betel leaves are used to treat many ailments related to digestion, bones and joints, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Here are some uses and effective ways to use betel leaves:

- Treatment of digestive disorders: Piper betel leaves stimulate the secretion of gastric juices, aiding in digestion, preventing bloating, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh or dried Piper betel leaves can be brewed into a tea, or eaten as an accompaniment to dishes such as grilled beef wrapped in Piper betel leaves or Vietnamese sausage wrapped in Piper betel leaves.

The recommended dosage is 8-12g of dried leaves or 50-100g of fresh leaves per day.

- Treatment of joint pain: Piper betel leaves have the effect of dispelling rheumatism, reducing pain and swelling in the joints. They can be brewed into a tea or crushed and applied to the affected area.

The recommended dosage is 20-30g of dried leaves or 100-150g of fresh leaves per day.

- Treatment for excessive sweating of hands and feet: Piper betel leaves have a warming effect on the body, limiting and reducing excessive sweating of the hands and feet. You can boil piper betel leaves in water to drink, or soak your hands and feet in a decoction of piper betel leaves mixed with salt.

The recommended dosage is 20-30g of dried leaves or 100-150g of fresh leaves per day. Approximately 8 to 12g of the dried leaves are used daily to make a decoction.

- Treatment for vaginal infections: 50g of Piper betel leaves, 40g of turmeric, 20g of alum. Put the ingredients in a pot, add enough water to cover them, then boil for about 20 minutes to allow the essences to dissolve in the water. Let the water cool down slightly, then use it to soak and wash the vagina. It is recommended to use the hot water for steaming for better results.

- Remedy for colds: 20g betel leaves, half an onion, 5 shallots, 1 clove of garlic, 2g ginger, a handful of rice, and seasonings. Cook the rice into porridge as usual; when the rice is cooked, add the other ingredients. Eat while hot and wipe away the sweat.

- Treatment of boils and eczema: Piper betel leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. You can crush the leaves, extract the juice, and drink it, or apply the crushed leaves to the wound. The recommended dosage is 20-30g of dried leaves or 100-150g of fresh leaves per day.

Things to keep in mind when using betel leaves.

Users should only consume a moderate amount, typically between 50 and 150 grams. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this may cause stomach irritation, nausea, and diarrhea.

Betel leaves should not be used for extended periods, as this may cause impaired liver and kidney function.

Women who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming too much betel leaf to prevent reduced or diluted milk production.

People with liver heat, stomach pain, or mouth ulcers should also avoid using betel leaves to prevent worsening their condition.

Thanh Thanh (Compiled)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/la-lot-tri-benh-gi-ar908446.html