The Betel leaf vine Piper bitle is flourishing in my garden now.Although I don't eat betel leaf, I am growing it because it has such pretty heart shaped and glossy leaves, and makes an excellent ground cover. The other plants you see in the picture are turmeric plants, which are ready for harvesting. The betel leaves and turmeric are considered auspicious by the Hindus. Any fruit offered in the temple is accompanied by betel leaves.Betel leaves have thousands of year old history. Ancient Sanskrit texts mention them. During an engagement ceremony, the parents of the bride and the groom exchange betel leaves and areca nuts. A mouth freshener called paan is made using betel leaves, areca nuts and some lime, which is very popular in India and other South east Asian countries. Betel leaves grown in in Banaras, Mysore and Kerala are very famous.
I use the betel leaves in a tea whenever I have a cough. Eating a small slice of fresh turmeric will also cure the cough.
Lovely glossy leaves! Betel leaves are very much part of our traditional rituals too. Great info. The tea thing is new to me.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stuff. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Boonie
I just learned plenty! Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeletewe had a pot of the plant as well, though we dont eat them.
ReplyDeleteI too have betel leaf vine in my garden but I found it quite invasive, just like the morning glory. They will run freely on the fence and other plants too if you dont stop them. I will chew the young shoots once in a while cos I love the smell of the leaves.
ReplyDeleteI like the bitterishly-tangy taste of the betel leaves. This post reminds me of my childhood, when the farm I was living in had betel and areca growing. You may need to provide support to the plants you have as the vines continue to grow further.
ReplyDeleteTh foliage is lovely and a keeper.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies
Very interesting to know the medical value of plants. Better then something artificial from the pharmacy. I grow turmeric; I do not get coughs but if I ever get one I try a slice of turmeric.
ReplyDeleteThat plant looks healthy. How does it grow? Did it need special care? I had a doubt whether it will grow proeprly in Hyderbad heat.
ReplyDeletewhere can i buy betel leaf vine?
ReplyDeleteI have since started growing betal leaf plant and it is doing very well, thank God.
ReplyDeleteI use it to curb my cough and cold, and it stays curbed, for a few months. I chew it along with Karpooravalli leaves(Omam). It is excellent, if you don not mind the stain to the teeth..
can someone tell me where to buy the beatle leaf plant in the usa? thanks achoo
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HI,
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog. I have grown turmeric fenugreek leaves, bittergourd, green chillies etc., indoors.
Can you pls tell me if a I have to buy betel leaf seeds from a nursery or just plant a few betel leaves in a pot?
Thanks - RAJI.