Saturday, January 22, 2011

Betel leaf

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.
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14 comments:

  1. Nature RamblesJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Lovely glossy leaves! Betel leaves are very much part of our traditional rituals too. Great info. The tea thing is new to me.

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.

    All the best, Boonie

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  3. SandyCarlsonFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    I just learned plenty! Thanks for this post.

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  4. A.February 5, 2011 at 3:19 AM

    we had a pot of the plant as well, though we dont eat them.

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  5. p3chandanFebruary 5, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    I 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.

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  6. indicaspeciesFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    I 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.

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  7. Sunray GardensFebruary 18, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Th foliage is lovely and a keeper.


    Cher
    Goldenray Yorkies

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  8. Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the GardensMarch 3, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    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.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 18, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    That plant looks healthy. How does it grow? Did it need special care? I had a doubt whether it will grow proeprly in Hyderbad heat.

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  10. venkatSeptember 10, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    where can i buy betel leaf vine?

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  11. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    I have since started growing betal leaf plant and it is doing very well, thank God.

    I 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..

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  12. AnonymousMay 20, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    can someone tell me where to buy the beatle leaf plant in the usa? thanks achoo

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    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2014 at 12:30 AM

    HI,

    New 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.

    ReplyDelete