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Curative Properties
Respiratory
Disorders Betel leaves are useful in pulmonary
affection in childhood and old age. The leaves, soaked in mustard oil
and warmed, may be applied to the chest to relieve cough and difficulty
in breathing.
Constipation In the case of constipation
in children, a suppository made of the stalk of betel leaf dipped in castor
oil can be introduced in the rectum. This instantly relieves constipation.
Sore Throat Local application of the leaves
is' effective in treating sore throat. The crushed fruit or berry should
be mixed with honey and taken to relieve irritating coughs.
Scanty or Obstructed Urination. Betel leaf
juice has diuretic properties. Its juice, mixed with diluted milk and
sweetened slightly, helps in easing urination.
Headaches
The betel leaf has analgesic and cooling properties.
Applied over the painful area to relieve intense headache.
Inflammation Applied locally, betel leaves
are beneficial in the treatment of inflammation such as arthritis and
orchitis, that is inflammation of the testes.
Wounds Betel leaves can be used to heal wounds.
The juice of a few leaves should be extracted and applied on the wound.
Then a betel leaf should be wrapped over and bandaged. The wound will
heal up with a single application within 2 days.
Boils An effective remedy for boils. A leaf
is gently warmed till it gets softened, and is then coated with a layer
of castor oil. The oiled leaf is spread over the inflamed part. The leaf
has to be replaced, every few hours. After a few applications, the boil
will rupture.
Lumbago A hot poultice of the leaves mixed
with some bland oil such as refined coconut oil can be applied to the
loins .
Cancer of the mouth and lips has is frequent in areas where the betel
chewing is a habit. Other effects of pan chewing like pyorrhoea, cancer
of the tongue and cheeks have also been seen in habituated chewers.
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