The Betel Nut which is also known as the Areca Nut (Areca catechu) is the fruit of the areca palm which is widespread in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Chewing betel nut with a mixture of betel leaves is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Betel nut is a mild stimulant which causes a warming sensation in your body as well as a slightly heightened alertness that may or can vary from person to person.
Powdered Betel Nut is used in preparing Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines, while in some countries it is used as a component in varies toothpastes and tooth powders. Other traditional uses may include having a few teaspoons of Betel Nut powder to help remove tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. If the powdered form is not your forte, then you can prepare a decoction and drink it up. It may also have the potential to loosen up mucus and help in relieving any type of congestion in the respiratory tract.
