By Obiabin Onukwugha
The betel, Piper betle, is a species of flowering plant in the pepper family Piperaceae.
It is native to Southeast Asia and Africa. This leaf known as Utazi in Igbo and arokeke’ in Yoruba, has many medicinal attributes not known to many.
Betel plants can be cultivated and it’s a source of income for farmers because of the crave for it. In many Niger Delta local communities, betel leafs grow naturally.
Betel leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants that clear radicals from the body. It restores normal PH levels in the body and helps an upset stomach.
Bethel leaf is a quick cure for high blood sugar. To cure high blood sugar, squiz a hand full of betel leafs, add water and filter charf, then drink the ice a day for two to three days. It will restore your blood sugar to normal
Bethel leaf recommended for relief from constipation. Chewing a few leaves relieves you of constipation.
Consuming betel leaves will also help in relieving headaches, fighting against cancer, healing wounds, reducing gastric ulcers, diabetes, and allergies, and has anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties.
Furthermore, Betel leaf extract has been found to have anti-cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer properties.
Betel leaf are used for the bitter taste it imparts in soups and stews. It is also used to spice up sauce for eating the popular roasted plantain and yam known as ‘bole’ in local parlance.
Also, this wonder leaf is used to lace up the popular “piom piom” and “isi Ewi” in bar and pubs for its tantalizing taste.
According to reports, betel leaf extract has been awarded patents for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties.