Benefits of Chewing Raw Betel Leaves: From Facilitating Digestion to Reducing Depression

Illustration of chewing raw betel leaf (imaga iStock)

YOGYAKARTA - Betel leaves have long been known as one of the family medicinal plants (TOGA) that have properties for various health problems. This family medicinal plant is basically a cultivated plant in the yard, garden, or field, which is useful as a medicine for the family's daily health needs.

The existence of a family medicinal garden is not only important for one's own needs, but can also provide benefits to the surrounding community. With the presence of a medicinal plant garden, especially those originating from natural plants, families can have easy access to herbal medicine.

One of the most widely used medicinal plants in TOGA is betel leaves. In addition to being known as a natural remedy for nosebleeds, betel leaves have various other health benefits. In fact, many believe that chewing raw betel leaves can be a natural solution to treat various diseases. Let's look at some of the benefits of chewing raw betel leaves that are beneficial for body health.

Benefits of Chewing Raw Betel Leaves for Health

1. Supports Digestive Health

Chewing raw betel leaves after eating is recommended because of its properties in relieving bloating and protecting the intestines. Betel leaves help increase the body's metabolism, stimulate circulation, and improve the intestines' ability to absorb vitamins and essential nutrients. Therefore, the benefits of chewing raw betel leaves for digestive health are enormous and can prevent problems such as constipation.

2. Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Health

The antimicrobial content in betel leaves can fight various bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath, cavities, plaque, and gum infections. Chewing raw betel leaf paste after eating is not only beneficial for digestion, but also eliminates bad breath, relieves toothache, treats gum pain, and reduces swelling and infection in the mouth.

3. Reduces the Risk of Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that is widely experienced throughout the world. In addition to using antidepressants, since ancient times people have used the benefits of chewing betel leaves to relieve symptoms of depression. Betel leaves contain phenolic compounds that stimulate the central nervous system, thus providing a happy effect and increasing alertness.

The benefits of chewing raw betel leaves can stimulate the release of catecholamines, compounds related to positive mood. Research shows that low levels of catecholamines can increase the risk of depression. Thus, chewing betel leaves is an easy way to help overcome depression naturally.

4. Relieves Gastric Ulcer Symptoms

Chewing raw betel leaves is also believed to be an effective traditional medicine for gastric ulcers. Betel leaves can prevent the formation of lesions in the stomach, increase the production of gastric mucus which functions to protect the stomach from excess acid, and reduce the volume of gastric acid secretion. This makes betel leaves effective in helping to maintain stomach health.

Consume Betel Leaves Wisely

Although the benefits of chewing raw betel leaves are numerous, excessive consumption can cause side effects. Chewing betel leaves mixed with areca nut, lime, or tobacco can cause health risks because they are carcinogenic or trigger cancer.

Therefore, it is important to avoid chewing betel leaves too often.

Some side effects that can arise from excessive consumption of betel leaves include gum irritation, mouth cancer, and canker sores. To prevent this risk, it is advisable to consume betel leaves in reasonable amounts and only at certain times.

In addition, to add to your references, you also need to know what the Benefits of Boiled Red Betel Leaves are for Men

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