FACT CHECK: Is Betel leaf really a hidden health gem for digestion, weight loss, and chest congestion? 

CLAIM:

Betel leaf can aid digestion, reduce acidity and bloating, improve oral health, and relieve chest congestion when warmed with ghee or mustard oil and placed on the chest. 

 

FACT:

Experts caution that excessive or frequent use can cause irritation or other long-term issues, and applying it warm on the chest mainly provides relief through heat and improved circulation rather than treating respiratory conditions.  

 

 

Every day, social media is flooded with health tips and home remedies that claim to transform your well-being. The latest trend features the use of paan ka patta, or betel leaf, as a natural remedy for various ailments. 

 

In a viral reel posted by Dr Saleem Zaidi, who claims to be an Ayurvedic and Unani medicine expert, he talks about the multiple health benefits of betel leaves.

 

In the video, Dr Zaidi explains the multiple health benefits of betel leaf, calling it a simple yet powerful natural remedy for everyday ailments.

 

“This leaf reduces bad breath and bacterial infections,” he says. “With regular use, it makes gums and teeth stronger. In olden days, it was used as a natural toothpaste.” 

 

Dr Zaidi also mentions its traditional use for relieving cold, cough, and chest congestion. He advises that warming the leaf with ghee or mustard oil and placing it on the chest can help reduce congestion and make breathing easier. 

Can betel leaf really aid digestion and relieve acidity?

Research evidence suggests that it may. A 2014 study conducted on Piper betle leaves grown in Sri Lanka investigated their potential gastroprotective effects, as the leaves had traditionally been used as a remedy for gastric ulcers but had not been scientifically validated in this context. The study evaluated the gastroprotective activity of both hot aqueous extract (HAE) and cold ethanolic extract (CEE) in rats, using ethanol-induced gastric ulcers as the experimental model. Three doses of both extracts (200, 300, and 500 mg/kg body weight) were tested, assessing parameters such as mucus content adhering to the gastric mucosa, gastric juice volume, acidity, and pH. The study found that “oral administration of HAE and CEE provided marked dose-dependent and significant protection against gastric damage caused by absolute ethanol.”  

 

The gastroprotective activity of the highest dose of both extracts was “significantly greater than that of misoprostol, the reference drug. ”Furthermore, HAE significantly increased the mucus content adhering to the wall of the gastric mucosa and inhibited the volume of gastric acid,” although total and free acidity as well as pH remained unaltered. The study concluded that “both HAE and CEE of P. betle leaves have a strong gastroprotective activity,” supporting its traditional use for improving digestive health. 

Beyond this, traditional knowledge suggests that chewing betel leaves stimulates digestion and promotes salivary gland secretion. Preliminary studies have also shown that oral administration of betel leaf can significantly stimulate rat intestinal mucosa, enhance bile production, and increase the activity of pancreatic digestive enzymes. Betel leaves are noted to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes such as catalase and diastase, along with essential amino acids including arginine, lysine, and histidine, contributing to their nutritive value.

 

Earlier research on betel leaf primarily focused on specific extract components, but the significance of its full phyto-component profile is increasingly recognised. The leaves contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and bioactive compounds that may have therapeutic potential beyond digestion, including benefits for heart, liver, and brain health.  

 

However, Dr (Prof.) Anil Arora, Senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, with over 35 years of experience, discussed the digestive benefits attributed to betel leaf. He emphasised that “unless you know the exact composition of betel leaf, it is difficult to say it can control acidity. Natural foods do not have the same acid-neutralising capacity as antacids.”  

Dr Arora explained that studies are limited and cannot be generalised. He added, “Unless you can pinpoint that the leaf contains anti-inflammatory or antioxidant compounds that provide a protective effect, claims about controlling acidity or improving digestion remain unproven scientifically.” 

 

“More research is required to validate the health claims of betel leaf. Traditional knowledge may suggest benefits, but large-scale, controlled studies are necessary before we can fully recommend it for digestive health,” he said. 

 

Does betel leaf actually improve oral hygiene?

A 2022 study looked at how Piper betle leaf extract affects bacteria that cause dental caries, one of the most common oral diseases. The study found that the extract contains useful compounds like tannins, steroids, phenolics, and alkaloids. It was effective against Bacillus gaemokensis, a bacteria that forms biofilms, and some specific compounds showed even stronger antibacterial activity. The extract reduced bacterial growth, stopped biofilm formation by 70%, and broke down existing biofilms by 58%.  

 

“P. betle can serve a potentially therapeutic role and could be used in the preparation of herbal formulations for managing bacterial flora,” the study said. 

 

Additionally, studies on chewing betel leaves showed that saliva obtained after mastication of a whole leaf reduced oral microflora by approximately 56%. Piper betle is traditionally used to combat bad breath and prevent tooth decay, and it exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. 

 

While betel leaf alone may offer short-term oral benefits, the traditional preparation of paan often includes areca nut, slaked lime, and mechanical chewing, which can have harmful long-term effects. Frequent use in this form is associated with tooth discolouration, enamel erosion, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Therefore, the potential oral health benefits of plain betel leaf should be distinguished from the risks posed by common paan preparations. 

 

Dr Anand S, Specialist in Oral Medicine and Radiology at MIDAC Dental Centre, Kozhikode, explained that betel leaf has long been recognised in Ayurvedic studies for its antimicrobial properties, ability to improve salivation, and potential benefits for digestion. He noted, however, that “excessive use or continuous chewing, even without areca nut, can cause irritation for some people because betel leaf contains strong essential oils.” 

 

“This irritation can range from mild to moderate, but long-term use may lead to chronic mucosal irritation and minor alterations in the oral cavity,” Dr Anand said. He also pointed out that frequent consumption could result in tooth staining, and commercially available leaves might carry pesticide residues. 

Regarding safe use, Dr Anand advised, “A very small amount of fresh leaves used occasionally is generally safe, but I do not recommend regular or excessive use, as it can cause irritation.” 

 

Can applying warm betel leaf on the chest relieve cough and congestion?

A 2020 study found that betel leaf extracts exhibit strong antiviral activity against respiratory viruses, including influenza, with phenolic compounds in the leaf helping to inhibit viral replication and reduce the severity and duration of infections. The leaf’s antibacterial properties may also help prevent secondary bacterial infections that often occur alongside colds.  

 

The study also noted that “nevertheless, betel leaf extract (Piper betle L.) needs to be further investigated before it can be used as an alternative therapy for bacterial conjunctivitis and other bacterial conjunctivitis pathogen, such as in vivo testing and toxicity testing in animal models.” 

 

Additionally, peer-reviewed papers note that betel leaves have traditionally been used to support pulmonary health in children and the elderly. When soaked in mustard oil and gently warmed, the leaves may be applied to the chest to help relieve cough and ease breathing difficulties. 

 

Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Chest Physician and Bronchoscopist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai, explained that some home remedies suggest using betel leaf for relief from cough or chest congestion. He noted that “ultimately, what provides relief is the warmth of the leaf when applied, which improves local circulation.” 

 

Dr Chafle added, “Even if you put a warm towel on your chest, you will start feeling better. The warmth dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the area. This enhanced circulation can help wash away substances that induce pain and improve oxygen and nutrient delivery, which may ease discomfort from breathing difficulty or cough.” 

 

However, he cautioned that betel leaf should be considered only as a very generic home remedy. “I would not recommend it as a treatment for respiratory conditions,” he said. 

 

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.

 

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