Today’s hectic lifestyle and lack of time has completely changed the dietary habits of people. People have now started giving preference to oily and spicy fast food from outside instead of nutritious and simple food at home. The habit of staying awake late at night, excessive use of mobile, increasing mental stress and irregular daily routine has had a deep negative impact on our digestive system. Due to these reasons, today serious digestive problems like gas, bloating, heartburn, chronic constipation, indigestion and loss of appetite are becoming common among people of all ages.

Weakness of the digestive system is not limited to the stomach only, but its widespread effect is visible on the entire body. When our body is unable to digest food properly, symptoms like fatigue, mental irritability, skin disorders and decreased immunity start emerging. According to Ayurveda, poor digestion is the root of most diseases and natural and safe remedies are best to improve it. One of these ancient and effective remedies is ‘Betel leaf’, which is a very simple, cheap and surefire Ayurvedic solution to improve digestion.

According to health expert Dr. Anju Chaudhary, chewing betel leaf is an excellent exercise for the digestive system. When we chew betel leaf, the process of saliva formation in the mouth increases significantly. This saliva plays an important role in breaking down the food particles easily and digesting them, due to which there is no additional pressure of digestion on the stomach organs. Natural oil, high fiber and specific aromatic elements are found in betel leaf, which balances intestinal activity (Peristalsis). This provides immediate relief from problems like gas, flatulence and heaviness. From Ayurvedic point of view, betel leaf has the property of pacifying ‘Vata Dosha’, which is considered to be the main cause of stomach ache and gas disorders.

The benefits of betel leaves for the digestive system are not limited to just digesting food, but it is also very effective in balancing the acidity of the stomach. It controls the excess acid produced in the stomach, which provides immediate relief from problems like heartburn, sour belching and acidity. Betel leaf works like a natural medicine for people suffering from chronic constipation, because it facilitates the process of bowel movement by activating the intestinal muscles. Apart from this, for those people who have less appetite or feel heaviness in the stomach after eating food, betel leaf helps in awakening appetite and removing heaviness by increasing the secretion of digestive juices.

Betel leaf not only strengthens the digestive system, but it is also a natural boon for oral health and teeth strength. It has abundant antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which prevent harmful bacteria from growing inside the mouth. Due to these properties, there is significant relief in problems like swelling of gums, pyorrhoea, bad breath and sensitivity of teeth. This scientific and healthy reason is hidden behind the ancient tradition of chewing betel leaf after meals in Indian culture.

According to Ayurveda, betel leaf is very beneficial not only for physical but also for mental health. It relaxes our nervous system and provides peace to the brain. Due to this quality, it proves helpful in reducing mental stress, anxiety and restlessness. Additionally, betel leaves contain abundant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These elements help in reducing internal inflammation of the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Besides, it purifies the blood, keeps the skin healthy and naturally strengthens the body’s immunity.

Traditionally, betel leaves have been used for centuries in the treatment of cold, cough, asthma and respiratory problems. Its natural hot properties are considered extremely helpful in melting the mucus accumulated in the chest and providing relief to the respiratory system. However, to get its full health benefits, it should always be taken plain or with mild natural spices like fennel and cardamom. It is very important to keep in mind that tobacco, betel nut or any kind of chemical containing material should not be used with betel leaf, because the mixture of such things can cause serious harm to the body instead of benefit.