Basonym of Drug
Nagavalli (Betel)
Botanical Name
Piper betle
Family
Piperaceae
Betel Leaves in Indian Tradition
- Betel leaves symbolize the beginning of auspicious events and are a part of Indian traditions, customs, and rituals.
- Used in pooja (religious functions) and offered to guests as tambula after food.
- Along with areca nuts, betel leaves are used to welcome guests and symbolize prosperity during business deals and transactions.
- In Indian marriage ceremonies, betel leaves play a crucial role, representing the confirmation of the wedding and a strong bond after marriage.
- After weddings, betel leaves along with coconut are given to guests as a token of gratitude.
Medical Qualities of Paan
- Rasa (Taste): Tiktha (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
- Vipaka (Taste conversion after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
- Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
- Guna (Qualities): Kshara (Alkaline), Laghu (Light to digest), Saram (Flowing nature)
Effect on Doshas
- Pittaprakopaka (Increases Pitta dosha)
- Balances Kapha and Vata dosha
Therapeutic Action
- Vishada (Clarity)
- Ruchya (Improves taste)
- Vashyam (Makes the person obey you)
- Raktapittakara (Causes bleeding diseases)
- Balyam (Improves strength)
- Sramsanam (Mild purgative)
- Swarya (Improves voice)
- Deepana (Carminative)
Indications of Nagavalli (Betel)
- Relieves diseases related to Kapha dosha like cough, high cholesterol, abscess, diabetes, obesity
- Relieves bad breath (Halitosis), removes dirt and moisture, cleanses the oral cavity
- Vata disorders
- Exhaustion
- Itching
- Cough, sore throat, asthma
- Anorexia, tastelessness
- Bloating, inflammation, swelling, tumors
- Intestinal worm infestation
- Chronic wounds
Dose
- Juice (Swarasa): 5-15 ml
Side Effects
- No recorded side effects.
- Avoid use in high Pitta conditions like bleeding disorders, heavy menstrual flow, burning sensation.
- Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.
- Check for allergic reactions before external application by applying to a small area of skin.
- Due to its hot and sharp quality, excess oral intake can cause gastric irritation.
Morphology, Chemistry, Nutritional Value
Morphology
Perennial aromatic creeper. Leaves are glossy, green, heart-shaped, and deeply veined.
Chemical Constituents
Piper betle contains chavibetol, chavicol, hydroxychavicol, diosgenin, eugenol, allylpyrocatechol, methyl eugenol, triterpenes, and β-sitosterol. Betel leaves yield essential oil.
Nutritional Value
Contains thiamine, riboflavin, carotene, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, and iodine.
Ayurvedic Medicines with Nagavalli Ingredient
- Laghu Sutshekhar Ras: Best Ayurvedic medicine in tablet and powder form used for headache, migraine, gastritis, dyspepsia, sinusitis, burning sensation, nasal bleeding, stomatitis.
- Brihat Vishama Jwarantak Lauh: Used to treat all types of fever.
- Nagavallabha Rasa: Used for cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, phthisis, emaciation.
- Nardiya Laxmi Vilas Ras: Used for high blood pressure, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, sinuses, non-healing wounds, fistula, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, ascites, headache, gynecological disorders, and diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and eyes.
- Swas Kas Chintamani Ras: Used to treat respiratory diseases such as cold, cough, bronchitis, asthma.
- Brihat Sarva Jwarahar Lauh: Used in the treatment of all types of fever, anemia, indigestion, splenomegaly, cough, intermittent fever, typhoid, and injuries.