Terms:

Areca Palm (areca catechu), betel nut, catechu, katha Betel Creeper (Piper Betle), betel leaf,

About Betel nut and Betel leaf:

The Areca palm is a tall palm, which produces seed pods. These seed pods are cropped and used as a stimulant. These are variously called Areca, Catechu or betel nuts. A plant that is frequently grown alongside the Areca Palm is the Betel Vine. The Hindi word for betel is paan and this terms is also used for the preparation of leaf and nut widespread across India. Preparations of betel nut are also chewed with tobacco, both in India and elsewhere. This 'smokeless tobacco' is called Gutkha in India and is known as Mawa and other names elsewhere.

Availability In the UK:

A pound of dried betel nut retails in the UK for around £15. It is not illegal to possess and supply and is widely available from shops serving Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. Both whole nuts and prepared paan can be purchased.

Appearance:

Betel nuts are hard, brown seeds; whole seeds are about the size of a walnut. Leaves from the betel vine are glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. Prepared paan will take the form of a mixture of spices, betel nut and lime in a folded leaf. Methods of Use Betel nut is chewed, on its own, with herbs and spices, or with tobacco. Generally some sort of lime is added as this makes the active compounds far more effective. Without the use of lime, betel can still be chewed for its taste and mouth freshening properties but will have a less marked stimulant effect.

Effects:

The active compounds in betel nut act as a mild stimulant. The effects include increased alertness, greater energy, reduced fatigue, talkativeness and excitability. Some users also report euphoric feelings.

Side effects include perspiration and increased salivation. Betel chewing tends to stain lips and teeth reddish-black.

After the effects of the drug have worn off, users are liable to feel tired and experience low mood, especially if use has been prolonged or extensive.

Risks:

Betel use has a number of health benefits attributed to it; these are discussed below. However there is growing recognition internationally that betel use can have a damaging effect on health.

Research has suggested a high correlation between betel nut chewing and such cancers and the risk is increased when betel is chewed alongside tobacco. Other problems related to chewing include damage to teeth and gums and cavities.

Use of betel nut can lead to dependence, with similar symptoms to stimulant comedown - depression, feeling tired, restlessness and mood swings.

Betel Use in UK:

Betel is legal in the UK, and is widely used amongst populations from India, Pakistan, Banglasdesh and other countries where betel use is indigenous. There has been little research in to extent or problems relating to betel use in the UK.