Betel Nut Palm

Common Name: Betel Nut Palm, Pinang Sirih, Pinang, Bing lang, Areca nut, Bunga.
Scientific Name: Areca catechu
Family:Arecaceae (Palmae)

General Facts:

• The plant originated from Malayisa or Philippines.



• It is grown for the important seed crop, the Betel nut.



• The fruit flesh on the seed has psychoactive properties (stimulating effects) and in South-east Asia is used as such by chewing on the fruit. It produces euphoria, heightened alertness, sweating, salivation, a hot sensation in the body and an increased capacity to work.



• However there may be undesirable side effects associated with chewing on the fruit such as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and body temperature.



• The Betelnut is also used as an offering in Hinduism.



• In Ayurvedic medicine, the nut is used in the treatment of headaches, fever and rheumatism.



• In China, betelnut is used to treat parasitic infection.