The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s10.t9.4

c5.s10.t9.4

The chief use of catechu in India, is as an ingredient of the packet of betle leaf chewed by the natives. For this purpose it is sometimes aromatized in various ways. The packets of betle leaf sold in all the Indian bazars under the name of *golábi khili*, are prepared with catechu dissolved in rose water. Again, catechu is softened with the addition of water, and mixed with powdered spices, such as cardamoms, nutmeg, cloves, etc., the mixture is enclosed within the fragrant floral leaves of *Pandanus odoratissimus* (*ketaki*), and dried. The leaves adhere to the catechu, which is cut into small pieces suitable for use with the betle leaf.