The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s22.t4.2

c5.s22.t4.2

THE chief consumption of betel-nuts is as a masticatory, alone or in conjunction with betle leaf. The unripe nuts are said to be laxative and carminative. The fresh nuts when not yet dry in their interior, have intoxicating properties and produce giddiness. The dried nuts are masticated. They are said to sweeten the breath, strengthen the gums, remove bad tastes from the mouth, and produce a stimulant or exhilarant effect on the system. The burnt nuts are used as a tooth powder.