Betel Leaf (Piper betle)

Native to Southeast Asia, the heart-shaped Betel Leaf has been a staple to Ayurvedic tradition for centuries.  Down any busy street in India, you’d be surrounded by the stimulant ‘paan’ consisting of Betel Leaf and areca nut, chewed after meals as a stimulant. The herb has long been used for oral hygiene and digestion and, when crushed, gives off a mild peppery aroma. In traditional Indian culture, to give a sheaf of betel leaves was to offer respect. As an antiseptic, it can be used for treating pimples or small scrapes.  Betel Leaf is commonly grown on the sides of temples and can climb quickly with the help of a trellis. Very ornamental groundcover.  Related to Lolot, Hoja Santa, and Black Pepper.