Betel nut

Betelnut (Areca catechu) is the seed of the betelpalm. This palmtree can grow up to 75 feet high and has leaves of 3 feet long.

Betelnut is one of the world's most popular plants. The leaf is converted into paper for rolling tobacco and herbs.
Betelnut is chewed with burnt lime and sometimes with tobacco or other herbs for chewing. There are millions of Asians who enjoy betelnut daily as much as the Europeans enjoy their cup of coffee.

Regular use of betelnut stains the mouth and teeth a deep red. Asian betel chewers are quite proud of these stains.

Powder, 100 gr.
Artist: Nutty

Whole, 100 gr.
Artist: BRR

Effects

Betelnut is a stimulator. The active substance, arecoline, has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, it improves learning and thinking capacities, it enhances the breathing, benefits your mood and reduces the strain on the heart. It gives a euphoric feeling and has aphrodisiac qualities.

The chewing of betel gives a cheerful relaxation and a nice feeling in the mouth that rises up to the brains. This makes it an enjoyable pastime.

Usage

You can have a teaspoon of powdered betelnut mixed with water or coffee. For a better effect mix it with lime and chew on it for some time. This makes the active substance work, which is absorbed via the mouth in the blood. The saliva and chewed leftovers should be spit out after a while. For a better taste and assimilation into the body you can eat parts of lemon with it or sprinkle the powder with lemon juice.

Never use more than 3 grams at a time and 6 grams a day.

In Asia the grinded nuts are chewed, often in combination with several spices and wrapped in betel leaves. Leftovers are to be spit out. For example, try combining betelnut with kava kava and kolanut.
The betel leaf has a fresh pepperly taste.

Warning

Regular chewing of betelnut is very bad for the teeth and colors the teeth red. High doses can cause diarrhoea and dizziness. One of the consequences of long term use is a light addiction.

Be careful when taking betelnut powder; high doses (8 - 10 grams) can be deadly.