Betel Nut / Areca Nut
BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION
Family :
Arecaceae (=Palmaceae)
Genus :
Areca
Species :
catechu
COMMON NAMES
Betel nut; Paans (the combination of Betel leaves, lime, & Areca catechu)
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Stimulant
DESCRIPTION
The fruit of the Areca catechu palm tree, also known as the "Betel Nut", contain the stimulant arecoline. Native to SE Asia, the nuts are ground and often combined with mineral lime and wrapped in the leaf of a Betel pepper plant, although they are sometimes consumed buccally ('chewed') alone. Notably, frequent use can stain teeth black and its daily use is associated with increased risk of mouth cancers. Variants of the betel and lime combination are extremely common in many Asian cultures and have a long history of human use.
GENERAL INFORMATION #
EXPERIENCES #
A Complete Disaster, by J-Decay
Quite Enjoyable, But Be Careful, by Nighthawk
A Highly Effective Natural Stimulant, by GregoryM
OFF-SITE RESOURCES
PRIMARY RESOURCES #
Betel Nut Overview, Natural Standard & Harvard Medical School
SECONDARY RESOURCES #
The Epicurean, Palliative Pleasures of Paan - Feb 1994, Hinduism Today
MEDIA COVERAGE #
Betel-nut boss boosts business - Viet Nam News, Sep 2006
Betel nut beauties told to cover up - CNN, Oct 2002
NON-ENGLISH RESOURCES #
Betel: Black teeth and red lips (Norwegian)