Overview
Betel leaf refers to a traditional nutritional and medicinal food plant also called Paan. Paan is the name for the vivid green fresh leaves of the betel. Betel leaves possess the following properties:
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antifungal
- Antiulcergeni
- Antiplatelet
- Antidiabetic
- Immunomodulatory
- Antileshmanial
- Antiamoebic
- Anti Filarial
We shall discuss the use of betel leaves in babies. Let's also discuss the side effects of betel leaves.
Impact of Heating Betel leaves
Eliminates Bacteria
Several scientific investigations have been done, and the findings highlight that approximately 100g of betel leaf contains up to 2.4% essential oil. The essential oil derived from betel leaves contains a remarkably potent antibiotic effect, capable of eliminating bacteria like Staphylococci, streptococcus, coli bacilli, and dysentery bacteria.
Address Various Health Issues
Applying heat to betel leaves has proven beneficial in addressing various health issues like pain relief, constipation, indigestion, teeth protection, colic caused by flatulence, cough treatment, disinfection, bronchitis treatment, and fungal treatment.
Postpartum mothers can also use betel leaves to prevent skin pigmentation and effectively maintain their health and beauty because of 61% carbohydrates, 2.3% mineral salts, and 2.3% fibre in the leaves.
Heating Betel Leaves for Babies
Traditional Remedy vs. Doctor's Advice
Many mothers, particularly in rural areas, have used betel leaves to warm up their babies' stomachs when they are fussy or bloated. Some children have shown signs of calming down and playing well after using warmed betel leaves.
But, there are also cases where children remain fussy, and parents must seek medical advice to determine the cause. Irrespective of the claims of the benefits of steaming betel leaves for babies, many mothers still question whether it is safe to use this method.
Specialist doctors say that betel leaf steaming for babies is a traditional remedy that has yet to be scientifically tested. Therefore, parents should carefully consider before attempting it with their babies.
May Harm the Baby's Skin
Heating betel leaves and applying them to a baby's skin can be unsafe, especially for babies with immature skin or those born prematurely and weak, because there is no scientific evidence to uphold the effectiveness of betel leaf for babies.
Nevertheless, parents need to be aware that this method can potentially cause redness on the child's skin due to the camphor and menthol in the leaves forming water vapour that can percolate through the baby's skin. This can be extremely dangerous as it may lead to pneumonia in children.
Incorrect application of betel leaf can also result in infection or risk the child's life.
Other Negative Effects
Betel leaves on charcoal or enclosed spaces can pose health risks for the mother and the newborn. Hence, it is essential to refrain from heating betel leaves on charcoal or enclosed space.
Also, it is essential to note that giving betel leaf juice to babies is inappropriate and may have severe implications for their well-being.
Conclusion
It has been a long-standing tradition to use steamed betel leaves to remedy various illnesses in babies. While it is acceptable to rely on traditional practices, it is crucial to exercise caution and carefully evaluate any method before applying it to your child.
FAQs
1. Is the method of heating betel leaves for children scientifically proven?
According to specialist doctors, betel leaf heating for babies is a folk remedy that has yet to be tested and proved correct. Hence, parents must consider it carefully before experimenting with it with their babies.
2. Can betel leaf cause pneumonia in children?
Yes, betel leaf can cause pneumonia in children. If you incorrectly apply betel leaf to babies, it can lead to infection or even risk the child's life.
3. How to use betel leaf for cold in babies?
Betel leaf is traditionally used for coughs and colds. But, consult a paediatrician before using it on babies, as there's no scientific proof to support its effect and potential risks.
4. Is betel leaf good for cough?
Yes, betel leaves are used as a traditional remedy for cough and cold. This is because of their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the throat and clear mucus.
5. How to use betel leaf for cold and cough?
To use betel leaf for cold and cough, you can just boil some betel leaves in water with spices such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and pepper, then consume the concoction twice a day.
6. Why are betel leaves used for cold in babies?
The traditional methods use betel leaves for cold in babies, for many reasons. Particularly in rural regions, the betel leaves are used as a home remedy for babies' colds and coughs. They apply warmed betel leaves to the chest or stomach, though scientific proof supporting their efficacy is limited.
7. How many betel leaves per day can be consumed?
Consuming 1-2 betel leaves every day is considered safe, and it can provide health benefits.
8. What are the betel leaves side effects?
The side effects of betel leaves are oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease. The other side effects are potential liver toxicity and addiction.
9. How to use camphor for cold in babies?
During the cold and congestion in babies, you can slightly rub a small amount of camphor mixed with coconut oil on the baby's chest or back, but always follow the instructions and consult a doctor first.
