The betel leaf is popularly known as paan India. It is a medicinal plant whose leaves are taken as a spice. Paan is evergreen and available all round the year. The leaves are glossy and heart shape. The paan leaves are generally chewed either by itself or in combination with slaked lime, betel nuts (areca variety) and other exotic stuff like aniseed and sometimes tobacco etc. Preparation of paan is an art and the secret technique is passed down from generation to generation.
Paan Leaf is used in several common house hold remedies.

•Headaches
the betel leaf has analgesic and cooling properties. It can be applied with beneficial results over the painful area to relieve intense headache.                                   

•Respiratory Disorders
Betel leaves are useful in pulmonary affection in childhood and old age. The leaves, soaked in mustard oil and warmed, may be applied to the chest to relieve cough and difficulty in breathing.                            

•Boils
the herb is also an effective remedy for boils. A leaf is gently warmed till it gets softened, and is then coated with a layer of castor oil. The oiled leaf is spread over the inflamed part. This leaf has to be replaced, every few hours. After a few applications, the boil will rupture draining all the purulent matter. The application can be made at night and removed in the morning.            

•Problem of Breast Milk Secretion
the application of leaves smeared with oil is said to promote secretion of milk when applied on the breasts during lactation.    

•To take care of cough, bronchitis, and breathing difficulty in children, smear a little mustard oil on the upper surface of a few Betel leaves and warm them. Apply over the chest when bearably hot. Repeat a few times until the child feels better.