Botanical Description and Preparation: The betel nut is the seed of the Areca catechu palm tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia, but cultivation takes place in most tropical countries. Traditionally, it is believed to be chewed along with the leaves of the ctel and slaked lime—calcium hydroxide.

Taste and Energetics: The main constituents of betel nut make it predominantly pungent and heating, with a sweet postdigestive effect. It is also known for its stimulating action and formulations that act on the digestive and nervous systems.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Digestive Aid: In Ayurveda, the betel nut is primarily used to stimulate digestion. It should increase appetite, promote salivation, and aid in the digestion of food.

Nervine Stimulant: Betel nut is regarded as a nervine stimulant. It helps to invigorate the nervous system, thereby improving alertness and concentrating capability. It is traditionally used to fight fatigue and for mentally clear thinking.

Carminative: The carminative properties present in it relieve gas and bloating by promoting correct digestion and reducing intestinal spasms.

Oral Health: In Ayurveda, betel nut has been used to improve oral health. The herb is supposed to be antimicrobial to counteract the action of oral bacteria and freshen breath.

Aphrodisiac: Certain Ayurvedic literature uses the betel nut as an aphrodisiac with action that enhances sexual libido and potency.

Ayurvedic Preparations: Generally, the betel nut is not used independently in Ayurvedic formulations but combined into compound recipes to bring forth its therapeutic benefits. Such formulations could be specifically tailored to conditions like digestive disorders of some kind or another form of fatigue.

Traditional Uses: Outside the Ayurvedic tradition, Betel nut is used in almost all Asian cultures, such as generally being chewed by individuals in most social and religious situations. However, its habitual consumption for its stimulant properties begs the question as to the effect of long-term consumption on health, in terms of a possible addiction and negative impact on dental health.

Overall, though of historical and cultural value to Ayurveda and even beyond, its use as a medicine is rather cautious since there can be possible health risks with habitual consumption. In Ayurvedic practice, Betel nut is renowned for its digestive and stimulant properties; however, use should be guided by a qualified practicing thumb up for safety and proper dosage to that effect.

Following are the 10 Ayurvedic herbs recommended that help to lower high blood pressure

• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) Bark: Ancient Indian physicians used the powdered tree bark of Terminalia Arjuna for alleviating “Hritshool” (Angina) and other cardiovascular conditions. Its stem bark possesses Glycosides, Large Quantities of Flavonoids, Tannins and Minerals. Flavonoids exert Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and lipid Lowering effects while glycosides are cardio tonic.
• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) Root: Being diuretic, it releases the sodium present in the body, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure.
• Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) Plant: The ethanolic extract of the plant reduces total Serum Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Phospholipids and Nonesterfied Fatty Acid Factors responsible for deposition of plaques in coronary artery,which in turn increases blood pressure.So their reduction decreases blood pressure also.
• Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus granitrus) Pods: Best herb for high B.P. and other associated problems (Protects your heart from Shock).
• Moti Pishti: It is believed to help regulate blood pressure and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
• Amla (Emblica officinalis) Fruit: Anti-Ageing, Rejuvenator, Pita pacifying and balances all the three doshas, useful in excessive heart palpitation.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root: Stress Reliever, Lower down the B.P.
• Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) Fruit: Acts as Diuretic, so helps in lowering high blood pressure .
• Pippali (Piper longum) Fruit: It contains Piperine and due to various causes heart muscles become lethargic, flabby and slacky. Pippali makes them strong in different ways.
• Mandukparni (Centella asitica ) Plant: It helps to decrease the stress which is the one of the main factor for increasing blood pressure.

These above mentioned herbs are best known for normalizing the elevated blood pressure and other associated problems. They are useful in insomnia; also decrease the hyper excitability of the brain and heart. They reduce the headache and dizziness associated with the brain and calms the mind. These herbs protect the heart from shock and act as Diuretic, Cardio Tonic, Stress reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.

• Daily morning walk and yoga exercise will help in Pressure balance.
• Daily take juice of one lemon and honey with a glass of water empty stomach in the morning.

Foods to Favor

• Light diet, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits, Garlic, Bitter Gourd, Papaya, Citrus Fruits, Honey and Lemon.

• Strictly avoid, Fried, Fatty, Heavy Meat, Seafood and Non-Veg of any type, Excess use of Salt, Alcohol, Cold Drinks, Cakes and Pastries, Sedentary lifestyle.

• Person should use light, easily digestible food, old rice, green gram, dolichos beans (kulattha), white gourd, ginger, garlic, onion & guda (jaggery). Fruits like pomegranate, grapes, coconut etc.

• Person should avoid unnecessary tension, anger, worry, fear, and smoking.
• Reduction of alcohol consumption, correction of obesity, low sodium diet, regular exercise like isotonic exercise (fast walking, jogging, swimming etc.) are better than isometric exercise (weight lifting)
• Suppression of natural urges is to be avoided.