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Betel nuts, children, adults, and dogs

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The betel nut is the fruit of a palm, Areca catechu Linnaeus. The palm is believed native to the Malay Peninsula, but the plant has been transported and cultivated throughout the Pacific and Paleotropics (Old World) for so long that no one is truly certain of its origins. Most people probably know of Bloody Mary's betel nut habit from the musical production, South Pacific, by Rogers and Hammerstein.

Betel Nut Tree - Click Image To Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

Betel Nut Palm by Asian Botanical
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The betel nut contains a stimulant, arecoline, an alkaloid which affects the nervous system similar to the action of acetylcholine. The arecoline effect is highly complex and includes constriction of the pupil, decreased heart output, stimulation of various glands, and vasodilation (widening of the interior of the blood vessels). H. W. Felter and J.U. Lloyd (1898) describe the effect as similar to nicotine. Others have said the effect was like "way too much coffee." (pers. comm., name withheld). ("Areca.--Betel Nut", King's American Dispensatory, Felter and Lloyd, 1898)

The song suggests, "...ain't that too damn bad", that what Bloody Mary was probably chewing was "betel": a simple preparation of betel nut, betel leaf (Piper betle L., a relative of black pepper), and slaked lime (CaO). More of the alkaloid is released and much quicker. Therefore, "betel" is more psychoactive and is said quite addictive. (Medical Botany, Plants affecting Man's Health, Walter H. Lewis and Memory P.F. Elvin-Lewis, John Wiley and Sons, 1977)

Chewing betel nuts stains the teeth and gums red. The nuts are astringent and possibly help protect the teeth from caries (cavities). In many cultures, the teeth stained red, black, or even patterned indicated marriageability or coming of age. Betel nuts were also said to sweeten the breath and aid digestion through stimulating the glands associated with the GI tract.

Arecoline has one effect that improved the quality of life for children, adults, and dogs especially in the late 1800s. The alkaloid is an anthelmintic, "against the worm". The powdered betel nut administered in a syrup became a standard treatment to rid the intestines of tape worms (Taenia species).

The Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia have an information page about the betel palm and photographs of this elegant tropical. To learn more about the palm, click on the link:

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Areca/catechu.html

Prior to the generalized use of betel nut for tape worm, these disgusting creatures caused untold health problems for humans and animals. American Artifacts has a page of one of the solutions used in the mid-1800s. Richard Van Vleck has produced a wonderful brief article, but this may not be for the squeamish. To view the page, click on the link:

http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/invent/worm.htm

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NOVICA's Mission

NOVICA®

In association with National Geographic, Novica today serves as an online arts agent for more than 1,700 artists in countries around the world. Visitors to the Novica Web site can read about the artists, explore their cultures, view photographs of their work and select from more than 8,500 handcrafted works.

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Teak betel box, 'Mae Tuen'

NOVICA®

Wanpen Phota designs and hand-carves this intricate, mesmerizing "betel nut" box from local Thai teakwood. The box replicates designs used by women in Thailand's hill tribe regions to store betel nuts, which by tradition they frequently chew upon. Once the design is complete, Phota hand-paints the box and adds several glossy layers of lacquer. Mae Tuen refers to a province in northern Thailand. —>Click here for price and more info... [All Thailand Products...]

Customer Reviews of this Artist
I have purchased 4 pieces from Wanpen Phota, and they are consistently beautiful, well-crafted, and very affordable! They make lovely gifts. My 1st piece was a large jewelry box that we placed on our coffee table: it gets compliments from every visitor to our home! I have since bought 3 other pieces to give to my mother, my teacher, and a good friend. All of them are amazed at the quality and beauty of these works. Thank you!
- Lauren Fox —>Click here to read more Customer Reviews of this Artist at bottom of page.

Amber earrings, 'Golden Mirror'

NOVICA®

Embraced by argent blossoms, natural amber dangles like golden mirrors. Sukanya evokes the warm Thai sun with this lovely design. Meticulously crafted by hand, these exquisite earrings are fashioned of sterling silver (0.925). You save 43% —>Click here for sale price and more info...

[All Thailand Products...]

Customer Reviews of this Artist
Thank you for the lovely Silver and Amber Earrings crafted by Sukanya Thongsri. The design, handcrafting, and materials are all superb! I definitely would purchase more jewelry by this artist. I highly recommend her work to all! The Novica jewelry artisans are the best! Lori
- Lori Reeves, USA —>Click here to read more Customer Reviews of Artist at bottom of page.

Citrine and peridot bracelet, 'Garland'

NOVICA®

Nestled on a crystal trellis, three sparkling blossoms exude an air of elegance. Busarin creates the ethereal images from carnelian, garnet, citrine and peridot. Enhanced with crystal and beads of Japanese glass, the gems are threaded by hand on stainless steel strands. The bracelet is wrapped about the wrist for a custom fit. You save 49% —>Click here for sale price and more info... [All Thailand Products...]

Customer Reviews of this Artist
Oh, Busarin, The 'Garland' bracelet is so exquisite! Your artistry is wonderful. Thank you for creating such a beautiful piece of jewelry. Chelsie
- Chelsie Vandaveer, Largo, Florida, USA —>Click here to read more Customer Reviews of Artist at bottom of page.

Pearl and garnet jewelry set, 'Solar Revolution'

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Caught between golden rays of light, shimmering pearls and garnet render this jewelry set spectacular. From Lilly Rahmann's exclusive collection, the necklace and earrings feature golden pearls and 24k gold plated sterling silver motifs. Expertly faceted garnet creates a stunning contrast; this mystical stone is hailed as an energizing gem. You save 58% —>Click here for sale price and more info...

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Customer Reviews of this Artist
The "Royal Cat" necklace just arrived. It is stunningly beautiful. More stiking than I expected. The photo did not do it justice. I am very happy with this purchase and will continue to check Lilly Rahmann's creations first in the future. Thank you!
- Debra H., Fall River, Mass. USA