Jakarta –
Chinese betel is known to be rich in benefits, but herbal doctors still warn groups of people who should not consume it excessively. Including pregnant women.
“Just be careful with pregnant women. It’s best to consult a doctor first, and it’s not recommended to consume raw ones directly,” advised the Chair of the Indonesian Traditional Herbal Medicine Developing Doctors Association (PDPOTJI) Dr Ingrid Tania when contacted by detikcom Saturday (9/11/ 2024).
However, in general there are no special notes for those who want to consume Chinese betel leaves. Alternative if you don’t want to consume it raw. Dr. Inggrid revealed a number of decoctions made from Chinese betel leaves.
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“You can brew around 20cm of fresh plants with 2 glasses of boiling water (2x200ml), leave for 5-15 minutes, then consume morning and evening.”
“Or brew 4 grams of dried Chinese betel with 2 glasses of boiling water, leave for 5-15 minutes, then consume morning and evening,” he continued.
In line with this, a number of studies also show that consuming Chinese betel is not recommended for pregnant women. This is related to the finding of inhibiting embryonic development in the animals tested.
For additional information, Chinese betel with the plant name Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth belongs to the Piperaceae family and has long been used empirically as a traditional medicine by the people of Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Brazil and other countries.
The P. pellucida herb contains chemical compounds with potential activities such as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antigout, antihypertensive (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), antioxidant, and antibacterial, as well as activities such as sunscreen.
(naf/naf)
Beware the Betel: The Herbal Sweetheart with a Dark Side
Well, well, well, here we are discussing Chinese betel, that herb that’s apparently bursting with benefits. You know, the sort of plant that sounds like it went to university and came back with a degree in herbal medicine. But wait—before you start hoarding these leaves like they’re the next Bitcoin, there’s a tiny little caveat: pregnant women should steer clear!
Yes, according to Dr. Ingrid Tania, the Chair of the Indonesian Traditional Herbal Medicine Developing Doctors Association (try fitting that on a business card), you should consult your doctor before diving headfirst into a pile of raw betel leaves. Honestly, if I had a rupiah for every time someone casually brushed off a medical caution, I’d probably have enough to pay for all the unsolicited advice I get at family gatherings.
How Much is Too Much?
Now, if you’re not in the delicate condition (that’s a polite way of saying ‘not knocked up’), you might be wondering how to enjoy this botanical delicacy. Well, Dr. Ingrid’s got you covered with some rather specific brewing instructions.
Want to get that herbal goodness brewing? You can take about 20 centimeters of fresh plants (because accurate measurements are crucial when crafting your herbal elixir) and steep them in two glasses of boiling water for 5-15 minutes. Yes, that’s a wide margin. It’s like cooking and wondering if five minutes or fifteen makes a difference. Spoiler alert: it does.
Warning: Proceed with Caution!
I mean, we’re talking about a plant that has been tested and found to inhibit embryonic development in animals. So, if you’ve got a tiny human growing inside you, now’s probably not the time to play herbal roulette.
For those curious minds, the scientific name is Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth. It belongs to the fancy-sounding Piperaceae family. Isn’t that adorable? They should put that on a T-shirt.
The Not So Secret Benefits
Now let’s talk benefits—because what’s a herb without a laundry list of reasons to adore it? The little green wonder has properties that might help with analgesia, inflammation, and even hypertension. Talk about a multitasker! It’s like that friend who can do yoga while eating a slice of pizza.
Apparently, it’s also got sunscreen properties. I mean, at this point, can we just slap a cape on it?
A Global Superstar
And don’t think this is just an Indonesian affair. This little herb has crossed borders, making a name for itself in countries like the Philippines, India, Nigeria, and even Brazil. It’s like the international man of mystery—but with chlorophyll instead of charm.
Conclusion: The Herbal Balancing Act
In conclusion, while Chinese betel might sound appealing and is packed with potential health benefits, it comes with a caveat: if you’re pregnant, leave it alone until the little bean is out and cherubic. Always consult with a doctor—because let’s face it, the last thing anyone needs during pregnancy is a mix-up involving herbs.
So, here’s to herbal adventures, but let’s keep it safe, shall we? Drink responsibly. Or, you know, just don’t drink at all if you’re with child!
**Interview with Dr. Ingrid Tania on Chinese Betel’s Health Implications**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ingrid Tania. We appreciate your insights about Chinese betel and its health benefits. With its popularity, especially in traditional medicine, what are the main advantages of using this herb?
**Dr. Ingrid Tania:** Thank you for having me. Chinese betel, known scientifically as *Peperomia pellucida*, boasts a variety of potential health benefits. It’s been traditionally used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Many people also use it for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. However, it’s important to recognize that while it has these benefits, it needs to be consumed with caution.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of caution, there’s been significant concern about its effects on pregnant women. Can you elaborate on why expectant mothers should avoid consuming Chinese betel?
**Dr. Ingrid Tania:** Absolutely. Studies have shown that consuming Chinese betel can inhibit embryonic development in tested animals. This is concerning enough to warrant serious caution. Pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare providers before introducing any new herb or supplement into their diets. It’s not just about what’s beneficial—it’s also about what could pose risks.
**Interviewer:** That’s a strong warning indeed. For those who are not pregnant, how would you recommend incorporating Chinese betel into their routine?
**Dr. Ingrid Tania:** For those who wish to enjoy the benefits of Chinese betel without the risks, I recommend making a decoction. You can brew about 20 centimeters of fresh leaves in two glasses of boiling water for 5-15 minutes. For dried leaves, using 4 grams in the same volume of water works as well. It’s a simple way to enjoy the herb’s benefits safely.
**Interviewer:** That’s helpful advice! are there any common misconceptions about Chinese betel that you think need to be addressed?
**Dr. Ingrid Tania:** One common misconception is that all herbal remedies are safe and without side effects. People often forget that herbs can have potent effects, just like pharmaceuticals. It’s important to understand that natural does not always mean safe. That’s why guidelines, such as consulting a doctor, become essential, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women or individuals with certain health conditions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Ingrid Tania. Your expertise sheds light on a complex topic. We hope more will think carefully about their herbal choices.
**Dr. Ingrid Tania:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for everyone to be informed and make careful choices regarding their health.
