Godhong suruh (Piper betle)

Clove leaves and oil contain various bioactive compounds beneficial for oral and dental health. Chavicol is the dominant antiseptic phenol, with a germicidal effect claimed to be five times stronger than regular phenol (carbol). Eugenol provides local analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on teeth and gums, helping relieve pain. Hydroxychavicol, a polyphenol compound, exhibits strong antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans. Additionally, tannins provide an astringent effect that contracts tissues and stops excessive fluid secretion.

Betel leaves offer a wide range of traditional health benefits. As a feminine antiseptic, boiled betel leaves effectively kill Candida fungi and bacteria that cause discharge, itching, and unpleasant odors, while their astringent properties help tighten mucosal tissues. For oral health, rinsing with betel leaf water has been shown to inhibit plaque formation, reduce gum inflammation (gingivitis), and eliminate bad breath (halitosis). Betel leaves also act as a natural hemostatic; rolled leaves inserted into the nose compress broken blood vessels and accelerate clotting due to their tannin content. Additionally, their antiseptic properties aid in healing open wounds, minor burns, and scabs, while speeding up wound drying.