Do you know the story of "paan"?

"Paan" or betel is a hallmark of Indian hospitality - to welcome and entertain guests. 'Paan' shops are found in all marketing centre's in Inds. Betel chewing is becoming popular in south Asian countries including Pakistan , Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. In India there are references to betel chewing in the Jataka tales , Pali texts and Jain scriptures. The "bearer of the betel bag" was one of the officials in the royal courts of ancient India. Betel is mentioned in the Hitopadesa as a substance which drives out gas, removes phlegm,destroys worms, overcomes bad smell, makes the mouth beautiful and brings about love. Vatsayan also wrote about it in 'Kama Sutra', a treatise on love. Early travellers to India like Marco Polo of Venice (italy), the Arab traveller sharif, the Dutch traveller linschaten and others have mentioned about it in their accounts of India. Their are many legends and myths about 'Paan' which include the one concerning the Mogul queen Noor Jehan. She developed a liking for 'Paan' which was soon followed by ladies and gentlemen of the period. 'Paan' held a special attractions for them. They liked it's taste and the redness which gave a glow to lips. Thus 'paan' can be considered the forerunner of the modern lipstick. Betel is a delicate climbing asiatic plant called 'Piper family'. Hence it is known piper betel. Like many plants, it creeps and spreads out branches in all directions. The creeper is made to climb upwards with the help of sticks or bamboo. Betel have important vitamins A,B,C in little quantities besides clacium, phosphorus, iodine and mineral iron. According to Ayurveda 'Paan' or 'Tambul' is a health giving leaf and has high medicinal value. It is a cure for common disease like cough, tooth decay, influenza,loss of vigour etc. But excess of Paan chewing with the uses of spices beyond normal ,particularly tobacco and other stimulating things is harmful to health. If proper care is not taken, teeth also get stained.