Betel Bag

Bago

Myanmar (Burma)

 

The betel leaves are chewed together in a wrapped package along with the areca nut and mineral slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). Yum! Other flavoring substances and spices might be added. The lime acts to keep the active ingredient in its freebase form, thus enabling it to enter the bloodstream. The areca nut promotes salivation (the saliva is stained red), and is itself a stimulant. Tobacco is sometimes added.

Done