• Betel nuts have been used to treat ailments for centuries.nuts on the nut-tree leaves image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  The betel nut, which is actually a fruit from the betel palm, can be found in Asia and Africa. Chewed either dried or ripe, the betel nut was most commonly used as a recreational drug that has euphoric and stimulant effects. Many who use this psychoactive drug feel that it has healing powers for myriad ailments. However, most scientific studies have found that, due to its toxicity, the nut's risks far outweigh its benefits.
  
  

Schizophrenia

• More research is needed on treating schizophrenia with betel nuts.laboratory image by Radu Razvan from Fotolia.com
  
  Betel nuts have been used over the centuries to treat different types of mental illness. Modern health care professionals tested its use on schizophrenics. Results have shown that betel nuts can help soothe manic thoughts or behavior, and have helped in the treatment of schizophrenia. Side effects such as stiff limbs and tremors, however, have stopped researchers short of endorsing it.
  
  

Stroke and Brain Injury

• Betel nuts' stimulating properties may help stroke patients regain some muscle strength.gehirn image by andreas from Fotolia.com
  
  Patients who have suffered a stroke or a brain injury of another kind have shown some positive response when given betel nuts. Researchers have noted improvements in muscle strength, including bladder control, and even in speech. However, betel nuts have had toxic effects when mixed with many kinds of medications, which are usually prescribed for treatment after a stroke.
  
  

Anemia

• Pregnant women have long used betel nuts to ward off anemia.pregnant woman image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
  
  For centuries, betel nuts have been used to help prevent anemia in pregnant women. The nut's properties can help offset acute iron deficiency and lower blood sugar levels. However, there has not been enough research done to support the belief that betel nuts can help treat anemia in any way. Furthermore, doctors widely believe that ingesting the nuts during pregnancy can lead to complications and birth defects.
  
  

Dental Cavity Prevention

• Asians and Africans chew betel nuts to help prevent cavities.teeth image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  In Southeast Asia, where the betel nut has been used for centuries in homeopathic treatments, many people widely believe that those who chew it have fewer cavities than those who do not. But this belief has not been scientifically proved. Lab tests have shown that betel nuts may contain antibacterial elements, so the nuts were once an ingredient in toothpaste. But scientists now believe that other cavity prevention treatments are safer, and betel nuts are no longer on most toothpastes' list of ingredients.
  
  

Saliva Production

• Thirsty patients may do more harm than good by chewing betel nuts.glass of water image by Bube from Fotolia.com
  
  Chewing the betel nut helps boost saliva production, which can help benefit patients undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments for which chronic thirst is a side effect. However, most health care professionals agree that the betel nut's toxic properties cancel out any benefits its use could have for treating a dry mouth.