For centuries, Indonesians have practiced betel chewing, an ancient habit of chewing betel leaves, areca nut, and lime, believed to clean teeth, strengthen gums, and refresh the mouth. Today, it’s often seen as an “old people’s habit.”
Yet behind its red-stained smiles lies a deeper cultural story that stretches back thousands of years. But is this ancient teeth-cleaning method actually safe?
Where Did Betel Chewing Come From?
Betel chewing has deep historical roots in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia. Archaeological evidence suggests it dates back at least 3,000 years to the Neolithic era.
Some scholars believe the practice originated in India, while others argue it began in the Indonesian archipelago, home to the native betel leaf and areca nut plants.
In ancient Indonesia, nyirih was not merely a personal preference but a social obligation. Offering or accepting betel was a gesture of respect and a sign of connection. Refusing it was once considered an insult.
Betel sets—containing leaf, areca nut, lime, and sometimes tobacco—were vital in social and ceremonial life. They appeared in weddings, healing rituals, and royal offerings. In daily life, serving betel to guests played the same social role as offering tea or coffee today, symbolizing warmth, respect, and hospitality.
Historical records, from the Borobudur reliefs in the 8th century to the writings of Chinese travelers during the Tang dynasty, show how deeply embedded betel chewing was in Indonesian society.
European colonists later adopted the habit during their time in the Dutch East Indies before it faded in the 19th century with the rise of tobacco and Western notions of hygiene.
Do People Still Practice Betel Chewing Today?
Although modernity and Western influence have pushed the practice to the margins, betel chewing still exists in parts of Indonesia—from Sumatra and Sulawesi to East Nusa Tenggara and Papua.
In Java, betel is used in wedding rituals, where the bride and groom exchange leaves as a symbol of love and connection. In Bali, the colors of betel ingredients—green, red, and white—are linked to the Trimurti gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
In Riring, Maluku, betel chewing plays a key role in royal coronations and family gatherings, symbolizing unity and Christian community values. In East Nusa Tenggara, both young and old still chew betel for recreation or traditional medicine.
Even when not chewed daily, betel leaves and nuts remain in ceremonies as silver or bronze ornaments, representing harmony, love, and commitment.
How Is Betel Chewed?
Traditionally, betel chewing involves a mix of several natural ingredients. A fresh betel leaf is spread with a small amount of lime paste, then filled with slices of areca nut, and sometimes with added gambir and tobacco. The leaf is then folded and chewed slowly for several minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Some people rub the mixture across their teeth and gums for what they believe is a natural teeth-cleaning effect. After chewing, people usually spit out the residue.
Possible Benefits of Betel Chewing
While modern science questions the safety of nyirih, some studies and traditional beliefs suggest potential benefits when practiced moderately.
1. Helps Clean Teeth and Mouth
According to the study Nginang: Traditional Habits in Maintaining Oral and Dental Health, betel leaf and areca nut contain antibacterial compounds that help reduce oral bacteria. Betel leaf’s chavicol and eugenol fight Streptococcus mutans, while areca nut’s tannins and flavonoids strengthen teeth and limit bacterial growth.
2. Supports Digestion
Betel chewing can stimulate saliva and stomach enzymes, helping break down food and easing digestion. A study in PLOS One noted that areca nut may increase beneficial gut bacteria that aid in digestive health.
3. Boost Alertness
According to UF Health, the areca nut acts as a mild stimulant that can boost alertness and energy, similar to caffeine. Its active compound, arecoline, interacts with brain receptors linked to nicotine, creating a brief sense of focus and euphoria.
4. Strengthens the Immune System
Betel leaves contain antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, which may help fight infections and protect immune cells. Some traditional healers still use betel mixtures to treat minor wounds or sore throats.
5. May Help Lower Blood Sugar
An experimental study in the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science found that compounds in areca nut extract might reduce blood sugar levels in animals. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect in humans.
Hidden Risks Behind the Habit
While betel chewing has its traditional benefits, it also comes with hidden health risks. Over time, this habit can cause serious damage to the mouth and body.
1. Oral Cancer
A British Dental Journal study revealed that long-term betel use increases the risk of oral cancer. The areca nut contains carcinogenic compounds that can trigger cell mutations, especially with daily or heavy use.
2. Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF)
Research in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry shows that betel chewing can cause oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that hardens and thickens mouth tissues, making it difficult to open the mouth or speak normally.
3. Gum and Tooth Damage
Although betel may reduce cavities, it can lead to gum inflammation, discoloration, and tooth loss. A 2015 study by Hsiao et al. found that chewing betel increases the buildup of calculus, raising the risk of gum disease.
4. Heart Disease Risk
The same Drug and Alcohol Dependence study also found that long-term chewers—and even those who quit—had greater arterial stiffness, increasing their risk of heart attack or stroke.
Balancing Heritage and Health
Betel chewing is more than an old teeth-cleaning method—it’s a cultural bridge connecting Indonesia’s past and present. While its meaning remains sacred in many communities, science now urges caution.
For those who value the tradition, experts recommend limiting how often and how long it’s practiced, or simply preserving it symbolically in ceremonies. After all, the beauty of heritage lies not only in preserving the past, but also in protecting the health of the future.
Sources:
https://hellosehat.com/sehat/informasi-kesehatan/manfaat-dan-bahaya-menyirih/
https://unair.ac.id/konsumsi-sirih-pinang-di-indonesiamemperkuat-atau-membahayakan-kesehatan-gigi/
https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/kuliner/571/jejak-masa-lalu-sirih-dan-pinang
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258489
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357686477_Nginang_Kebiasaan_Masyarakat_Tradisional_Dalam_Memelihara_Kesehatan_Gigi_dan_Mulut
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-022-4425-1
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1991790214001391
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/462/1/012036
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4312688/
https://ufhealth.org/news/2015/researcher-finds-key-clues-about-betel-nut-addiction-plagues-millions-worldwide
