Betel Leaf home remedy for stomach upset and cold in babies

After the kandanthippili rasam feast, my husband's sour throat flew away without a trace :)

We had gone for a function at a relative's home and after the traditional delicious south indian lunch, we were presented with the customary betel leaf tray. That reminded me to write about the 'vetrilai kashayam' that I give my kids whenever they have an upset stomach.

The betel leaf has many healing properties. it is a natural body coolant and pain reliever. It aids digestion and helps in curing bad breath.

Betel Leaf

The vetrilai kashayam is a very safe stomach pain reliever and digestive aid for very small babies till the age of 1 year.

Here goes how it is made :

Vetrilai - Betel leaf Kashayam with ajwain

1. Take 1 Betel Leaf and wash it well
2. To 100 ml water, add a pinch of 'omam' - Carom Seed(ajwain) and the betel leaf
3. Let the water boil.

Kashayam is now ready. 30 ml of this can be given at a time to the baby.

Another tip with the betel leaf :

To help with a cough or cold, for small babies, Apply Mustard oil on a betel leaf and heat it lightly. When slightly warm, place the leaf on the chest of the baby to help relieve the cold.