Betel nuts could be described as the chewing-gum of the East. They are the fruit of the areca or betel palm, a tree originally from the Sunda Islands which grows to about 15 meters. The fruit are prepared by boiling in water, cutting up into slices and drying in the Sun. In Malaysia where more than 5 million people chew betel nuts, the nut is treated with lime, nutmeg and other substances. If the nut is kept inside the mouth when chewed, without being swallowed, it causes a lot of saliva to be produced so that the person chewing has to spit a great deal.

The betel nut stains the teeth a dark reddish-brown. The lips and gums are also stained this color and it is easy to recognize anyone who chews it. Betel juice is a stimulant and creates a faint feeling of intoxication.