(SOUNDBITE) (Kannada) INVENTOR OF TREE CLIMBING SCOOTER, GANAPATHI BHAT, SAYING: “In our area, there is a scarcity of laborers. The labor cost is also very high. I invented this areca (betel) nut tree ...

Betel nut has been closely associated with Bengali culture for ages in stories, chats, entertaining guests or at weddings. Almost every house in the southern region has betel nut trees. It is learned ...

Benjamin holds a Master's degree in anthropology from University College London and has previously worked in the fields of psychedelic neuroscience and mental health. Benjamin holds a Master's degree ...

Ancient rituals and customs often leave behind obvious archaeological evidence. From the impeccably preserved mummies of Egypt to psychoactive substance residue that remained at the bottom of a clay ...

Betel nut, the seed of the areca palm fruit, is often chewed inside a betel leaf with lime. The practice has been known for its psychoactive effects, including heightened alertness and euphoria.

From South Asia to the Pacific islands, people chew betel nut. When munched by habitual users, the seed of the areca palm fruit stains the teeth. And the practice—which typically involves the nut ...

For the first time, archaeologists have used advanced scientific techniques on 4,000-year-old dental plaque to confirm traces of betel nut chewing in ancient Thai communities. Betel nuts are usually ...

This is the first in a two-part series on the past and present of the areca, better known as the betel nut. When you think of the frequently addictive substances so many of us use to make it through ...

HUNAN, Central China — Chewing a betel nut like a piece of gum, it first tastes of maltose syrup oozing from a wooden twig. Then, suddenly, something strong strikes your tongue and thousands of ...