What is that mixture that old Thai ladies eat?

Question

Its a leaf and some white paste and I think the bark of a tree. The old ladies chew it like tobacco, I don't see the old men doing it.

My mother in law is always having parties where the old ladies get together and try to out do each other making this stuff. When they spit it out it all red and nasty looking.

Thai names would be helpful.

Answer 1

Betel chew consists of three main ingredients: bai plu leaf (betel leaf) which is similar but not the same as the milder bai chaplu, used for miang kham, lime paste (calcium hydroxide, made from baked sea shells) spread thinly on the leaf, and betel nut (areca nut) which grows in bunches similar to grapes. When combined these three things are an addictive stimulant which creates a feeling of strength, awareness, the eyes become wide awake and for some reason the saliva glands open up wider than ever--so the mouth literally pours out saliva (it turns red due to chemical reaction) which gives a cleansing sensation. The aroma is pleasant, a bit like menthol, and middle-aged Thais will tell you when they smell it they think of their grandparents. Many adults of today recall spending their days collecting the ingredients for their grandparents' betel chew.