Betel Nut Dosage Guide
Used across South and Southeast Asia for centuries, Betel Nut is a natural stimulant and social enhancer. It’s known for boosting alertness, energy, and confidence — a plant cousin to caffeine, but with a warmer, more euphoric edge.
Whole Nut or Powder: 500–1,000 mg (mild)
Extract: 100–250 mg
Do not exceed ~1.5 g of pure arecoline alkaloids daily — Betel Nut can raise heart rate at high doses.
The Pharmacology of Betel Nut
The main active alkaloid, arecoline, acts as a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist — meaning it sharpens focus, increases saliva flow, and promotes sociability through mild parasympathetic activation.
Secondary alkaloids (arecaidine, guvacine) also have GABA reuptake inhibition, which balances the stimulation with slight calm and warmth.
Experience Profile
Clear-headed energy and motivation
Enhanced confidence and verbal flow
Mild euphoria, often described as “social sparkle”
Increased saliva and tingling sensation in the mouth
Common Misconceptions
“Betel Nut is dangerous.”
Traditional betel chewing (with lime and tobacco) carries health risks, but pure Betel Nut extracts or powders at responsible doses are far safer.
“It’s just a stimulant.”
The alkaloid blend makes it more balanced — part focus, part heart-opening, and often synergistic with Kanna or Lemon Balm.