[Quid of betel].

After clarifying some necessary terminology to understand what quid of betel is, the authors, in the first part of this article, expose its location around the world. Then, they report on the three main basic components: Piper betle L. leaf, Areca catechu nut, and slaked lime. They add too some other ingredients which modify the taste of the quid to a certain extent. In the third part, the authors expose the role given to betel in the traditional medicine according to bibliographical sources available in different countries. Its appears that Areca nut is still the most commonly used. Then, they review the therapeutic qualities of the quid utilized by western medicine according to the different part of the organism, and finally they end by indicating the true importance to be given to this customary habit.