Piper Betel and Areca Nut: Interfacing Cultural, Communication and Ethno-therapeutic Knowledge as Reflected in the Kalinga Epic, the Ullalim

This study is focused on piper betel/arecanut chewing in Kalinga. It aimed to explore the Kalinga epic, the Ullalim to find out the cultural significance of piper betel/areca nut chewing. The literary analysis of the Kalinga epic revealed that there are cultural significances and ethno-therapeutic effects of chewing piper betel/ areca nut reflected in the Ullalim. It is then recommended that young chewers should become more aware of the social and cultural significances of chewing piper betel/areca nut.