Why do we cut the foot stalk and also

 end part  of the betel leaf for betel-nut paan ?

The betel-nut paan is known as Taambulam.

 Most of the people chew betel leaves and arecanut

 which is called Tambulam on different occasion.

This custom has been followed since the long, long time.

In general, betel leaves  with arecanut on top of it

 given to a person by another person as a significance

of commencing a new auspicious work and  this

custom is followed on  different  auspicious occasions and festival time

But, if  the foot stalk of the betel leaf  is eaten (chewed)

there are  more chances to get disease and if the

end part of the betel leaf is eaten that is considered  for sin.

If the  reins of the betel leaf  are eaten , that would

cause for decreasing of the intelligence  means

there are chances for developing the buddhi maandyam which is known as foolishness.

When the betel leaves are chewed , the extract

liquid which is brew  in the mouth, should be spitted.

The reason, the foot stalk, the reins and the end part

of the betel leaves are still remained in the mouth.

So then they should also be spitted out with the brew called the extract liquid.

In the Tambulam, the betel nut powder  which is

pieces of arecanut can be eaten. The two betel nuts should not be used.

It is said that the  Tambul (betel leaves with arecanut )

 must not be eaten  (chewed) by the diseased people like

those who are injured , those who are suffering

with the eye diseases,  TB (Tuberculosis) patients.

So those diseased people should not eat the Pan or Tambulam.

For the tambulam, the lime is also applied on the betel leaves .

It is used with the betel leaves and the nut.

The lime which is applied on the betel leaves

must be done by using the  middle finger or the

thumbfinger  what our elders say. It is said,

because of doing so, the longvity will be icreased.

By doing and using with those two fingers ,

there would be stimulation in the nerves of the heart,

and that  it will be caused for the  smooth functioning of the heart system.