Paan (from Sanskrit: पर्ण, romanized: parṇá, lit. leaf,^[1] cognate with English fern) is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut widely consumed throughout Southeast Asia, (Sri Lanka) and East Asia (mainly Taiwan). It is chewed for its stimulant effects.^[2] After chewing, it is either spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime (chuna) paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. Some preparations in the Indian subcontinent include katha paste or mukhwas to freshen the breath.