Benefits of Curry Leaves (Compiled)

Curry Leaves (a.k.a. Curry Patta) are dark shiny green, aromatic and flavorful leaves of plant scientifically called Murraya Koenigi. These leaves make the south Indian curry flavorful and aromatic. They are slightly bitter in taste and used in making salads, Chutneys and spices in Indian/Asian Food.

Curry leaves consist of 66.3 per cent moisture, 6.1 per cent protein, carbohydrates 16.0 per cent, 6.4 per cent fiber and 4.2 per cent mineral matter per 100 grams. They are rich in vitamin and mineral content with calcium, phosphorus, iron, nicotinic acid and vitamin C.

Curry Leaves have a special place in Ayurvedic Medicines, because of their many health benefits.

Digestive Disorders: Buttermilk with paste of curry leaves, common salt and cumin seed powder is a common home remedy for digestive upset in Indian Homes. The curry leaves juice is also effective against heartburn.
A paste of these leaves with limejuice and honey/sugar/crystal sugar powder is a time-tested medicine in the treatment of “morning sickness” (hyperemesis graviderum). This paste is also useful for treating excessive vomiting and nausea in pregnant women.

Diabetes: Scientists are finding more about curry leaf – as it contain agents that slow down the rate of starch-to-glucose breakdown in people with diabetes. The curry leaves could control the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. Ayurvedic research suggests a paste of about 8 to 10 fresh, fully-grown curry leaves is to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for a minimum of 3 months for controlling non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties.

Hair Tonic: These leaves nourish the hair roots. Add twenty leaves to a cup of coconut oil and heat the oil till the leaves turn black. Apply this blackened residual oil to the scalp 2-3 times a week. This oil forms an excellent Ayurvedic hair tonic to stimulate hair growth. This oil stops premature graying.

Herbal Mouth Wash: The fresh curry leaves contain 2.6% volatile essential oils along with chlorophyll, beta-carotene and folic acid, riboflavin, calcium and zinc. All these are excellent for keeping good oral health. Chewing 2 to 4 fresh curry leaves with 10 to 15mls water in the mouth, swishing for 5 to 7 minutes and rinsing the mouth out with water is a great herbal Mouthwash.

Kidney Disorders: Ancient Indian Medicine for kidneys recommends the juice of the curry plant root.

Insect Bites, Burns and Bruises: Curry leaves applied as a poultice can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. Fruits of the Curry Leaves with lime juice are used in treating insect bites and poisonous stings.