The benefits of curry leaves

Extremely popular in the subcontinent, curry leaves are natural flavouring agents that are used in numerous culinary recipes. The leaves of the curry plant are small and pointed and usually grow in clusters. A chemical analysis of the leaves shows that they consist of over 60 per cent moisture. The rest is made of a mixture of carbohydrates, fibre, minerals, and vitamins.

Even though, curry leaves are used for taste, their nutritional benefits make them a necessary addition to food items. Many people may not be aware of this but curry leaves contain iron, calcium, vitamin C, and phosphorous. It is also high in proteins, carbohydrates and fibres. From scientific point of view, curry leaves contain 2.6 per cent oil, beta-gurjenene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-elemene, beta-thujene, beta-phellandrene, alpha-selinene, beta-transocimene, beta-transocimene and beta-cadinene. However, if you are one of those who do not like consuming it directly, you can still gain the health benefits by using it in a powdered form. Read on to find out how curry leaves can be beneficial for your health...

Cholesterol and weight reduction:
Eating a few curry leaves every morning on an empty stomach helps in reducing cholesterol levels in your body. Those looking forward to reduce weight can do so by liberally consuming curry leaves.

For expectant moms:
Curry leaves tend to reduce the discomfort of morning sickness in pregnant women. A boiled essence of the bark is used to control nausea and helps in prevent excessive vomiting. Chewing on fresh curry leaves is also beneficial for nausea, though the taste may be slightly bitter. Since there are no side effects of curry leaves, this cure for morning sickness is safe for both the mother and the child.

Relieves diabetes:
The bark and root of the curry leaves plant is believed to hold medicinal properties. Some herbalists claim that the powdered form of the bark and root can be used for a variety of disorders including diabetes. However, further research is needed to verify these claims and hence diabetes patients must not rely solely on curry leaves as a form of treatment.

Good for the eyes:
Certain eye disorders can be treated by the fresh juice of curry leaves. Traditional practitioners suffuse the fresh extract of curry leaves in the eyes of patients who suffer from bad eyesight thus helping them to prevent early development of eye disorders.

Stomach disorders:
Folk wisdom has long recommended using curry leaves for a variety of stomach disorders including diarrhoea and vomiting. Consuming tender curry leaves (plucked fresh, if possible) mixed with natural honey aids in stomach discomfort or indigestion. They can also be mixed with other mild herbs to create a healthy herbal tea. Some people claim this soothes the intestines and works as a laxative.

Here’s another healthy recipe. Start by grinding curry leaves to release all the active ingredients. This paste can be mixed with warm water or mildly spiced buttermilk to ensure smooth digestion. This drink also cools down the body and provides relief from fatigue.

Skin care:
To provide relief from skin infections and rashes, boil curry leaves in cow’s milk and apply it on the affected area. You can also grind it into a fine paste and add a little bit of turmeric on it to make a face mask. This paste gives a clear and glowing skin and also helps in reducing acne.

Hair care:
Curry leaves can be used for hair problems such as dandruff, hair fall, and greying. Here’s one way you can use them for hair growth. Boil some curry leaves, hibiscus flowers, gooseberry, and basil leaves in some coconut oil. Then let it cool. Apply this oil to your scalp; leave it on for about half an hour, and then shampoo. Here’s another way you can use curry leaves for grey hair.

Heat some oil and put some curry leaves in it. Let the curry leaves turn dark brown, and then remove it from the heat. Once cooled, put it in a glass container. You can apply this oil regularly on your scalp and leave it for the night. This will not only help nourish your hair roots but will also prevent your hair from premature ageing.