Curry leaves
Curry leaves
Curry leaves, commonly called as Kaddi patta are widely used in Indian food preparations to add flavor. Curry leaves have a characteristic aroma and a number of medicinal properties.
Curry leaves can be eaten on an empty stomach to help improve digestion due to its carminative property as it provides relief from flatulence. It also helps lower the level of triglycerides and increase good cholesterol in the body. Curry leaves might also help manage the level of blood glucose due to its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. They protect the body against certain diseases due to its antioxidant properties which fight against the free radicals and prevents cell damage.
As per Ayurveda, adding Curry leaves to your regular diet (for example in poha, kadhi or sambhar) helps in weight loss due to its Deepan and Pachan properties.
A paste of Curry leaves or oil are beneficial for hair as its application helps maintain the natural color of the hair. Vitamin C present in Curry leaves nourishes the hair roots which thereby promotes hair growth and controls hair fall. Curry leaves face pack, when applied evenly on the face, helps maintain the skin color due to the presence of antioxidants such as vitamin C[2].
Curry leaves can be eaten on an empty stomach to help improve digestion due to its carminative property as it provides relief from flatulence. It also helps lower the level of triglycerides and increase good cholesterol in the body. Curry leaves might also help manage the level of blood glucose due to its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. They protect the body against certain diseases due to its antioxidant properties which fight against the free radicals and prevents cell damage.
As per Ayurveda, adding Curry leaves to your regular diet (for example in poha, kadhi or sambhar) helps in weight loss due to its Deepan and Pachan properties.
A paste of Curry leaves or oil are beneficial for hair as its application helps maintain the natural color of the hair. Vitamin C present in Curry leaves nourishes the hair roots which thereby promotes hair growth and controls hair fall. Curry leaves face pack, when applied evenly on the face, helps maintain the skin color due to the presence of antioxidants such as vitamin C[2].
What are the synonyms of Curry leaves?
Murraya koenigii, Kaddi patta, Narasingha, Bansang, Kariaphulli, Gornimb, Kadhilimdo, Mitha neem, Karibaevu, Kariveppu, Kadhinim, Poospala, Godnimb Bhursunga, Karivempu, Karuveppilei, Karivepaku, Karivemu[1].
What is the source of Curry leaves?
Plant Based
Benefits of Curry leaves
1. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Curry leaves are useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
Chew 5-6 raw Curry leaves on an empty stomach.
or
You can use some fresh Curry leaves in food preparation.
2. Indigestion
Curry leaves help to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Curry leaves help to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
Chew 5-6 raw Curry leaves on an empty stomach.
or
You can use some fresh Curry leaves in food preparation.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Curry leaves can be used as a food supplement during diarrhea. This is because it improves digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Have it with water after taking light food to control diarrhea.
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Curry leaves are useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
Chew 5-6 raw Curry leaves on an empty stomach.
or
You can use some fresh Curry leaves in food preparation.
2. Indigestion
Curry leaves help to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Curry leaves help to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
Chew 5-6 raw Curry leaves on an empty stomach.
or
You can use some fresh Curry leaves in food preparation.
3. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Curry leaves can be used as a food supplement during diarrhea. This is because it improves digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Have it with water after taking light food to control diarrhea.
Precautions when using Curry leaves
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Although Curry leaves are safe to eat, excess consumption can lead to some digestive problems like burning sensation.
FAQs about Curry leaves precautions
Recommended Dosage of Curry leaves
- Curry leaves Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Curry leaves Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Curry leaves
1. Curry Leaves
a. Take 5-8 raw Curry leaves.
b. Add them to hot oil for tempering (tadka).
c. You can use Curry leaves in various cuisines like Dal, Sambhar, Idli, dosa etc.
2. Curry leaves Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Have it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Curry leaves Capsules
a. Take 1-2 Curry leaves capsules.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day.
a. Take 5-8 raw Curry leaves.
b. Add them to hot oil for tempering (tadka).
c. You can use Curry leaves in various cuisines like Dal, Sambhar, Idli, dosa etc.
2. Curry leaves Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Have it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Curry leaves Capsules
a. Take 1-2 Curry leaves capsules.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day.
Benefits of Curry leaves
FAQs about Curry leaves benefits
1. Hair loss
A paste of Curry leaves or oil (from Curry leaves) helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied to the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Curry leaves help to balance Vata dosha and promote hair growth due to its Keshya (hair tonic) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Curry leaves powder.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Make a paste and apply to the hair including roots.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash with a mild shampoo.
f. Use this remedy twice a week for effective hair growth.
2. Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers are also known as Mukh Pak in Ayurveda and they usually appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, inside the bottom lip or on the gums. Curry leaves help in quick healing of mouth ulcers due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the tongue and inside the mouth to manage mouth ulcers.
A paste of Curry leaves or oil (from Curry leaves) helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied to the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Curry leaves help to balance Vata dosha and promote hair growth due to its Keshya (hair tonic) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Curry leaves powder.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Make a paste and apply to the hair including roots.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash with a mild shampoo.
f. Use this remedy twice a week for effective hair growth.
2. Mouth Ulcer
Mouth ulcers are also known as Mukh Pak in Ayurveda and they usually appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, inside the bottom lip or on the gums. Curry leaves help in quick healing of mouth ulcers due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Curry leaves powder.
b. Mix with 1-2 teaspoon honey and make a paste.
c. Apply it on the tongue and inside the mouth to manage mouth ulcers.
Recommended Dosage of Curry leaves
- Curry leaves Powder - ½-1 teaspoons or as per your requirement.
How to use Curry leaves
1. Curry leaves
A. Hair pack
i. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Curry leaves powder.
ii. Add Coconut oil to it.
iii. Make a paste and apply on the hair including roots.
iv. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
v. Wash with a mild shampoo.
vi. Use this remedy twice a week for effective hair growth.
B. Face pack
i. Blend some freshly picked Curry leaves to form a paste.
ii. Add 1-2 pinch of turmeric to it.
iii. Apply evenly on the skin.
iv. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
v. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
vi. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to control acne and for effective skin brightening.
A. Hair pack
i. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Curry leaves powder.
ii. Add Coconut oil to it.
iii. Make a paste and apply on the hair including roots.
iv. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
v. Wash with a mild shampoo.
vi. Use this remedy twice a week for effective hair growth.
B. Face pack
i. Blend some freshly picked Curry leaves to form a paste.
ii. Add 1-2 pinch of turmeric to it.
iii. Apply evenly on the skin.
iv. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
v. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
vi. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to control acne and for effective skin brightening.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Although Curry leaves are edible, some people do not prefer to eat. They use them to get a characteristic aroma in the cuisines. But eating Curry leaves is healthy and do not cause any side effects.
Modern Science View
Curry leaves can be considered as an important ingredient for various Indian cuisines. It is not spicy in taste and it imparts a characteristic aroma to the dishes. Mostly it is a preferred ingredient used in tempering (tadka) in South Indian dishes.
Modern Science View
Curry powder and Curry leaves are different from each other. Curry powder is a blend of various spices, while Curry leaves are just the leaves that we get from Curry plant.
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves are good for managing diabetes. They promote glucose uptake by the cells and increase insulin secretion. Curry leaves have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They decrease free radicals in the body and prevent the damage of pancreatic β-cells[2-4].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Curry leaves improve digestive fire and reduce Ama. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It improves metabolism and maintains the insulin level. This helps maintain your blood glucose level.
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves help to lower the level of triglycerides and bad cholesterol in the blood. Curry leaves also increase the level of good cholesterol in the body[2][3].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Taking Curry leaves in your daily diet improves Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties and thus cholesterol level.
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves are good for the liver. They have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curry leaves also act as a hepatoprotective (liver protecting) agent and help to protect the liver cells[2][3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves help to improve memory. They inhibit the activity of cholinesterase enzyme in the brain. This in turns inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. Increase in acetylcholine is responsible for learning and memory. Thus, Curry leaves are responsible for managing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia[2][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves have a role in gastric ulcers. They inhibit the attachment of the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori. Curry leaves also help to neutralize the gastric acid and prevent acid-related tissue damage[2].
Ayurvedic View
No, Curry leaves do not cause acidity. It helps to improve digestion and control acidity when it is added to the daily diet.
Modern Science View
Curry leaves are known for their effective antimicrobial activity. Studies state that Curry leaves have certain constituents that act against a different variety of bacterias and inhibits their growth[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves help to prevent nausea and morning sickness due to indigestion. Curry leaves have tonic and carminative properties which improve gastrointestinal activities. Thus, it helps in managing digestion and constipation as well[6].
Ayurvedic View
Curry leaves are easy to digest and helps to correct indigestion because of its Deepan (appetizer) property. This helps reduce the chance of nausea and morning sickness.
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves are good for eyesight as it is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for improving eyesight. Consumption of Curry leaves might also reduce the risk of cataract[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves help to maintain the black color of hair. Vitamin C in Curry leaves has a good antioxidant property. It prevents premature greying of hair. Curry leaves also act as a hair tonic that promotes hair growth and controls hairfall[3][5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves have a role in dental cavities. Mahanin and isomahanin in Curry leaves act as a disinfectant. They have a good activity against oral pathogens. These active components are present in toothpaste that prevent dental cavities and other teeth and gum disorders[2][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Curry leaves help in wound healing. They help in the contraction of the wound and reduces its size. They also have disinfectant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote wound healing[2].
Modern Science View
No, Curry leaves do not cause skin darkening. Studies state that Curry leaves has the potential to inhibit an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. It helps in effective skin brightening and also makes it an effective sun protective agent[3].
References
- Gopinath KV. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1st Edition. Pharmacopoeia Commission For Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy; 2016.
- Jain V, Momin M, Laddha K.Murraya Koenigii: An Updated Review.International Journal Of Ayurvedic And Herbal Medicine.2012;2:4:607-627.
- Nishan M, Subramanian P. Murraya koenigii (Curry leave)- A review on its potential. Int.J. PharmTech Res.2014-2015;7(4):566-572.
- Kamat N, Pearline D, Thiagarajan P. Murraya koenigii (L.) (Curry Leaf): A traditional indian plant. RJPBCS.2015;6(5):691-697.
- Saini SC, Reddy GBS. A review on Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii): Versatile multi-potential medicinal plant. AJPCT.2015;3(04):363-368.
- Sanmugam D.Indian recipes and home remedies.Health and Fitness.2007.
- Sharangi AB, Bhutia PH, Raj AC, et al.Underexploited Spice Crops: Present Status, Agrotechnology, and Future Research Directions.CRC press.2018.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.