Let’s Know the Science ( Native) — Curry Leaves

Curry leaves is considered as a staple ingredient in cooking, but do we know that it has a variety of medicinal properties?

Curry leaves are not only used for flavor in cooking. It has many medicinal properties. Every ingredient used in cooking in our country has some or other medicinal properties. In Tamil, the term “Kari Vembu (Neem)’ has changed to ‘Karu Vepillai (Curry leaves)’. It belongs to neem species.

This herb is nature’s greatest gift to Siddha medicine. Today’s generation like us all have a misconception that curry leaves are used only to flavor the food. But our forefathers considered the medicinal properties of curry leaves and included them in food.

Curry leaves floating in sambar and chutney should not be thrown away, because it is rich in nutrients and calcium. It should be chewed along with food and swallowed. Although curry leaves are edible, some people do not eat them. They use them to create a unique aroma in kitchens. However, consuming curry leaves is safe and does not cause any side effects.

Curry leaves are referred to as Kirinimba or Krishnanimba in Ayurveda, named after Lord Krishna, the protector god in many ancient scripts.

No meal is complete without curry leaves. Because it gives flavor and aroma to the food we cook. The curry leaves originated from South India; however, it is known by several local names as Kadi Patta or Meetha Vembu in Hindi, Karivepilai in Tamil or Karivembu in Malayalam.

Research proved that alkaloids and phenolic compounds in curry leaves are powerful health substances that helps to protect body. The curry leaves are rich in various antioxidants that keep the body healthy and protect it from diseases.

It contains various vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C and E, which help to eliminate free radicals in the body and suppress oxidative stress. Copper, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, iron are very important nutrients in curry leaves.

Other Medicinal Properties of Curry Leaves:

• It helps to cure gastrointestinal problems.

• It reduces the hair fall and accelerates hair growth. In treating damaged hair, curry leaves are very successful as it adds bounce to limp hair, it strengthens the thin hair and hair loss. Apart from this, the leaf extracts ‘Malassezia furfurin’ which has demonstrated antifungal activity against fungal scalp infections, which is why it can be used to treat dandruff.

• Curry leaves are beneficial for eye health.

• It has the property to kill bacteria.

• Regulates blood sugar and increases insulin action. Fenugreek extract strengthens the white blood cells.

• Its property helps to reduce oxidative stress.

• Applying a paste of curry leaves cures wounds, rashes, boils, mild burns etc. It also helps to prevent and remove any harmful infection.

• The essential oil extracted from the leaves of the curry leaves tree is commonly used to treat hair and skin problems, diabetes, eye problems, dental problems, diarrhea etc.

• Research proves that curry leaves help to control blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels. Also, it can cure anemia.

• Curry leaves has rich iron content hence consuming it helps to cure deficiency of hemoglobin.

• Studies have shown that oral intake of curry leaves extract lowers blood glucose levels.

• It has anti-cancer properties, anti-bacterial properties, analgesic properties, and it improves digestion.

• Inclusion of curry leaves in food helps in treating dysentery, diabetes, morning sickness and nausea.

• Curry leaves helps to flush out toxins and fat content in the body.

• Eating curry leaves on an empty stomach activates digestive enzymes and eases bowel movements. It also helps in relieving constipation.

• It helps to cleanse the body by removing harmful toxins from the body.

• Bathing with coconut oil mixed with curry leaves will cool the body.

After knowing all medicinal properties of the curry leaves, please teach your kids and have self-habit to yourself to eat curry leaves without throwing away from the food. Because many diseases in the body will be cured by not avoiding the most staple ingredient in the food.