Curry Leaves

Curry patta is a unique herb well-known for its robust flavours and aroma, which adds to cuisines. It is native to India and Sri Lanka but thrives well in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in warm environments when the soil is well-drained, and there is plenty of sunshine. 
Curry leaves are a staple in South Indian cooking because of their unique fragrance. Besides their culinary use, curry leaves have medicinal uses, making them one of the most versatile herbs for preparing ancient Ayurvedic medicines.

Curry leaves are known by different names in different parts of the country.

• In Hindi, curry leaves are called “curry patta.”
• In Sanskrit, it is called “Girinimba.”
• In Marathi, it is known as “Kadhilinb.”
• The people in Bengal call it “Mithya Patta.”
• In Malayalam and Kannada, it is known as “Kariveppila,” and “Karibevu,” respectively.
• In Tamil, curry leaves are known as “Karuvappilai,” while in Telugu, it is known as “Karivepaku.”

The curry leaves are packed with multiple nutrients that make a versatile herb.

Let’s see the nutritional value of curry leaves per 100 grams.

Curry leaves are well-known for their medical use. Curry leaves benefit overall health because they contain nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins. 

The curry leaves medicinal uses are as follows:

• The anti-inflammatory properties of curry leaves improve digestion and other gastrointestinal problems.
• The antioxidants in curry leaves are effective in reducing oxidative stress, helping to manage infections and diabetes and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• The antimicrobial properties of curry leaves improve the hair and skin and help to treat wounds.
• Curry leaves help control the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and even help support memory.

The medicinal benefits of curry leaves make it an excellent herb for its use in traditional medicines and modern practices.

The health benefits of curry leaves are:

1. Regulates the diabetic levels

Curry leaves help promote glucose levels in the cells and significantly increase insulin secretion. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, they decrease the free radicals in the body and protect the pancreas from damage, thus managing overall blood sugar levels.

2. Helps in the supportive management of Cancer

Curry leaves contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which help protect cells from damage. Studies suggest they have anti-cancer properties by preventing oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.

3. Helps with Alzheimer’s disease and supports memory

Curry patta benefits in improving memory. It increases the activity of cholinesterase enzymes in the brain that help break down acetylcholine, which plays a role in learning and memory. It helps to support the management of Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.

4. Helps heal wounds

Curry leaves are packed with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This helps to heal the wounds, cuts, or infections caused by bacterial activity. You can apply curry leaves paste on the affected area, and it helps heal the itching and swelling and helps regenerate tissue.

5. Aids in weight management

Curry leaves help maintain a healthy weight by improving digestion and increasing metabolism due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in antioxidants, it helps to flush out toxins and reduce the fats in the body.

6. Improve eyesight and skin

Curry leaves have vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy eyesight. Consuming curry leaves helps to prevent the risk of cataracts and night blindness.

Curry leaves benefits for the skin include preventing ageing, treating acne, and improving skin tone and texture. Its antioxidant properties help detoxify blood and thus improve skin health.

7. Supports Hair Health

Curry leaves are rich in bioactive compounds, including carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids, and vitamins, which promote hair health by stimulating growth, preventing hair loss, and conditioning hair. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also help control dandruff and improve scalp health.

Let us explore the common uses of curry leaves:

1. Used as a seasoning 

Curry leaves have a strong, aromatic fragrance that can be used for seasoning. For a rich flavour, you can add curry leaves powder to your soups, curries, smoothies, etc.

2. Used as a tadka for lentils and curry

Curry leaves are a common and most used ingredient for tempering (adding tadka) to Sambar, Rasam (traditional South Indian dal), Lemon Rice, Poha, Upma, etc. It enhances the flavour of the dishes as well as adds additional nutrients to them.

3. Used as a preservative

Because of their antimicrobial properties, curry leaves are used as a preservative in pickles and chutneys. It increases the shelf life as well as elevates the flavour.

4. Used for maintaining healthy hair

You can use curry leaves for hair growth. They prevent premature greying of hair and dandruff and help maintain the black colour of the hair. You can apply curry leaves paste to maintain a clean and healthy scalp.

Curry leaves are generally safe to consume; however, you must take some precautions.

• You should consume curry leaves in moderation, as excessive consumption causes a burning sensation and digestive issues.
• Pregnant women should consult their gynaecologist before consuming curry leaves as it might interact with specific medications.
• Fresh curry leaves must be washed properly because they might have pesticide residue that can be harmful.

There are numerous ways in which you can use curry leaves. Some common ways are:

1. Raw curry leaves 

Curry leaves can be consumed raw when they are freshly picked. You can use them in your dishes or eat raw for health benefits.

Steps to use:

• Wash 3-4 fresh curry leaves.
• Eat the raw leaves on an empty stomach in the morning to improve digestion and metabolism.
• Use the fresh leaves as a tadka for your lentils and curry.

2. Curry leaves powder

You can use curry leaves in the form of a powder.  Curry powder benefits your daily cooking as it is easy to store and helps to make face packs.

Steps to use:

• Take 4-6 fresh curry leaves.
• Wash them and pat dry them to remove water.
• Dry the leaves in the sun and grind them into a powder.
• Store the powder in an airtight container and use it as a seasoning for your salads, smoothies, stews, and soups.
• You can use it to make a face pack by mixing it with water for healthy skin. 

3. Curry leaves juice 

Curry leaves juice can be consumed to improve digestion and boost overall health.

Steps to use:

• Take 2-3 fresh leaves and wash them.
• Blend them in water and strain them. 
• You can consume it in the morning for detoxification and improved metabolism.

4. Curry leaves herbal tea

Curry leaves boiled in water benefit digestive health and aid in weight management.

Steps to use:

• Take 2-3 leaves of curry patta
• Boil them in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes.
• Strain it and add lemon and honey for additional flavour.
• Consume it in the morning to see its health benefits.

Anyone can consume curry leaves; however, it is advised that you consult a doctor if you are on some specific medication. The recommended dosage of curry leaves is described below:

• Curry Leaves Powder: 2-3 teaspoons once or twice a day.
• Curry leaf capsules: 1-2 capsules, once or twice a day, as recommended by your physician.
• Raw Curry leaves: 5-10 fresh curry leaves can be consumed once a day.
• Curry leaves juice: 1-2 tablespoons of curry juice is safe.

Curry leaves can interact with allopathic medicines, so consult your healthcare provider.

• People taking blood pressure-lowering medications can be affected because curry leaves enhance the functions of the medicine, which can be fatal as it leads to hypotension.
• Curry leaves have anticoagulant properties, so if you are on blood-thinning medications, they can significantly enhance their function and lead to bleeding.
• Curry leaves help to lower the blood sugar levels. If you are taking allopathic medication, it can enhance its function and lower your blood sugar levels significantly.

• Curry leaves are known for their aromatic solid fragrance and unique flavour.
• It is commonly used in Indian cooking and is known for its health benefits, like maintaining blood sugar levels, improving eyesight and memory, and enhancing skin and hair.
• You can consume raw curry leaves or powdered curry leaves, capsules, or infused water.
• It should be consumed in moderation, as excessive consumption causes digestive problems, allergies, and interactions with drugs.

Conclusion

Curry leaves are more than just a culinary ingredient, they're a blend of aroma, taste, and tradition. Widely used in Indian kitchens, especially in South Indian dishes, these leaves also hold a valued place in traditional medicine. Their natural ability to enhance flavour, along with their potential health-supporting properties, makes them a favourite in both cooking and wellness circles. Whether added to tadkas or used in home remedies, curry leaves remain a simple yet powerful part of daily life.