The leaves of curry leaf tree is a spice. The tree is an aromatic deciduous one, five meter in height, 15-40 cm in diameter. It is cultivated mainly in homesteads but to a certain extent on a plantation scale.
ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION
Curry leaf is found almost throughout India up to an altitude of 1500 mtrs. It is much cultivated for its aromatic leaves.
The leaf is used in South India as a natural flavouring agent in various curries. Volatile oil is used as a fixative for soap perfume. The leaves, bark and root of the plant are used in the indigenous medicine as a tonic, stimulant, carminative and stomachic.
Curry leaves are very useful when added for a pleasant aroma to our dishes, they can also provide many significant health benefits. A lot of the health benefits provided by curry leaves are actually more strongly experienced when the leaves are used outside of cooking. By combining them with things like milk or tea, you can experience far more potent effects.
Curry Leaves are Anti-Oxidants:
Curry leaves are rich in powerful antioxidants and help in reducing oxidative stress. These compounds keep us healthy and protect us from numerous diseases. They protect us from oxidative damage, preventing diseases of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, kidneys etc.
Curry Leaves are Anti Bacterial and Anti Inflammatory:
Curry leaves are anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, the curry leaves benefits can also be used as a great remedy for infections and fungal skin problems, such as acne and the nail. Curry leaves are helpful in soothing mild burns, bruises and eruptions on the skin. They also protect our skin from infections.
Curry Leaves for Digestion and Weight Loss:
Curry leaves are Carminative and aids digestion. Curry leaves have mild laxative properties that help in diarrhea, dysentery and other digestive problems. The leaves enhance appetite and help in proper absorption of fat and thus also help you lose weight in obese people.
Also read Diet and Weight Loss for food that may aid weight loss.
Curry Leaves for Diarrhea and Constipation:
Curry leaves are good remedy for diarrhea. Carbazole alkaloids in the curry leaves contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. As anti bacterial, curry leaves can treat diarrhea by consume curry leaves extract in powder form. It also may be used as a laxative to overcome the constipation problem.
Curry Leaves are Anti Carcinogen:
Flavonoids in Curry leaves have potential to protect us from Cancer like Leukemia, Prostate and colorectal cancers. It can protect our body from the adverse effects of cancer treatment. Intake of curry leaves protects chromosomes, the bone marrow and also protect the free radical production that can cause more damage to the body.
Curry Leaves for Diabetes Management:
Curry leaves are rich in fiber which helps in the management of diabetes and related complications. It slows down digestion, thus preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels in our blood. Consumption of Curry leaves are highly effective in reducing blood glucose levels and also boost the activity of insulin.
Curry Leaves are Beneficial for Heart Health:
Curry leaves help reduce bad cholesterol levels and simultaneously increasing the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol in the blood. They protect our heart by preventing oxidative damage. Consumption of Reduction in risk factors thus helps in protecting us from heart diseases.
Curry Leaves Have Neuroprotective effects:
Anti-Oxidants present in curry leaves protect our brain. They are also found to be useful in Alzheimer’s disease by protecting the neurons from oxidative damage.
Curry leaves are also found to be beneficial in amnesia (memory loss), commonly found in the elderly due to ageing.
Curry Leaves Benefits for Anaemia:
Curry leaves are rich in iron and folic acid which is important in improving iron levels in the body. This immensely helps patients suffering from Anaemia.
Curry Leaves Protect Liver:
Curry leaves are powerful antioxidants and protect our liver from damage caused due to oxidative stress. They also protect our liver from infections and reduce inflammation. Curry leaves are found to be effective in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Curry Leaves are Beneficial for Hair and Skin:
Curry leaves prevent hair greying and stimulate hair growth. The leaves are considered to be an effective on strengthening of damaged hair and helps to prevent hair loss. Curry leaves even help in reducing dandruff.
Curry leaves are also useful in relieving pain and used traditionally as an analgesic (pain reliever).Curry leaves are helpful in soothing mild burns, bruises and eruptions on the skin. They also protect our skin from infections.
Curry Leaves are Good for Eyes:
Curry leaves are rich in vitamin A and therefore beneficial for our eyes. They help in maintaining good eyesight, prevent night blindness, loss of vision and prevent the development of cataract.
Curry Leaves for Oral Health:
Curry leaves have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties that are extremely effective in maintaining good oral health. The essential oils present in the leaves strengthen the gum and teeth, remove bad odor and protect the teeth and gum from any foreign microbes and infections.
Curry Leaves Help Respiratory Problems:
Curry leaves are good expectorant and also anti-inflammatory. Thus they are quite helpful in respiratory problems such as coughs, chest congestion and sinus infection. They are packed full of essential nutrients like vitamin A and C.
Other commonly used home remedies which can help the symptoms of respiratory health and asthma are Ginger, Garlic, Curry Leaves, Coriander, Cloves, Cinnamon, Chilies, Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Basil, Asafoetida, Aniseeds.
Koenimbin, a natural dietary compound of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng: inhibition of MCF7 breast cancer cells and targeting of derived MCF7 breast cancer stem cells (CD44+/CD24−/low): an in vitro study (nih.gov)