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.
Recommended Dosage of Curry leaves
- Curry leaves Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
- Curry leaves Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon 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.
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.
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.