Health Benefits of Curry Leaf

Health Benefits of Curry Leaf

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Murraya koenigii, commonly known as curry leaf or kari patta in Indian dialects, belonging to Family Rutaceae which represent more than 150 genera and 1600 species.  Murraya Koenigii is a highly values plant for its characteristic aroma and medicinal value.

The plant is credited with tonic and stomachic properties. Bark and roots are used as stimulant and externally to cure eruptions and bites of poisonous animals. Green leaves are eaten raw for cure of dysentery, diarrhoea and for checking vomiting.

The leaves retain their flavour after drying and hence these are marketed both in fresh and dried forms.

The leaves are a good source of vitamin A and they provide a rich source of calcium.

Their mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, nicotinic acid and vitamin C. Fresh leaves on steam distillation under pressure yield a volatile oil. 

Besides the oil, the leaves contain a residual glucoside named as koenigin. 

1. Curry leaf has many medicinal properties. It stimulates digestive enzymes and helps break down food more easily. Have a glass of buttermilk mixed with a little  hing (asafoetida) with a few curry leaves thrown after meal for good digestion.

2. A good remedy for nausea and indigestion. Extract juice of curry leaves, squeeze a  lime and add a pinch of sugar.

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3. Chew a few leaves every day to lose weight.

4. Loaded with folic acid and iron, eating curry leaves helps fight anemia.

5. Curry leaves also have anti-inflammatory benefits and hence aids in improved digestion. 

6. Curry leaves are also known to improve eyesight, so make sure you do not throw away the
leaves while eating. It is also believed to prevent cataract. 

7. Fresh juice of curry leaves, with lime juice and sugar,is an effective medicine in the treatment of morning sickness, nausea and vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats. The curry leaves, ground to a fine paste and mixed with buttermilk, can also be taken on an empty stomach in case of stomach upsets.

8. Curry leaves are also good for hair growth and colour. If you don't like its raw taste, you can buy the curry leaf powder widely available in the market. This will  prevent premature greying of hair.

9. Curry leaves can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. They should be applied as a poultice over the affected areas.

10. Alternatively, you can also add a few curry leaves to your hair oil and boil it for a few minutes.Applying this hair tonic will keep your hair healthy.

11. Eating 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months prevents diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity,as the leaves have weight reducing properties.  As the weight drops, the diabetic patients stop passing sugar in urine.