Medicinal Uses of Curry Leaves

Curry leaves, mint, coriander leaves etc are some of the herbs added to the spicy Indian recipes for flavor and aroma. Though not called as greens or does not belong to the family of leafy greens, curry leaves has all the nutrients that the typical greens have. It is also called by the name of ‘sweet neem’. It has Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Calcium and iron in plenty. Its nutritional value benefits both the young and the old alike. Women who suffer from calcium deficiency, osteoporosis etc can find an ideal natural calcium supplement in curry leaves.

The curry tree is native to India and grows wildly in tropical and sub tropical regions. It is well known for its hepatoprotective (protects the liver) and anti-microbial properties. It is rich in antioxidants. It also has excellent anti-diabetic properties. Some of the complications of diabetes include vertigo, pain in upper and lower limbs, impaired vision etc. Curry leaves is an excellent remedy for all these ailments. Taking curry leaves raw is an ideal way to reap maximum benefit. One alternative way is to make use of curry leaves decoction. A 10-15 of these leaves are boiled in a glass of water and reduced to half. Taken regularly, this decoction helps mitigate complications of diabetes.

Mindless consumption of junk foods spoils the stomach and results in alternative bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Curry leaves come in handy in such conditions. To overcome diarrhea and constipation, the initial step of critical importance would be avoidance of all types of oily fast food stuff. This should be followed up with taking a paste obtained from finely ground curry leaves 25 gm and cumin 10 gm along with a glass of warm water. A spoonful of natural honey is taken after 10 minutes. This is done 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days. This helps the digestive system restore its lost balance.

Premature graying of hair is another bane of the young generation of this decade. Again, experts point out mindless consumption of junk food as the culprit. This is accompanied by a total lack of intake of fruits and vegetables. Taking curry leaves raw would be an ideal remedy for premature graying of hair. Consuming the leaves found in curries instead of throwing them away is yet another step forward. Children should be taught to take curry leaves at a tender age. This will aid in healthy development of bones and muscles. This also helps stave off premature graying of hair when they grow up.

Curry leaves help restoration of taste. It activates the taste buds that had been dulled with excessive intake of antibiotics, indigestion etc. Curry leaves a handful, a 1 inch piece of ginger, 3-4 cloves of garlic, tamarind, chillies and salt are ground to a fine paste. This is mixed in hot rice. A few small helpings of this will help revive the taste buds. This is taken two or three times a day till there is a complete restoration of the sense of taste.