Description

Indigenous to India, the curry tree is now cultivated in various regions like the Himalayas, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the United States (California and Florida). The curry tree is very popular due to its leaves which holds medicinal importance and has been used for therapeutic purposes for ages. Curry leaves can be consumed either raw or as a powder or a paste which can be easily prepared at home. To make curry leaf paste at home put the curry leaves in a blender and blend until a thick paste is formed. Maintain the ration by adding one tablespoon of the curry leaves paste to 3-4 tablespoons of yogurt (depending on the length of your hair). Continue to mix the ingredients well until they form a paste of smooth consistency.Other ingredients like urad dal, oil, lemon juice, mustard seeds, jaggery, tamarind paste, ginger and salt can be added for flavour. It goes best with all south indian dished such as idli, dosa and vada.

Health benefits

• Curry leaves are packed with antioxidants like linalool, alpha-terpinene, myrcene, mahanimbine, caryophyllene, murrayanol, and alpha-pinene. They scavenge potentially harmful compounds known as free radicals and suppress oxidative stress. ⁽¹⁾
• It contains a high amount of an alkaloid called mahanimbine which has the ability to reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This reduces the risk of heart diseases. ⁽¹⁾
• Curry leaves may offer antibacterial, antidiabetic, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory effects, though more research is needed in this area. ⁽¹⁾
• The leaves have a carminative nature and prevent the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract. It also facilitates the expulsion of gas if formed thereby aiding the process of digestion. ⁽²⁾ 
• It has an alkaloid called carbazole in its leaves that has laxative effects and helps to treat diarrhea. ⁽²⁾ 
• It is packed with vitamin C and A. It is also rich in a compound called kaempferol that can help to loosen up congested mucous. This helps in dealing with a wet cough, sinusitis or chest congestion. ⁽²⁾ 

Selection Guide

It is always better to buy or grow fresh curry leaves at home and make a paste out of it rather than buying it from any store. However, if buying it from outside make sure to check the “use by” date.