Surprising Benefits of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta) for Health & Hair

Benefits

For Hair

Nutrition Values

In Diet

FAQ

The curry leaves are also known as Kadi Patta; it is the foliage of the curry tree. These curry leaves are most widely used in Indian cooking, and it is famous for its aroma and striking taste. The native of this tree is Southern Asia, and it is widely grown in India for its aromatic leaves. Apart from the aromatic flavor, these curry leaves have numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. The curry leaves are also a good source of calcium and iron so that it is used in folklore medicine to treat the deficiency of calcium and other health problems. Curry leaf is one of the essential herbs in ayurvedic medicine, which helps to weight loss, digestion, lowering cholesterol level, reduce stress, and other health benefits.

Common Names of Curry Leaves

• Botanical Name: Murraya Koenigii
• English Name: Curry Leaves
• Tamil Name: Kariveppilai / Karivempu
• Malayalam Name: Kariveppila
• Telugu Name: Karivepaku / Karepaku
• Kannada Name: Karibevu / Baisoppu / Karibevina Soppu
• Hindi Name: Kadi Patta / Kathnim / Mitha Neem / Curry Patta / Gandhela / Bareanga
• Bengali Name: Curry Patta / Barsanga / Kariphulli
• Gujarati Name: Mitho Limdo / Meetho Limbado / Goranimb / Kadhilimbdo
• Konkani Name: Karbapathi / Beva Palo
• Marathi Name: Kadhi Patta / Karhinimb / Poospala / Gandla / Jhirang / Pandheri Kunthi
• Oriya Name: Bhrusanga Patra / Barsan / Basango / Bhuraunga
• Punjabi Name: Kadipatti / Curry Patta
• Tulu Name: Bevudirae
• Assamese Name: Narasingha নৰসিংহ 

Benefits of Curry Leaves

Treat Anaemia

The curry leaves are a rich source of folic acid and iron. Anemia is caused by iron deficiency. Folic acid is responsible for the absorption of iron, and the curry leaves are the rich source of these two components. So the curry leaf is the best choice for the person to increase the iron level in our body.

Helps to Weight Loss

Curry leaves are a surprising herb for weight loss. The curry leaves have carbazole alkaloids; it is effectively fighting against weight gain and helps to regulate the cholesterol level in the body.

Increasing the consumption level of fresh or dried curry leaves in your meal will help to burn the excess fat from the body.

It can also be used in the salad. Consuming curry leaves in a healthy diet and practicing regular exercise helps to fast weight loss.

Good for diabetics

Curry leaves help to reduce the blood glucose level effectively. It will protect the insulin-protection cells in the pancreas and protect it from the damages because of the free radicals.

The minerals in the curry leaf, such as iron, copper, and zinc, help to the performance of this function so that the curry leaves are more helpful for the person who is suffering from diabetes.

Protect your liver

If the heavy drinker consumes the curry leaves, then the liver can be protected from damages. A study published by the Clinical Research and Asian Journal of Pharmaceuticals says the curry leaves have a high amount of potent antioxidants and kaempferol that helps to protect the liver from harmful toxins and oxidative stress. 

Aid in Digestion

The curry leaves are the natural source of carminative, which helps to avoid the formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, and also helps to remove the formed gas.

These curry leaves are also suggested in Ayurveda for its mild laxative property; it helps to balance the body’s pitta level. Consuming the curry leaves juice with a small amount of lime juice or buttermilk will effectively treat indigestion.

Treat stomach problem

The curry leaves also help to treat stomach upset. Consuming the dried curry leaves powder with the buttermilk in the empty stomach effectively treats some stomach problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery.

The raw curry leaves can also be eaten on an empty stomach. Curry leaves help to support gut movement and encourage the digestive enzymes.

Eliminate Bacteria

Most of the health issues are caused by infection or oxidative damage of the body. Curry leaves are the natural and alternative treatment for infections.

Curry leaves have a lot of carbazole alkaloids components; it gives the anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The curry leaves also have the linalool component; this component is a reason for its aroma. This component also has the bacteria-killing property so that it helps to eliminate the harmful free radicals from the body.

Reduce the risk of heart diseases

The high level of bad cholesterol and triglyceride may increase the risk of heart problems.

Adding curry leaves to your food will help to reduce some risks of heart problems. Some researches prove, consuming curry leaf extract may reduce the triglyceride and bad cholesterol in the blood.

The curry leaves are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood. Due to this, it will help to control the LDL and bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Relieves Morning Sickness

Some people feel nauseous or queasy during pregnancy time; the curry leaves help to relieve the morning sickness.

Consuming the curry leaves will help to increase the digestive secretions that help to get relief from morning sickness, vomiting, and nausea.

Reduce Stress

Stress is the major cause of some health problems; the essential oil of the curry leaves effectively helps to get relief from stress.

The aroma of the curry leaves will help to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression and helps to calm your body and mind.

Helps wounds and burns

You can apply the fresh curry leaves paste on the bruises, skin burns, and skin eruptions. Applying the paste to the skin overnight will give some effective results.

You can cover the wounds with medical gauze or bandages. The curry leaves have the carbazole alkaloid, which helps to heal the wound quickly.

It also helps to seal the gap and restore the growth of the hair in the affected area. The curry leaves powerfully helps to cure skin inflammation, boils, and first-degree burn.

Improves memory

Adding the curry leaves to your daily diet makes an effective benefit in your memory power. It helps to deal with memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s.

Reduce Congestion

Curry leaf is the best home remedy for sinusitis, wet cough, and chest congestion. These curry leaves are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and kaempferol; it helps to loosen the congested mucous.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The curry leaves have a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties. The research proves that the extract of the curry leaves helps to reduce the inflammation-related proteins and genes.

Anticancer effect

The components present in the curry leaves provide the anticancer property. Some researches prove the extract of the curry leaves that grow in Malaysia has a powerful anticancer property, which resists the growth of breast cancer.

The curry leaves extract helps to alter the growth of the two types of breast cancer cells, and also it decreases visibility.

The extract also increases the death of breast cancer cells. Moreover, the test-tube researches prove the curry leaf extract has toxicity for cervical cancer cells.

The oral administration conducted research with the mice shows the curry leaves extract reduces the growth of the breast cancer tumor, and it reduces the spread of the cancer cells to the lungs.

The alkaloid component in the curry leaves is also called girinimbine that acts as toxic for the colon cancer cell and causes death for the colon cancer cell.

The girinimbine of the curry leaves has powerful antioxidant and anticancer effects, such as catechin, quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin. In this case, it is clear that the component in the curry leaves is effectively fought against specific cancer cells.

Has a neuroprotective property

Some researches prove the curry leaves help to the proper function of the nervous system., including the brain. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that is caused by the loss of neurons, and it is a symptom of oxidative stress.

Studies prove the substances of the curry leaves help to fight against neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.

A study conducted with the mice shows the high dosage of curry leaves extract in the oral treatment improves the brain-protecting antioxidants level, such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the brain cells. The curry leaves extract also helps to reduce the oxidative damage of the brain cells.

Improve vision

The curry leaves have a high amount of vitamin A, which contains carotenoids that help to protect the cornea in your eyes. Consuming the curry leaves in your diet will help to improve eye vision.

Benefits of Curry Leaves for hair

Curry leaves are more beneficial for your hair. The ancient Ayurveda proves that adding the curry leaves in the recipes will help to deal with all kinds of hair and scalp problems. Here there are some health benefits of curry leaves for hair.

Nourish Damaged Hair

The exposure of hair to pollution and the regular usage of chemicals on the hair may cause your hair to dry, dull, and lifeless.

Using the curry leaves in the hair helps to restore the moisture in the hair, and also it helps to strengthen the hair follicles.

Prevent hair fall

The beta-carotene and protein present in the curry leaf help to increase the growth of the hair, and reduces hair fall.

The amino acid and antioxidants of the curry leaves are more beneficial for strengthening the hair follicles and scalp moisture.

Treat frizzy hair

Frizzy hair is more difficult to manage. Applying the decoction made by the curry leaves will effectively help to control fizz.

Using the curry leaf decoction in the last rinse after shampooing and conditioning the hair will effectively treat frizzy hair.

Prevent hair greying

Hair graying is a natural thing, but sometimes premature greying may occur because of alcohol usage, genetic reasons, or stress.

Vitamin B in the curry leaves helps to strengthen and nourish the hair, and also it helps to delay the hair graying.

Reduce the impact of harmful chemicals on hair

Applying the chemical product to the hair may harm the hair and hair follicles. Sometimes, it leads to hair loss or fall. The curry leaves help the hair follicles to keep the natural moisture and reduce hair damages.

Conditioning Dry Hair

The boiled coconut oil with the curry leaves is an excellent way for deep conditioning dull and dry hair. Apply this oil mixture for half an hour and then shampoo your hair; it is very useful for dry hair.

Good antioxidant for hair

The curry leaves have a huge amount of antioxidant properties. This antioxidant helps to reduce hair follicle damage, and also it helps to improve hair growth.

Reduce Hair Thinning

The curry leaves are an excellent source of protein and beta-carotene that helps to make the hair thicker. You can use the curry leaves on your hair to become denser and thicker.

Repair Hair 

Curry leaves are providing deep nourishment so that it helps to strengthen the hair follicle. The regular usage of the curry leaves helps to repair the hair damage by making the shinier and healthier hair.

Benefit for Hair Shaft

The curry leaves have a high amount of vitamin B6, which helps to regulate the hair and prevent hair damage and hair loss.

The nutrients in the curry leaf help to protect the hair shaft and hair roots. The curry leaves help the people who are looking for thick, long, and healthy hair.

You can use these curry leaves in various forms; you can add them to your diet, boil them in the oil, make a decoction, and simply chew the raw leaves to get the healthy benefits.

Nutrition Values of Curry Leaves

Nutritional Facts of Curry Leaves

The various nutrition contains and the value of 100 gm of curry leaves.

Nutrient	Value
Calories	108
Carbohydrates	18.7 gm
Moisture	63.8 gm
Fiber	6.4 gm
Protein	6.1 gm
Minerals	4 gm
Fat	1 gm
Calcium	830 mg
Phosphorus	57 mg
Iron	0.93 mg
Copper	0.1 mg
Magnesium	44 mg
Zinc	0.200 mg
Manganese	0.15 mg
Chromium	0.006 mg
Thiamine	0.08 mg
Vitamin C	4 mg
Carotene	7560 mcg
Riboflavin	0.210 mg
Niacin	2.3 mg
Folic Acid	93.9 mcg

 

How to add Curry Leaves in Diet

Curry leaves are used as a traditional Indian cuisine from ancient times. The specific taste of these leaves is described as carrying citrus notes with a hint of nuttiness. These leaves are commonly used in the dishes to bring the rich flavor, and it is popularly used in curries, meat dishes, and other traditional Indian foods. Some stores sell fresh leaves, but it is commonly found in the form of dried spice. Usually, the curry leaves are softened when cooking, and it is fried in the butter or oil before adding in the dishes.

Here there are a few ways to add curry leaves to dishes:

• Fry the curry leaves in ghee at high temperature and adds the softened curry leaves with the ghee in any dish.
• Infuse the curry leaves with the broths for a fresh flavor.
• Combine the dried or fried curry leaf with other spices, like turmeric, red chili, cumin seed for the seasoning blend.
• Toss the curry leaves on the baked recipes, such as crackers and bread.
• The diced or crumbled dried curry leaves are used as a topping for any savory dish for the flavor.
• Add curry leaves in sauces and chutneys.
• Cook the curry leaves with the hot oil and use that oil as a dip or topping of the crusty bread.

These are some of the common ways to use curry leaves. It is highly versatile that can be used for many applications so that you can do some experiments with this ingredient.

Common Questions about Curry Leaves

Are curry leaves safe for pregnant women?

The curry leaves are completely safe to consume for pregnant women. You can also confirm with your doctor before adding these leaves to your diet. These leaves play an important role in the healthy immune system of the mother and her baby. Consuming these curry leaves will reduce the risk of infections, blood disorders like anemia, and also it helps to reduce the risk of premature or preterm birth of the baby.

Can I eat raw curry leaves?

The raw curry leaves are completely safe to eat, but frying the leaves with a small amount of oil will increase the taste and aroma. Anyhow, if you have any allergies to curry leaves, you should avoid the consumption of these leaves. Consuming the raw curry leaves on an empty stomach helps to treat digestive-related problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, etc.

Are curry leaves healthy for kids?

The curry leaves are good for everyone, and giving the curry leaves to the kids is also suitable for them. These curry leaves have a lot of essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, calcium, fiber, carbohydrate, Vitamin A, B, C, and E. These nutrients help to keep your kids healthy, and it improves gastrointestinal and eye health. It also helps to protect the liver, enhance immunity power, and effectively fight against some health problems, such as dysentery and diarrhea for kids.

What are the benefits of consuming curry leaves on an empty stomach?

You can consume the curry leaves at any time during the day, but eating on an empty stomach will prove ample benefits. It helps to keep the digestive system in good shape. It is effective to treat the symptoms of nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy time. Moreover, it is effectively fighting against weight gain and obesity, consuming the curry leaves on an empty stomach helps to burn the excess fat from the body. It is also used to treat some other health problems, such as diabetes and bad cholesterol.

How many curry leaves can I eat daily?

You can consume the curry leaves in different forms. The 8-10 curry leaves are the average level for daily consumption. You can also get health benefits by consuming the extract of curry leaves. You can also boil the leaves in the water and drink the decoction too. The dosage of the curry leaves is based on health issues. You can consult with your ayurvedic consultant for the right dosage level that helps to get the maximum benefits. Anyhow, if you are a breastfeeding mother, pregnant woman, or if you are thinking of giving these leaves to the kids, it’s better to get the doctor’s approval before doing it.

Bottom line

Curry leaf is not only highly flavorful, and also it has a lot of beneficial plant components that help to maintain body health. Some researches prove that consuming curry leaves will help to improve the antioxidant in our body. It also effectively fights against cancer cells, improves neurological health, and reduces the risk of heart problems. The best part of these curry leaves is, you can add them to a wide range of food recipes to increase the flavor and health benefits of the meals.