Naturalhomeremedies.co Oct 2011 Issue # 7

Aarogya for life is but life when blessed with health

In this Issue:

Curry leaves

Medicinal and nutritional value

Health benefits of curry leaves

Home remedies with curry leaves

Curry leaf powder

ALL ABOUT CURRY LEAVES

The Murraya koenigii or the curry leaf plant is said to

have originated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh

in India. It was introduced to the South of India by

the Dravidians who moved south after the arrival of

the Aryans from Persia. Today it forms a very

important part of the cuisine of South India to

flavour dishes. It is also used in Siddha medicine to

cure various ailments.

MEDICINAL AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE

The plant has been extensively used in traditional

medicines in Eastern Asia. The leaves, branches and

roots are used as medicine. The essential oil

extracted from the leaves and seeds has anti-

bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The leaves are

rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and have a fair

amount of iron in them. They are therefore

beneficial for the skin, hair, eyes and blood. The

plant is considered a stomachic (aiding digestion

and promoting appetite) and carminative (relieving

flatulence). The root and bark are also used for

medicine as they are considered to be a stimulant.

The fruit is said to have astringent properties. It is

used to cures piles, allay heat of the body, thirst,

inflammation and itching. The plants possess anti-

inflammatory properties and hence could be a good

anti-inflammatory drug.

CURRY LEAF PLANT

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CURRY LEAVES

An article in the 'International Journal of

Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological

Research' says that, "A scrutiny of literature reveals

some notable pharmacological activities of the

plant such as activity on heart, Anti diabetic and

cholesterol reducing property, antimicrobial activity,

Naturalhomeremedies.co Oct 2011 Issue # 7

antiulcer activity, antioxidative property, cytotoxic

activity, anti diarrhea activity, phagocytic activity."

ANTI DIABETIC

Curry leaf extract has the property to decrease blood

cholesterol and blood glucose level. An article in the

BBC says, 'researchers found extracts from the curry-

leaf tree appeared to restrict the action of a digestive

enzyme called pancreatic alpha-amylase which is

involved in the breakdown of dietary starch to

glucose. A patient with diabetes does not produce

enough insulin to cope with rapid rises in blood

glucose levels. Slowing the rate of starch breakdown,

by blocking alpha-amylase, can lead to a more even

trickle of glucose into the bloodstream from the

intestine.'

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

In a study where 21 plant species were screened for

anti bacterial activity against multi resistant bacterial

isolates, the curry leaf plant showed maximum

antibacterial activity. The bacteria S. epidermidis

was significantly inhibited by it.

ANTI OXIDANT

Mahanimbine and koenigine, two carbazole

alkaloids, isolated from the leaves of the curry leaf

plant showed anti oxidant activity. Koenigine also

showed a high degree of radical scavenging

properties.

CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY

Carbazole alkaloids isolated from the stem of the

curry leaf plant are said to inhibit the growth of

human leukemia cell lines. They are said to be

active against leukemia and colon cancer cell lines.

The plant also has significant anti-tumour activity.

CURRY LEAF FLOWER

HOME REMEDIES WITH CURRY LEAVES

➢ Curry leaf juice is good for digestion and to

control acidity. A decocotion of curry leaf

root and ginger is beneficial for stomach

ache. Curry leaf paste mixed with

buttermilk is very effective for a stomach

upset.

➢ Curry leaf juice with cardamom powder is

said to be a home remedy for urinary

Naturalhomeremedies.co Oct 2011 Issue # 7

problems.

➢ The green leaves eaten raw helps people

with dysentry and the infusion of washed

leaves stops vomiting.

➢ The branches of the plant can be used as a

brush to clean teeth as they strengthen the

gums.

➢ Adding curry leaf powder to lemon juice with

a little jaggery helps to control morning

sickness

➢ Dried curry leaves consumed with hot water

or milk helps to cure chronic anaemia

➢ The leaves are applied to bruises and

eruptions on the skin for quick cure. They

should be applied as a poultice on the

affected areas.

➢ Mixture of curry leaf paste and fresh

turmeric rhizome is very effective for

allergies due to respiratory problems.

➢ Add curry leaves to your hair oil and boil it

for a few minutes till it becomes a blackened

residue. This is a good hair tonic and helps

hair growth and premature greying.

CURRY LEAF POWDER

Ingredients:

4 cups - curry leaves

1/2 cup - red gram dal

1/2 cup - split black gram dal

3 to 4 - dried red chillies

1/8 tsp - asafoetida

salt to taste

Method

Dry roast the curry leaves in a skillet till the

aroma hits you and the leaves look a little

shriveled up. Place them in a blender and

grind them well. It does not matter if they

are not fine at this point since we will be

processing them again soon. Now dry roast

the rest of the ingredients till the raw smell

goes away and the lentils are golden

brown. Cool them a bit and then add it

along with the curry leaves in the processor

and grind them until they become a fine

powder. Store this in a air tight container.

(www.food.sify.com)

Naturalhomeremedies.co Oct 2011 Issue # 7

References:

Int.J.Pharm.Phytopharmacol.Res. 2011, 1(1): 23-27

News.bbc.co.uk

www.pharmainfo.in

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