Top 14 Health Benefits and Uses of Curry Leaves

The distinctive taste and aroma of curry leaves are well-known to Indians. Just like other Indian herbs, these originated in the subcontinent and then spread all around the globe. Curry leaves have numerous benefits, and they can be consumed in multiple ways.

Every nutrient of this herb can be extracted from medicinal to culinary purposes.  Interestingly, curry leaves are also known as ‘sweet neem’ because of their resembling appearances. To learn more about the health benefits of curry leaves, check out this blog.

Curry leaves contain carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, calcium, iron, phosphorus and other important nutrients. So, it is obvious that it has innumerable health benefits too. The list below highlights the most popular benefits of curry leaves:

1. Protects from Oxidative Damage: The plant compounds in curry leaves are extremely powerful antioxidants. Including these essential antioxidants in your daily diet can prevent oxidative damage. Hence, these herbs are good for the heart, nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
2. Reduces the Risk of Cancer: Not many are aware of the fact that curry leaves can prevent chronic diseases like cancer. Although it cannot be used as an alternative to medicinal development, the flavonoids in curry leaves act as anti-cancer agents. These can hinder the growth of cancer cells.
3. Aids in Diabetes Management: One of the many health benefits of curry leaves is that it assists in Diabetes management. Curry leaves have shown effective results in reducing glucose levels in the blood. The fibres in these herbs can slow down digestion, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, curry leaves also boost insulin activity.
4. Aids in Stomach Ailments: Curry leaves are known to have laxative properties that can relieve you from constipation and other ingestion problems. In addition, the carbazole alkaloids in these leaves are also effective in treating issues related to the stomach, like diarrhoea.
5. Prevents Morning Sickness: For pregnant women who are struggling with morning sickness, you can try including curry leaves in your regular diet. Boil some of the fresh leaves and drink curry-leaf tea to prevent nausea and morning sickness.
6. Protects Brain Health: Consumption of curry leaves has certain neuroprotective effects. In other terms, the leaves increase antioxidant production that can protect the brain. So, it is believed to help those with Alzheimer’s. In addition, curry leaves have properties that can protect the neurons from oxidative damage.
7. Antibacterial Benefits: One of the many benefits of curry leaves suggests that they have antibacterial compounds. Hence, eating them with your regular food can prevent any kind of bacterial infections.
8. Beneficial for Hair Health: When people had no access to fancy hair care products, curry leaf was an essential ingredient in their haircare. For example, a tonic made with curry leaves and coconut oil prevents greying, strengthens hair, and promotes growth. Moreover, this mixture can cure dandruff as well.
9. Improves Levels of Iron: Another medicinal benefit of curry leaves is that they are rich in iron and folic acid. This is why doctors suggest anaemic patients include curry leaves in their diet as an additional but natural iron supplement.
10. Prevents Cataract Development: Curry leaves are high in Vitamin A, which indicates these leaves are good for the eyes. Prolonged consumption of curry leaves can thus positively impact eye health and prevent cataract development.
11. Good for Oral Health: As mentioned above, curry leaves have antibacterial properties. So, eating curry leaves creates a protective environment in the mouth that prevents the development of oral bacteria. Hence, keeping oral health good and free from any infections.
12. Maintains Cholesterol Levels: Alkaloids in curry leaves are known to have a command of cholesterol levels. Hence adding a few curry leaves to your regular diet can help lower the bad cholesterol. In addition, since curry leaves have a detoxifying agent, it helps remove toxins and prevent fat accumulation.
13. Heal External Wounds: Applying curry leaves on external wounds is also a traditional cure. You can make a paste of curry leaves and apply it topically. The leaves have a kind of antiseptic property that can protect the wounded area from developing any infections.
14. Relieves Pain: One of the lesser-known health benefits of curry leaves is that it contains pain-relieving components. Traditionally curry leaves were consumed as an organic pain reliever medicine. Although not enough information is found, you can consult your general physician before using curry leaves as a pain reliever.

There are multiple ways you can utilise these magical herbs in your regular lifestyle. Here are some of the popular techniques:

Tempering or Adding Tadka

This is the most common way to add curry leaves to your food. First, sauté the leaves in clarified butter or any cooking oil to bring out its flavourful aroma. Next, you can add some dry spices like mustard and cumin seeds along with some chopped chillies. Finally, add the tempering to any staple like lentils, sambar, curd rice, etc. For this purpose, you can use fresh or dried cumin leaves.

Simply Garnish

If you have difficulty absorbing the aroma of the tadka, you can add some of the dried curry leaves to garnish. This will not just add some beautiful layering to your food but also add a faint but tempting flavour to it.

Customise your Hair oil

Curry leaves are an excellent ingredient that can help in hair growth. You just need to boil some with coconut oil and make your hair oil. This oil has properties that can strengthen your hair and even prevent greying.

Make Herbal Tea

If you feel nauseating, you can boil some fresh curry leaves in water and drink this herbal tea. The natural aroma of the leaves is known to have certain properties that can prevent vomiting.

Although there are many advantages of curry leaves, excessive consumption of them can have some serious side effects. Some of the side effects of curry leaves are as follows:

• May Cause Digestive Issues: The curry leaves are known to be rich in fibre which is good for the stomach. But overconsuming them can lead to various digestive issues or upset the stomach. Apart from that, it can also cause constipation, bloating, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
• May Lower the Blood Pressure Levels: Excessive intake of curry leaves can lower blood pressure levels due to the presence of active iron compounds. Though iron is beneficial for the body but in the long run, overconsumption can be pretty harmful.
• May Lead to Weight Gain: Curry leaves contain rich amounts of sodium. Overconsumption of these leaves can lead to bloating and unwanted deposition of water weight, which further results in weight gain. So, you should always consume these leaves in an adequate amount.

Uses of curry leaves are generally safe, but it is better to consider some basic precautionary methods before adding them to your diet. Here are a few precautions:

• Get your physician’s advice if you have to take regular medication for blood pressure. Some studies have reported that the extract of these leaves can negatively interact with those medicines.
• Curry leaves can prevent morning sickness, but it is unknown how much of it is safe to intake during pregnancy. So, it is better to talk to your gynaecologist.
• The flavour of curry leaves is quite strong, and infants may not be able to handle them. Hence, it is recommended to consult your child's paediatrician regarding the same.

Adding curry leaves to your diet can create a temptation for the most staple, which you probably do not like much. Anyhow, no matter how tempting the aroma of curry leaves seem, it is not for everyone. People who must refrain from consuming curry leaves are:

• Those who have pollen allergies.
• People with asthma.
• People having allergies to curry leaves.

In addition, pregnant women or a breastfeeding mother need to consult a healthcare provider before consuming curry leaves. Also, make sure to confirm if the toddler can have it.