aarogya · home remedies with curry leaves curry leaf juice is good for digestion and to control...
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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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