Sunday, September 14, 2008

Useful information about curry leaf plant




I have been looking for curry leaf plant since 3 years to add them in my garden. But i couldnt find one until last week . Luckily i found one at an indian grocery store. It was about an inch tall. I tried to grow a plant by sowing the seed long back, but it was more difficult than i thought. I didnt succeed probably because of various reasons. First, i sowed the seeds during winter. Second, i sowed it deep down the soil which is not the proper way. The seed should be covered by the soil with a very thin layer, while sowed. Third , too much of water is not good, at the same time do not let it completely dry between next watering. Fourth, during winter it needs enough light, I read in a website that the indoor light fixtures would help the plant's growth, so i had put it in my kitchen & it is pretty good. I thought the following information about curry leaf plant might be useful for gardening lovers.

Botanical Name: Murraya koenigi
Indian Name: Curry patta

Origin, Distribution and Composition of Curry Leaves
Curry leaf plant is a variety of shrub. The leaves are slightly bitter and aromatic.
The curry tree is a native of India and Srilanka . It grows in all tropical zones An analysis of curry leaves shows that they contain mineral and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, iron, nicotine acid and vitamin C.

Healing Power and Curative Properties of Curry Leaves
Curry leaves possess the qualities of a herbal tonic. They strengthen the functions of stomach and promote its action. They are also used as a mild laxative. The leaves may be taken mixed with other mild tasting herbs. The juice extracted from 15 grams of leaves may be taken with buttermilk.

Digestive Disorders
Fresh juice of curry leaves, with lime juice and sugar, is an effective medicine in the treatment of morning sickness, nausea and vomiting due to indigestion and excessive use of fats. One or two teaspoons of juice of these leaves mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice may be taken in these conditions. The curry leaves, ground to a fine paste and mixed with buttermilk, can also be taken on an empty stomach with beneficial results in case of stomach upsets.
Tender curry leaves are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery and piles. They should be taken, mixed with honey. The bark of the tree is also useful in bilious vomiting. A teaspoon of the powder or the decoction of the dry bark should be given with cold water in this condition.

Kidney Disorders
The root of the curry plant also has medicinal properties. The juice of the root can be taken to relieve pain associated with the kidneys.

Premature Greying of Hair
Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing premature greying of hair. These leaves have the property to nourish the hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of chutney or the juice may be squeezed and taken in buttermilk or lassi.

Burns and Bruises
Curry leaves can be effectively used to treat burns, bruises and skin eruptions. They should be applied as a poultice over the affected areas.

Eye Disorders
Fresh juice of curry leaves suffused in the eyes. makes them look bright. It also prevents the early development of cataract.

Insect Bites
Fruits of the tree, which are berries, are edible. They are green when raw, but purple when ripe. Juice of these berries, mixed with equal proportion of lime-juice, is an effective fluid for external application in insect stings and bites of poisonous creatures.
Other Uses and benefits of Curry Leaves

Hair Tonic: When the leaves are boiled in coconut oil till they are reduced to a blackened residue, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth and in retaining the natural pigmentation.
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1 comment:

Lakshmi Natarajan said...

Hi Abi,
I really didn't know curry leaves are so good for your health. I always thought that our Indian- mainly South Indian food are very well thought food for your body and this article of yours proves me right. Thanks for this useful information once again.: )