Iyarkkai Maruthuvam

 

                      * *Curry Leaves* *

*Health benefits of curry leaves*

*1. Benefits of curry leaves for hair growth*

Curry leaves help in hair growth and minimizing hair fall. When you eat curry leaves, not only is the hair root strengthened, premature graying is also prevented and sometimes cured.

*2. Benefits of curry leaves for skin*

Curry leaves have excellent properties which are good for your skin. If you have small wounds, burns or any skin eruptions, a paste of curry leaves is all you need. It promotes faster healing of wounds and burns. For quick relief, apply a thick layer of a paste made of curry leaves.

*3. Benefits of curry leaves for weight loss*

Trying to knock down a few kilos from your weight? Try curry leaves as it aids in weight loss. It also cleanses your body from harmful chemicals.

*4. Benefits of eating curry leaves on an empty stomach*

Have you tried having curry leaves on an empty stomach? Excellent for treating stomach upsets, having curry leaves early in the morning is good for various stomach-related issues. Just grind some dried curry leaves and add it to buttermilk. Drink this concoction first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach to deal with diarrhea, constipation and dysentery.

*Medicinal uses of curry leaves*

*Boosts immunity:*

Curry leaves are loaded with several vitamins and are a good source of iron and calcium. It helps build immunity and protects you and your family from diseases.

*Treats gastric complaints:*

If you are suffering from an upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, curry leaves can come to your rescue. Just mix some curry leaf powder in buttermilk and drink it on an empty stomach to find relief. It is also useful in relieving symptoms of morning sickness and nausea.

*Treats indigestion:*

Curry leaves are good for indigestion. It stimulates the release of digestive enzymes which help in breaking down the food inside your stomach and gut.

*Battles infection:* 

The antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curry leaves help the body to fight against various diseases.

*Boosts heart health:*

Its anti-oxidative properties helps to regulate the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in blood and increases HDL or good cholesterol level which is vital for good heart health.

*Regulates blood sugar:*

Curry leaves are rich in fibre content. Dietary fibre helps to slow down digestion which ensures proper utilisation of insulin and keeps the blood sugar level in check.

*Improves eyesight:*

Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamin A which is beneficial for good vision and eye health.

 

 *Recipe*

 

*How to make curry leaf powder (makes 3/4 cup)*

*Ingredients:*

3 cups of curry leaves tightly packed

1 teaspoon black pepper 

1 teaspoon cumin seeds 

1 red chilly and salt to taste.

*Method:*

Wash the curry leaves and dry them. Next, dry roast them and keep aside. Dry roast the other ingredients except for salt and grind together. Add the curry leaves and grind again. Add salt and mix well. This mixture has a very long shelf life. It is mixed with rice and ghee for a tasty rice dish. It can also be used to flavour or tadka dhals or curries like the potato masala in masala dosai. For a spicier version, add more pepper and a few pods of dry-roasted garlic.

We don't need super food for optimal health, simple, day-to-day ingredients like curry leaves can do wonders for our health. So the next time you want to throw out a curry leaf from your plate, think twice.

 

*Benefits of Curry Leaves for Skin*

*Acne and Pimples*

It is one of the most common skin problems in which Curry leaves can be used to get rid of. For this, grind one cup curry leaves with one tablespoon of coconut oil in a mixer and add one teaspoon turmeric powder to it. Mix this thoroughly to form a nice paste. Now apply onto your face and keep it until dry. After some time wash this with clean water. Repeat once in 15 days to see noticeable results. Alternatively, add a little lemon juice to two tablespoons of curry powder and apply it on your face for 20 minutes later wash it off. This is very effective and will stop pimples formation and fade acne marks if done regularly.

*Curry leaves for Wrinkles*

Premature wrinkles are caused due to stress and a hectic lifestyle. To get benefits of curry leaves in wrinkles you will have to grind half-cup curry leaves with half cup Multani clay or fuller’s earth and make a powder. Add the required quantity of rose water and make a smooth paste.  Apply this paste on your face and let it dry then wash it off. This will reduce wrinkles on your face, and improve fairness and glow.

*Curry leaves Face Pack for Glowing Skin*

Make a paste with half cup curry leaves, two tablespoon coconut oil, one tablespoon rose water and apply it for 20 minutes on your face to get a naturally glowing skin. You can do this once a week.

 

*Benefits of Curry Leaves for Hair*

*Hair Fall and Baldness*

The protein and beta-carotene present in curry leaves prevent hair fall and hair thinning. It also contains vitamin ‘B’, which strengthens the roots of your hair and nourishes the natural color of your hair. You can massage your scalp with curry oil to cure this problem.

*Premature hair graying*

The reason for the premature graying of the hair depends on one’s lifestyle. If you are suffering from premature hair graying apply curry oil to your hair. It will strengthen your hair roots and make your hair black and thick.

*Dandruff*

If you are suffering from hair loss due to dandruff then curry leaf will help you reduce dandruff.  It removes dead cells from your scalp, which is responsible for dandruff. You can apply curry oil and lemon juice to fight dandruff.

*How to Make your own Curry Oil*

Curry leaves contain antioxidants which moisturize hair and also protects from dandruff, cure hair fall and premature graying. Take a bowl of fresh curry leaves and one bowl virgin coconut oil in a vessel and boil them together till curry leaves turn brown. After cooling, filter this oil using a sieve. Store this oil in a bottle. Massage your scalp with this oil and leave it for an hour or overnight as per your convenience and then wash it off with a herbal shampoo.

*Hair Mask For Strong, Thick and Shiny Hair*

If you have medium length hair, Take one cup curry leaves and half cup yogurt and grind this in a mixer. Apply this hair mask on your hair for one hour before taking a shower. Do this once in a month to see good results. This mask will make your hair silky naturally. Ingredients will vary as per your hair length.

*Health Benefits of Curry Leaves*

According to Experts, Vitamin A, B, C, and E, protein, iron, fiber, carbohydrates content present in curry leaves protect our body from various diseases.

Curry leaves cures many stomach related diseases like constipation and indigestion.

1. Regular consumption of it strengthens our digestive system.

2. Chewing 4-5 curry leaves daily can also help in weight loss. 

3. Vitamin A present in curry leaves improves the eyesight and keeps the          eye healthy.

       4. The amount of fiber content present in curry leaves benefits diabetes                   patients by controlling the activity of insulin formation.

5. The fiber present in curry leaves also eliminates extra fat from our body.

6. Curry leaves help to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood        and protect our heart.

*It also keeps the liver safe.*

*Iron and folic acid present in curry leave cures anemia.*