Origin, Distribution and Composition
Curry leaves are derived from a beautiful, aromatic and more or less deciduous shrub growing up to 0.9 metre or a small downy tree, up to 6 metres in height and 15 to 40 cms in diameter. The leaves are slightly bitter and aromatic.
The curry tree is a native of India and Sri Lanka. It grows m all tropical zones and more so in rich soils. It is cultivated extensively for its aromatic leaves and ornamental value throughout India.
An analysis of curry leaves shows them to consist of moisture 66.3 per cent, protein 6.1 per cent, fat (ether extract) 1.0 per cent, carbohydrates 16.0 per cent, fibre 6.4 per cent and mineral matter 4.2 per cent per 100 grams. Their mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, nicotinic acid and vitamin C.
Fresh leaves on steam distillation under pressure yield a volatile oil. Besides me oil, the leaves contain a residual glucoside named as koenigin.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
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 juke 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.
Diabetes
Eating 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every mornmg for three months is said to prevent
diabetes due to heredity factors It also cures
diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties. As the weight drops, the
diabetic
patients stop passing sugar in urine.