The Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii) is a small or medium-sized tree with aromatic green leaves that are often used in cuisines. A native of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it has displays of small white flowers and berry-like fruits.
The plant’s leaves are widely used in South Asian cooking, adding flavor to curries, rice dishes, and soups. They are used fresh or dried and have a distinct citrusy, slightly bitter flavor. They are typically used for tempering, a process where spices are briefly fried in oil or ghee to release their aromas before adding them to dishes.
Despite the common name, they are not a component of curry, which is a spice blend, playing a role in the tempering of dishes rather than forming the base of spice mixtures, like curry powder.
The leaves also serve as a natural insect repellent, and its wood is used in traditional crafts.
The tree’s fruits, though not commonly consumed, are sometimes used in traditional medicine.
Curry leaf extracts are also explored for use in hair oils and cosmetics due to their beneficial properties for hair and skin.
In traditional medicine, Curry leaves have been used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, diabetes, and skin conditions. The leaves are also believed to support liver function, promote hair growth, and reduce inflammation.
Curry leaves are often consumed in teas or as part of Ayurvedic formulations for their balancing effects on all three Doshas.
Through scientific investigation, The Curry Tree has been found to exhibit a range of activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities.
A study published in 2010 demonstrated that extracts from Curry Tree leaves to exhibit antidiabetic effects by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels. Another study in 2014 confirmed Curry Tree leaf hepatoprotective potential, showing that extracts could protect the liver from damage caused by toxins.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Curry from a Tree?
