Curry leaves always remind me of this couple next door who I thought were supremely funny. I was about 10 years old then, and this couple who were our neighbors would pluck out some fresh curry leaves right off their tree and start chewing it first thing in the morning. They reminded me of two cows every time I saw them munching away on those leaves. Of all the delicious things that could be eating early in the morning, this couple chose to eat curry leaves!! I think the lady actually made a paste on her granite mortar, I remember vaguely. My dad used to observe my puzzled look and tell me that if I don’t eat right or end up with diabetes, I’d be doing what that couple were doing. As I was growing up, I realized that Curry leaf paste made with large fresh leaves, about 10 of them early in the morning, on an empty stomach, would actually help control diabetes and also aid significantly in weight loss.

My grandmother made a paste of curry leaves and mint leaves which she gave us when we had an upset stomach. This paste used to taste so terrible, but the relief it gave without any side effects was very good indeed. Grand mother would also dry up curry leaves in the hot sun and with dry lemon zest and soap nuts, she would get the mill guy to make a powder for me to use for my hair. Grand mother also used add dried curry leaves to coconut oil along with Fenugreek seeds and give me an oil massage twice a week. She used to religiously apply it herself to her salt and pepper hair every day. She did have thick hair even in her ripe old age.

Curry leaves are very rich in antioxidants and carotene. My Mother In Law insists that we regularly eat Curry leaves powder for this reason. This powder was my staple as a ‘pathyam food’ (Satvic and healing food) right after delivering my beautiful babies. My Mother In law also highly recommends Neer Moru or spiced butter milk made with plenty of Curry leaves. She even grinds the curry leaves and adds it to the buttermilk to make it nutritious. This particular recipe is very great for digestive problems. It helps the stomach reset itself and eliminates gas problems. I’ve never tried it, but heard that extracting the juice of curry leaves actually relieves heart burn problems. My creative cousin makes a mask with 1/2 tsp curry leaves powder and 1 tbsp Multani Matti (Fuller’s Earth), adds milk cream to it and applies it as a face mask. She substitutes milk cream with neem oil on those days that she has a break out. I’ve tried it before, and in fact must do it again. My face felt cool and good. All is well until this mixture gets in your eye. It’s free break dance henceforth!

A teaspoon each of lime juice, honey, Curry leaf juice in water seems to help relieve nausea symptoms. Chewing curry leaves well , and gargling with water for a couple of minutes before brushing teeth will get rid of really bad breath.

I personally use curry leaves in everyday regular cooking. It’s mostly used as garnish. Curry leaves powder is used regularly as an awesome side along with idli and dosa. A dot of ghee and white rice with papads is a very comforting meal during rainy seasons. Ground curry leaves in spiced butter milk is sitting right now on my kitchen counter as I write this article. It is chill and refreshing, gulp after gulp. Curry leaves are healing and nutritious. Buy some right now and store it in the fridge, or wash them dry them, and toss them in the freezer to last awhile.