Indian curry leaves, also called sweet neem leaves, are herbs from South India with an aromatic and distinctly lemon scent and pungent taste. Grown on the curry leaf tree, the flavor of these leaves can be compared to anise and lemongrass.

Curry leaves will elevate the taste and flavors of your cooking and are often used as a base to make tadka; a combination of sauteed curry leaves, mustard seeds and cumin, creating an aromatic base commonly used in Indian cuisine. 

Aside from there unique flavor, curry leaves are rich in nutrients; abundant in vitamins A, B, B2, and C. More so, it is a good source of both iron and calcium. 

USES:

Meals. Packed with flavor and a unique taste these leaves can be sauteed in oil and then added to any meal to bring it to life. 

Medicine. Curry leaves are used in an Indian holistic approach to healing. It is subjective to their culture and tradition and it is over three millennia old.

Tea. Curry leaves can be used for a tea when you boil it, or a tonic. It has a natural antibacterial property, so it has various health benefits, too. Aside from this, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Aid in weight loss. Curry leaves can aid in weight loss. Hence, when people are trying to lose weight, they often incorporate curry leaves into their meals. This is due to the nutrient found in the leaves that work against weight gain and that help in regulating cholesterol levels. Curry leaves are easy to consume as they can be simply munched alone or can be a part of a meal like a salad.

Treating stomach issues. For an upset stomach, curry leaves can provide comfort. Curry leaves can be milled and added to buttermilk or any other preferred milk. It can help with stomach issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery as it can support one’s bowel movement and stimulate digestive enzymes. 

Aids in pregnancy. Since curry leaves have many benefits, it can be consumed in the first trimester of pregnancy and provide aid from morning sickness. It helps in increasing digestive secretions which in turn relieves nausea and vomiting.

Eyesight. As curry leaves are rich in vitamin A, it is also believed to be good for eyesight. Vitamin A is good for eyesight because it helps in maintaining the cornea clear.