Curry Leaf Germination ,Growing ,Care, Use and its Health Benefits.

                    CURRY LEAF & HEALTH BENEFITS

Curry leaf plant (Murraya koenigii) "Curry Leaf" plant, a herb, is native to India and Sri Lanka. The aromatic leaves of this plant are used to flavor many Indian dishes, especially in curries.These plants like full sun and grow anywhere between 1 and 3 feet in containers. They bloom in summer; they need a minimum temperature of 55° F.
The most flavorful leaves are produced when the plants are grown in hot and dry conditions.

Growing Tips Of Curry Leaf Plant:

Watering: They like very well drained soil and preferably be on the dry side. Allow the soil to come to a state of visual dryness between watering. Be consistent in watering and ensure the soil does not go to extreme dryness or constantly wet.
Misting your plants daily with plain water in summer months and occasionally during winter months also help to control spider mites which love this plant!!

Fertilizing: They need fertilizer during growing season, spring / summer months. They are light feeders; use ¼ tsp of fertilizer per gallon of water once a month. When active growth stops in winter, discontinue feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer like a 15-15-15. I use Miracle grow.

Propagation: Easily propagated from seeds, stem cuttings or rooted suckers from the mother plant. I propagate by growing the small suckers from the base of the mother plant. I separate the suckers and plant in good potting soil in gallon pots. Feed and grow them for 1 or 2 months then send them to the shops for sale or share with friends.

Winter care: When temperature drops below to 55° bring your pot indoors to a bright window area. Expect your plants to drop some leaves when transitioning to indoor climates. Do not feed during winter. Water only once a week. If you don’t have a bright window you need to move the plant out to sun light 4 hours in a week to give them a boost.
Hardy to Zone 9 and higher for outdoors.

Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

Most people think that curry leaves just add flavor to the food but many people realize, and they offer a number of health benefits without any side effects.

Research studies conducted by Mylarappa B. Ningappa et al. at Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Molecular Parasitology and Protein Engineering Laboratory in Bengaluru, India have indicated that curry leaves are a good source of antioxidants. The presence of various vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E help in reducing oxidative stress and free radical scavenging activity. They are also available in dried powder form.
Anti-diabetic Properties

Perhaps one of the biggest health benefits of curry leaves is its use in diabetes control. Research conducted by the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Madras, Chennai showed that the anti-hyperglycemic properties of the leaves were beneficial in controlling blood glucose level in diabetic rats.
Fight Cancer

The chemical constituents found in curry leaves such as phenols are helpful in fighting cancers such as leukemia, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancers. Research on these leaves at the Department of Medical Chemistry at the Mejio University, Japan showed evidence of cancer-fighting properties in the carbazole alkaloids extracts from curry leaves.
Lower Cholesterol Levels

Curry leaves are also known to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Studies conducted at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Kerala, India have shown that they have the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
Hair Care

Curry leaves are believed to help in strengthening hair roots. Dry curry leaf powder mixed with oil can be applied to your hair. The paste from curry leaves can also be applied in cases of gray hair. Doing these on a regular basis can improve hair growth as well.
Good for Eyesight

Curry leaves contain high amounts of vitamin A and therefore is good for eyesight. Vitamin A contains carotenoids which protect the cornea, the eye surface. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause night blindness, cloud formations in front of the eye and even loss of vision in some cases.
Radioprotective and Chemo-protective

Studies on the extracts of curry leaves have shown positive results in reducing the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They also offer protection against chromosomal damage, protection of bone marrow, and prevention of free radicals becoming active in the body.
Protect Against Pathogen Attack

Research on curry leaves has revealed that they are also effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. The leaf extracts from the plant have been comparable to popular mainstream antibiotic drugs.
Protect the Liver

Our  liver plays a major role in the digestive process and it needs to be protected from any attack by free radicals, as well as from viral and bacterial attacks that can result in infection. Research on curry leaves has indicated that the tannins and carbazole alkaloids present in the leaves exhibited good hepato-protective properties. They are also helpful in protecting the liver from various diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Skin Care

Curry leaves are also helpful in skin care. The juice or paste of the leaves can be applied to burns, cuts, bruises, skin irritations, and insect bites for a quick recovery and clean healing.

How to use curry leaves for hair?

Curry leaves are very popular in hair care, primarily because of the antioxidants and amino acids the leaves contain. You can take a handful of these leaves and then mix them with yogurt, smashing them up into a paste. Apply this directly to your hair and leave the mixture in for half an hour. Then, wash the mixture out and clean your hair as usual. This can help rejuvenate hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

How to make curry leaves oil?

It should start with a pan of coconut oil that you heat up before dropping in the curry leaves. Allow this mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes and then let the oil cool down. You can strain the oil at that point, and then use the remaining curry leaf oil whenever you want to massage your scalp or prevent premature graying.

How to make curry leaves powder?

To make curry leaf powder, all you need is a pan, curry leaves, and a pinch of salt. Heat the dried leaves in the pan until they begin to brown and curl/crisp. Don’t burn the leaves. Add the salt gradually and put the leaves in a food processor or blender. The leaves will powder very quickly into a fine green spice that you can add to dishes. Delicious and easy to prepare!

How to use curry leaves?
Curry leaves can be used in a number of different ways, either in the preparation of food or for certain health benefits that this unique plant can bestow. You can make curry leaf oil and use it to increase hair growth or prevent premature graying. You can make curry leaf powder and add it to your food to benefit from the antioxidant content of the leaves. You can also grind fresh leaves into a paste and apply it to the skin to prevent infections.

There is nothing like picking fresh curry leaves just the right amount when you need them.