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Do you have a desire to have lustrous, shiny hair? Are you suffering from hair loss? Do you spend a lot of money on expensive and products for hair care? From split ends, dandruff to dry and damaged hair, there’re various types of hair problems. Don’t worry! We got you! Get ready to cut your hair care costs in half with just one ingredient, curry leaves. Yes! You read it right. Not only is it a staple ingredient in most Indian dishes, but this wonderful aromatic herb is also loaded with many natural properties that can strengthen and rejuvenate your hair. There’s nothing more confident-making than a voluminous and shiny mane. But how do you get there? Let’s explore, keep reading.
What are Curry Leaves?
Curry leaves are a type of fresh herb that grows on the curry tree, botanically known as Murraya koenigii (1). Curry leaves are small in size and form, with a long, thin, oval shape that narrows to a tip, averaging 2-4 centimeters in length and 1-2 cm in breadth (2). Curry leaves are known as a significant ingredient used in Indian and South Asian food and culture. They have a mild, nutty flavor and can be used to smooth over dry skin or help heal burns, sunburns, or other skin problems. They are also an effective hair treatment for reducing dandruff, unwanted hair growth, and greying hair.
Curry leaf plants are classified into three varieties –
- Regular Type – most common source of store-bought leaves.
- Dwarf Type – It doesn’t grow as tall as the regular type, but it spreads out more, suited to at-home cultivation.
- Miniature Type – These types of plants have the greatest flavor, but they grow the slowest
What is Curry Leaves known as across the globe?
- Indian – Kadi Patta, Karipatta, Mitha nim
- French – Feuilles de cury, Carripoulé
- German – Curryblatter
- Burmese – Pindosine
- Spanish – Hoja
- Danish – Karrry bald
- Sri Lankan – Karapincha
- Dutch – Kerriebladeren
- Indonesian – Daun Kari
- Italian – Fogli de Cari
Nutrients In Curry Leaves
Some of the main nutrients included in curry leaves are carbs, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, copper, and minerals. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins such as nicotinic acid and vitamin C, A, B, and E and antioxidants, plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides, and flavonoids. They also contain almost zero fat (0.1 g per 100 g) (3).
Also Read – Rejuvenate Your Hair with Curry Leaves
Why Use Curry Leaves for Hair Care?
Due to its medicinal properties, the leaves have made their way into various holistic therapies such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and traditional Chinese remedies. These are high in protein and beta-carotene, both of which help combat hair loss. They also include antioxidants, which protect the scalp from collecting dead follicles. Let’s explore the reasons why you should include this magical herb in your daily routine.
1. Promotes Hair Growth
The natural oils in curry leaves help promote healthy hair growth. They contain vitamins A and C, which strengthen the hair follicles and help to moisturize them. When applied appropriately, curry leaves help free up clogged hair follicles on the scalp. This helps them to breathe more easily.
2. Strengthens Hair
Curry leaves not only promote hair development and reduce hair loss, but they also assist in strengthening the hair fibers. In addition, the proteins, vitamin B, and beta-carotene present within curry leaves increase the condition of the hair follicle, as well as the health and gloss of the hair (4).
3. Healthier Scalp
One of the most common reasons for scalp discomfort is product buildup. Your hair products can also leave residues under the cuticles of your hair follicle, giving it a dry and lifeless appearance. It may also result in frizzy hair that is prone to tangling and breaking. When applied on the scalp, curry leaves help get rid of this scalp buildup, promoting stronger and healthier locks.
4. Prevents Premature Greying
As you get older, your hair begins to lose its luster and become lifeless and begins to turn gray. However, this can happen to young individuals due to things such as stress, smoking, hereditary conditions, or excessive alcohol intake. Curry leaves could prevent premature hair graying, so your hair keeps its color and shines for a longer period, ensuring your hair retains its color and shine for a longer time (5).
5. Clears Dandruff
Dandruff is often caused due to irritated and oily skin. Curry leaves contain antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which can help combat dandruff and mild scalp infections when applied to the scalp.
Besides being an excellent hair booster, it consists of properties that will improve your health and wellness as well. Some of its other benefits are the ability to battle infections, regulate blood sugar, and boosts heart health. Curry leaves are full of benefits that benefit everything from your skin to your digestion.
How to Use Curry Leaves for Hair Care
1. Take a Bite – You’re What You Eat
Beauty comes from the inside out, therefore make them a regular addition to your diet for optimum results. After all, everything you consume will be reflected in your body and hair. Curry leaves are commonly used to season most Indian meals.
- When chewed or eaten daily, it will cleanse and eliminate harmful impurities from the body.
- You can even intake some yogurt or milk with these leaves to add some flavor.
- Curry leaves are also used in various dishes such as rice and cereals to make them healthy and tastier.
- If you’re still not a fan, dry the curry leaves and crush them into a fine powder. Use this power in your meal to ensure that you consume it regularly.
TIP: Wrap curry leaves in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before storing them in an airtight jar in the fridge.
2. Hair Masks to Feed Your Thirsty Tresses
Curry leaves are fantastic when used as a hair mask since it includes vital nutrients that aid in the removal of pollutants from the scalp and improve follicle health. We’ve combined curry leaves with two other ingredients, Yoghurt & Fenugreek (Methi) seeds, to create a formula that will give your hair the nourishment and luster it needs.
Also Read – Amazing Benefits of Chia Seeds to Boost Hair Growth
A. Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- A Handful of Curry Leaves
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup of Yoghurt or Curd
Recipe:
- Blend the curry leaves until it reaches a smooth texture
- Add in ½ cup of Yogurt or Curd and 1 Egg
- Blend until well combined
- Apply the mask evenly throughout the hair, piece by piece
- Leave for about 20 minutes
- Rinse off gently
- Repeat 1-2 times per week for optimum results
B. Dandruff Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 4 twigs of Curry Leaves or 2 tablespoons of curry leaf powder
- ½ cup of Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds
Recipe:
- Soak ½ cup of Fenugreek Seeds in water for about 6-7 hours
- Strain the water, but do not throw away the water just yet.
- Blend the Fenugreek Seeds and Curry Leaves until it reaches a smooth texture
- If the texture is not smooth, add some of the strained Fenugreek water to make it into a paste.
- Apply it evenly throughout your scalp and hair
- Leave for about 20 minutes
- Rinse off gently
- Repeat 1-2 times per week for optimum results
3. Magical Hair Oil to Polish Your Hair Off
Curry leaves and coconut oil are two big names in the hair care and health world, not just for their aroma but for the fact that they help protect, nourish and strengthen hair follicles. This tonic brings these two great ingredients together to revive your hair, making it soft and manageable.
Ingredients:
- A Handful of Curry Leaves
- A Handful of Hibiscus Flowers
- 1 cup of Coconut Oil
Recipe:
- Pour 1 cup of the Coconut Oil into a pan and heat it
- Add in the handful of Curry Leaves and Hisbiscus Flowers
- Once the oil starts to splutter, turn off the heat
- Let it cool for a while, and strain it
- Gently massage the oil into your scalp and evenly throughout the hair
- Leave it for about 1-2 hours
- Shampoo, and rinse off
- Repeat twice a week for optimum results
Things To Keep In Mind
- Always patch test each of these recipes before slathering it all over your hair and scalp to prevent allergies. Then, dab some of the formulae onto your arm and let it sit for a few minutes. If your skin doesn’t react badly, then you’re good to go.
- Make sure not to commit to the hair mask and tonic almost every day, as that can result in a greasy scalp, and we certainly don’t want that. Instead, to avoid greasiness, make sure to wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and rinse it off.
- If you’re uncomfortable with the smell of the formula, make sure to incorporate a leave-in conditioner or a serum into your hair. This will leave your hair fragrant all day long.
- When incorporating curry leaves into your diet, you may need to be mindful about the dosage you intake, as excess dosage may result in burning sensations. Recommended dosage – ¼ – ½ teaspoon of curry leaves powder twice a day/ 1-2 capsules of curry leave twice a day
Summary
It might seem like an uphill battle to manage your hair, however, with a proper hair care routine, you can restore your hair to its former glory in no time. Make curry leaves are your hair’s best friend. The goodness of curry leaves can be used to fight premature hair fall and promote healthy hair growth. The best part is that curry leaves can be added to a wide array of recipes to enhance both the flavor and health benefits of your meals. So, pick up this fantastic herb on your next grocery trip and make sure you have them handy at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are curry leaves high in iron?
Curry leaves are high in iron and folic acid, which are beneficial to the body’s iron levels.
What happens if we eat curry leaves daily?
It’s safe to consume it daily as it aids in detoxifying the body by flushing away harmful toxins.
Do curry leaves reduce body fat?
Curry leaves are great for maintaining a healthy gut and intestine, which boosts metabolism and speeds up the entire weight-loss process.
What are the side effects of curry leaves?
It’s considered completely safe when applied topically; however, excess consumption of curry leaves might cause stomach discomfort, nausea, and acidity.
References-
- “Curry Tree” – en.wikipedia.org
- “Treasure of Spices (Curry leaf)” – books.google.com
- “Curry Leaves” – madhavuniversity.edu.in
- “Microencapsulation Of Fenugreek Seeds Oil And Curry Leaves Oil Using Simple Coacervation And Its Application In Shampoo” – journalajst.com
- “Murraya koenigii” – researchgate.net
