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Curry leaf essential oil (Murraya koenigii) is an uncommon oil steam distilled from the leaves of the curry tree, which is a a perennial that grows in tropical to subtropical areas. Curry leaves are used in traditional Indian cooking.
Plant family: Rutaceace
Aroma: Sweet, spicy, peppery warm, perhaps with citrus notes.
Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle.
Is curry leaf safe to use during pregnancy? No, according to Plant Therapy.
Is curry leaf essential oil safe for children? Yes, ages 2+, according to Plant Therapy.
Cautions: May cause skin sensitization. Do not use old or oxidized oils.
Main components: Beta-phellandrene, alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol, and limonene, according to Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition. Composition of the oil can vary greatly depending on where the plant was grown.
Curry Leaf Aromatherapy Benefits
Working With Unusal Oils: Curry leaf supports the digestive system, helping relieve constipation, calm the stomach, and reduce nausea. The oil also fights fungus and repels insects. Emotionally, this essential oil is stimulating and energizing and helps remove emotional and spiritual blockages. Suggested essential oils to blend with curry leaf:
- Digestive issues: black pepper, basil, bay laurel, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
- Feeling stuck and joyless: rose or jasmine.
- Fungus problems: lavender, manuka, rosalina, tea tree, myrrh, or sandalwood.
The Magic of Ayurveda Aromatherapy (by Farida Irani): In ayurvedic aromatherapy, cumin has a pungent, bitter rasa (taste), pacifies vata and kapha and aggravates pitta. The oil is a tonic for the body, supports the digestive system, is excellent for premature grey hair and to maintain natural skin pigmentation, and is grounding and centering for the mind.
Plant Therapy: For skin health, curry leaf has natural cleansing properties that help maintain clear and balanced skin. The oil can help reduce oil production and support overall skin health. Using curry leaf oil in your daily skin care routine may mitigate oxidative stress, helping maintain the elasticity and texture of your skin.
For hair care, curry leaf may strengthen hair follicles, potentially reducing hair loss and promoting healthy growth. Adding the essential oil to hair oils or conditioners may also reduce dandruff and flakiness.
Nature in Bottle: Used in skin care products, curry leaf essential oil may slow the appearance of signs of aging and repair skin damage caused by pollution and environmental stress. In hair care, the oil may help soothe irritation, deeply condition the scalp, and relieve dehydration and irritation caused by harmful bacteria, fungus, and dandruff.
Oshadhi: Curry leaf supports the digestive system and cardiovascular system. Spiritually, this oil supports getting rid of old blockages and beliefs, helping you find inner balance and self-forgiveness and enhancing joy and gratitude.
Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Curry leaf supports the seventh chakra, promoting spiritual development and helping open us to Divine guidance.
Curry Leaf Essential Oil Uses and Blends
Organic Harvest suggests the following uses for curry leaf oil:
- For glowing skin: Blend 2 to 3 drops curry leaf in 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Massage the mixture onto your face. Let set for 10 minutes. Use a moist cotton ball to remove excess oil.
- To reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time: Blend 2 to 3 drops curry leaf oil into 1 teaspoon jojoba oil. Every night before bed, massage a few drops of the blend onto your face, leaving it on overnight. Wash your face in the morning.
- For scalp treatment: Add 2 to 3 drops curry leaf to your shampoo. Lather and massage your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a week until you see desired results.
Scalp and Hair Nourishing Blend
To reduce scalp-related issues, including dryness, dilute 4 to 5 drops curry leaf essential oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Massage the blend gently onto your scalp. Leave in for a few hours or overnight. Rinse thoroughly using a mild shampoo.
Source: Incense Sticks
Upset Stomach Blend
- 4 drops curry leaf essential oil
- 4 drops clary sage essential oil
- 4 drops sweet fennel essential oil (or peppermint, if you don’t like the scent of—or cannot use—fennel)
Blend oils. Use 2 to 3 drops in a diffuser or 5 to 12 drops in an aromatherapy inhaler. For tummy massage, add 4 to 8 drops of the blend to 4 teaspoons carrier oil.
Source: Working With Unusal Oils
Research
- “Chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant profile of essential oil from Murraya koenigii (L.) leaves,” retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4104627/.
- “Chemical diversity in curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) essential oils,” retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814610015244.
- “Anti-cholinesterase profile of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng essential oil and its chemical constituents,” retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0972060X.2024.2398676.
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons