Guide to Curry Leaf Essential Oil Benefits and Uses

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.

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 energizes and tones the cardiovascular system. You can use the oil for all types of digestive and metabolic disorders. Spiritually, curry leaf helps you remove old blockages and beliefs and find inner balance and self-forgiveness. Enhances joy and gratitude.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Curry leaf supports the seventh (crown) 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: Dilute 2 to 3 drops curry leaf oil in 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Massage this mixture onto your face and leave for 10 minutes. Use a moist cotton ball to remove excess oil.
• To gradually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Add 2 to 3 drops curry leaf oil to 1 teaspoon jojoba oil. Massage this blend onto your face every night before bed. Leave it overnight and wash your face in the morning.
• For scalp treatment: Add 2 to 3 drops curry leaf oil to your regular 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.

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Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons