Natural remedies for common ailments are becoming more and more popular, one that many people have not heard of is the use of curry leaves for bad breath. People in India grow the curry tree, Murraya koenigii, because the leaves are used to flavor traditional dishes; However, they have also known for many years that putting some of the fresh leaves in their mouths and holding them there for several minutes can have a remarkably positive effect on respiration.
The health benefits of Murraya koenigii don’t stop there. Scientists are apparently studying the leaf extract as a natural medicine against high cholesterol and high blood sugar, suggesting that it may have great potential in western countries where many people suffer from high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. The extract also contains healthy antioxidants, and the bark of the plant’s root is used in some conditions as a pain reliever. It seems like curry leaves for bad breath are just the beginning.
Curry leaves are considered a green vegetable in India. They are known to contain vitamins and minerals, which explains some of the health benefits of Murraya koenigii. They also contain essential oils, zinc, and chlorophyll, all of which have been used in commercial remedies for mouth odor. It is very likely that, like many plants, it produces some antibacterial compounds and the use of curry leaves for bad breath can result in a reduction of oral odor-producing bacteria.
Of course, even natural remedies with a long history of use must eventually be properly studied to determine their usefulness, potential toxicity, and how they work. The scientific study has yet to shed light on the secrets behind the health benefits of Murraya koenigii; however, we can be fairly certain that the substance is non-toxic due to its long and widespread use as an edible culinary plant. Fresh curry leaves for bad breath will be difficult to obtain in regions where the tree is not grown, however the dried leaves are available in many Asian stores and even these may have some beneficial properties. Further investigation will reveal whether this plant has a future in the arsenal of weapons against mouth odor.