Kari Leaf (Murraya koenigii)

Kari Leaf (Murraya koenigii) is a member of the Rutaceae family, native to Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its leaves, fruits, and seeds have been used for powders, culinary uses, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Kari Leaf (Murraya koenigii) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Kari Leaf (Murraya koenigii) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Kari Leaf
Scientific Name	Murraya koenigii
Plant Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Murraya
Species	koenigii
Native Range	Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Fruits, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Powder, Culinary Use, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Murraya koenigii
Common Name: Kari Leaf
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Curry Leaf Plant, Curry Leaf, Murraya Leaf
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Murraya

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with dorsiventral coloration, upper surface glossy green, lower surface duller green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are yellow, arranged in clusters, actinomorphic, with four petals and two stamens
Stems: Aerial, erect, branched, with opposite leaves, glabrous surface, woody texture, and pith present.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Powder
Culinary Use
Infusion
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, in whole-system applications.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a gentle bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a moderate carminative, in stomach-related herbal uses.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: This method integrates plant material into edible preparations.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.