Karayil Trading Company

Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Fenugreek, commonly called "Methi" in India, is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and its leaves are common ingredients in dishes from South Asia. This can be eaten both in raw and powdered form. Boiling water with a couple of teaspoons of this seed is considered to be healthy drink that can be substituted for regular drinking water. This is widely used in Indian Curries, salads and stir-fry. It tastes something like the maple syrup. This seed has a permanent place in Indian households.

There are various medical benefits of Fenugreek. It is good for skin health has anti-aging effects. It is considered to fight against Dandruff and prevent hair loss apart from pre-mature graying. It is believed to alleviate menstrual cramps, improve breast milk production, improve the digestion process, reduce cholestrol levels, control diabetes, good for the heart.

Nutmeg is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter. It is considered to be an unconventional way of getting high due to the presence of myristicin that has mind altering effects if used in large doses. The toxic dose of nutmeg is two to three teaspoons. It can be hallucinogenic, much like LSD. It is used to to add flavour to meat and bakery products. Nutmeg has a warm, spicy aroma and flavour and can be used in sweet and savoury cooking. It is known for its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and curative properties and generally used in Chinese and East Indian cultures.

Studies reveal that 100 grams of nutmeg contain approximately 2% vitamin A, 5% vitamin C, 10% vitamin B-6, 84% dietary fiber, 45% magnesium, 18% calcium, and 16% iron. Nutmeg oil is distinguished by its strong aroma with clear, pale greenish or yellowish colours. It is highly sensitive to temperature and light, insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol. Nutmeg also contains fat oil, which is known as nutmeg butter or oleoresin. Oleoresin contains a significant amount of trimyristin acid.Nutmeg seed is effective for treating tuberculosis, fever, cough, colds, paralysis, skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases. Both nutmeg and nutmeg oil can also be used for tackling nervous and digestive systems disorders. The high medicinal attributes of nutmeg are due to its high constituent of volatile oils.

Star Anise is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. Star anise is the dried, star shaped fruit of Illicium verum. It is an evergreen tree attaining a height of 8-15 meters and a diameter of 25 cm. The plant grows well in humus rich, mildly acidic to neutral soils, which are light to medium and having good drainage. It is one of the flavours of Chinese savory cooking. The five-spice powder mix common in China contains star anise. It is used to add flavour to Curries and Confectionaries. The essential oil from Star Anise is used to flavor soft drinks and liquor. It is commonly called Anasphal or Chakra Phool in India.

Star anise has quite a few medical benefits too. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A and C. The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. It improves digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. It is considered to resolve bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation.

Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a leafy plant related to ginger. It has a bright yellow color and a pungent, warm, earthy aroma and taste. It is one of most compulsory spices in Indian preparations. It adds a good color to the curries. It has been considered to be a herb with immense medicinal properties. It has great anti-inflammatory effects. Science has recently begun to support the claims about the medicinal effects of Turmeric.