Kariveppilai is the Tamil name for Curry leaves. It roughly translates as neem leaf used in curries –  Kari+Veppilai – Veppilai is Neem Leaf. It looks almost like neem leaf, but doesn’t carry the bitterness of neem. The wonderful aroma of the curry leaf when fried, makes it a great agent for seasoning in many dishes. Having known the medicinal effects and health benefits this exceptional tree possesses, the Tamils have been including the curry leaf in varied usages.

  

    

They are considered to have anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and hepatoprotective (capability to protect the liver from damage) properties. The roots are used for treating body aches and the bark is used for snake bite relief.

The main nutrients found in curry leaves are carbohydrates, energy, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, copper, and minerals. [1] It also contains various vitamins like nicotinic acid and vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides, and flavonoids. Also, nearly zero fat (0.1 g per 100 g) is found in them.

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-curry-leaves.html

    

Apart from these scientific facts, the main benefits that home makers for generations have been telling their off springs are-

kariveppilai/curry leaf is-

•  good for eyes
• good for digestion
• important in maintaining darker hair colour
• a natural coolant

  
When we used to leave aside the fried curry leaf from the chutney, from the sambar, from the kuzhambu/curries on our plates, amma would scold us to chew and finish it off. We would reluctantly do it or sometimes quarrel and throw it away. Then she would secretly add the leaves -powdered- in many dishes… we would unknowingly consume it.  Now, as a mother, I am scolding my daughter to wipe the plate clean chewing all extra curry leaves, and am also trying to inculcate the valued curry leaves in many dishes, without my child’s attention. No fault here with the curry leaf, but some genetic disorder of setting aside chewable things from blended dips.

    

Curry leaves are herbs that are known to have essential nutrients that help in conditions like weight loss, blood pressure, indigestion, anaemia, diabetes, acne, hair loss, et al. These aromatic leaves, also known as kadi patta, have nutrients like copper, calcium, phosphorus, fibre, carbohydrates, energy, magnesium and iron. They also possess many types of vitamins like vitamins A, B, C and E and amino acids beneficial for health. 

https://www.ndtv.com/food/curry-leaves-benefits-use-kadi-patta-for-your-health-beauty-and-hair-1861407

    

  
The specific usage of the curry leaf in preparing Hair Oil is the topic of this post. Curry Leaf Oil is a great coolant for the hot climate of the southern part of India, especially Tamilnadu. It also tackles early greying of hair and aids in hair growth – whether applied as oil or consumed in various dishes. 

I have used kariveppilai yennai when young and still see appa (father) use it. We also make fun of his moustache having turned grey sooner than his hair, thanks to the kariveppilai yennai/ curry leaf oil. The aroma of curry leaves slowly cooked in coconut oil for the purpose of black, thick hair, takes me to my childhood.

  

fresh and dried leaves

  
Original curry leaf oil is made in a more refined/step-by-step process-

Curry leaves are blended with very little water – in those days made into a paste with ammi – roller stone

1. They are then flattened into thin round cookies – approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches diameter, on a muslin cloth or plastic sheet
2. These are sun-dried for days until the ground curry leaf sheets come out of the cloth, completely dried
3. These dried thins are slow cooked in coconut oil, until the colour and aroma of the curry leaf is completely extracted
4. This is done when the oil stops to splutter or approximately 30 minutes of slow cooking
5. Extra curry leaf thins/sheets are stored for next oil preparation
6. The same is done with marudhani/henna while making henna oil.

  
Here, I have not followed the same procedure. I took the short cut method of sun drying kariveppilai directly and slow cooked in oil. There is no compromise in the quality of oil, in comparison to the previous traditional technique – the aroma and colour seems to be the same.  While using the curry leaf thins/sheets, they would settle down in the bottom of the bottle and leave a clear residue on top, but here- the dried curry leaves occupy more space in the bottle and yet, the oil on top is a clear residue. Later, when the oil is mixed too much with the leaves, one can filter and use.
  

Kariveppilaii Yennai/ Hair Oil with Curry Leaves

  

Ingredients

• good quality pure coconut oil – 1 litre
• dried curry leaves – appr. 6 cups

  
Method of Preparation
  

Sun dried curry leaves

1. Pluck curry leaves from tree/plant or buy enough from the vendor
2. De-stem leaves and wash very well
3. Spread on a clean cloth and pat dry

  

  

4. Place the cloth in a sunny area and dry well in the sun – might take  few days to completely dry without moisture

  
5. Once the leaves are dried, they are ready to be used in the oil.

  
Making the Oil

1. In a wide pan, pour pure coconut oil – see label for aromatic ingredients, other oils which might have been mixed with coconut oil. We need only 100% coconut oil – preferably cold-pressed. Most branded coconut oils are refined, can’t help.. proceed.
2. Measure 6 cups dried curry leaves and mix in the oil, before it turns hot. If dried leaves are added after oil is heated up, the leaves would be fried and  would give out a burnt smell. Hence, drop the leaves in, while the temperature of oil is normal.

  

  

3. Once the oil starts to heat up, simmer the stove and let the leaves cook in oil for about 30 minutes, till the colour of oil starts to darken.

  

a little later – darker oil

  
4. Switch off and let the oil cool.
  

5. Store oil with curry leaves in a bottle and use everyday.