“Aiyo, no electricity!” Imagine that exclamation echoing through the streets as someone urgently needs Akbar herbal mills’ services. Here at Akbar herbal mills, we’re not just grinding herbs; we’re part of Chennai’s rich tradition.
Akbar herbal mills has been a cornerstone of Mylapore since 1970. M.A. Akbar inherited this legacy from his father in 1987. He’s seen home remedies surge in popularity. Shampoos have been abandoned. People now prefer shikakai. Herbal cures are all the buzz. Akbar smiles because his mill is at the heart of it all. People watch cosmetic recipes on TV. Then they come straight here to grind ingredients.
Akbar herbal mills is perhaps the only speciality mill in town. The shop is busy from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. People come even later. Akbar makes sure everyone gets their herbs ground. He then heads to Velachery where he lives.
The heady, herbal smell is ever-present. Akbar says he never falls ill. He’s constantly inhaling turmeric and herbal dust. Even headaches are rare for him.
Akbar is a master of customization. He has five different machines to cater for every need. One is for grinding vaasanai podi for women. Another grinds face and body scrubs for men. This arrangement avoids turmeric staining men’s skin.
During Diwali, the medicinal powder mill is busiest. People bring packets of herbs to be ground. The mooligai herb mill runs well throughout the year.
Akbar knows his herbs. Arugampil is good for people with high BP. Vallarai aids memory. Thoodhuvallai cures colds. His rates have increased from Rs.10 in his father’s time. Now it’s about Rs.60 a kilo. He can grind both coarsely and finely. Loosening the wheel roughly breaks the ingredients. This is perfect for boiling into a kashayam. Otherwise, it comes out as a powder through a cloth tube.
One day, Akbar ground 5 kg of dried mint. The fragrance travelled all the way to the end of the street. A customer from Perungudi needed powder for a parihaaram to be sent to the U.S. The astrologer said this powder must be applied to a wick and lit. Akbar got back to business mode quickly.
Akbar herbal mills stands as a testament to tradition. It is also a commitment to quality. We continue to serve Chennai with nature’s remedies. Next time you need herbs ground, remember the aromatic haven of Akbar herbal mills.