Today, the 53-year-old is a certified Siddha practitioner with seven Health Ministry (KKM)-approved products under her brand, “Herbs & Home”.
Her remedies, made from medicinal plants she grows herself, have helped many find relief from ailments like eczema, sinusitis, and body pain.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle at her home in Sentul, Sundaravadivu shared that her passion for herbal remedies began in childhood. She reminisced about the memories of watching her father – a carpenter by trade but also a knowledgeable Siddha practitioner – treat people in their kampung home.
“I was very young then, so I didn’t fully understand what was happening. But I remember people queuing up outside our house,” she recalled.
“Appa would be working in a room filled with plants, carefully preparing remedies. He never let anyone touch them.”
But she did witness firsthand how effective his treatments were. “I saw children with terrible phlegm and coughs come to him. He would crush betel leaves and give them the juice. Just like that, they got better. It even worked for sore throats.”
Sundaravadivu revealed that in those days, people rarely visited clinics for minor ailments. Instead, they relied on traditional remedies. “I was the only one among my siblings who felt the urge to continue what my father started,” she said.
Her path to entrepreneurship began humbly. “I just began at home, making face masks with herbal ingredients. I tried them on myself first, then gave them to my children, my husband, even my neighbours. Their feedback was good, and that encouraged me to do more.”
Twelve years ago, she started selling her products at bazaars. Wanting to deepen her knowledge, she eventually enrolled in a course to study Siddha medicine in greater detail. “That’s how I became a certified Siddha practitioner,” she said.
Her first KKM-approved product, and her bestseller, is a combination of tulasi (holy basil) and karpuravalli (Mexican mint). “It works wonders for headaches, flu, and phlegm,” she explained.
She now offers a variety of remedies, including herbalism oil for body pain, a balm infused with erukkam leaf (calotropis) and black pepper for nerve pain, and an antibacterial turmeric face cream.
Other products include thymol ointment, moisturiser gel, neem shower gel, and aloe vera cleanser. Even physiotherapy centres and athletes have recommended her herbalism balm for pain relief.
For her, every product is personal. “When I first made these remedies, I tested them on myself and my family. My husband had severe sinus issues and had been taking medication for years. I created the karpuravalli balm for him, and it worked. He no longer needed his tablets after applying it.”
Beyond commercial success, she believes in promoting the benefits of growing medicinal plants at home.
“Every household should grow these herbs. At first, I didn’t fully understand their significance, but my heart kept telling me to learn. Now, I see the benefits.”
Her commitment extends to her growing family. Since her daughter recently gave birth, Sundaravadivu has started making traditional postpartum care products such as confinement masala powder and dried sweet flag (vasambu), a medicinal herb commonly used for infants.
Even as she builds her business, she sees her work as more than just selling herbal products – it is a way of preserving her father’s legacy.
“When Appa was around, he did all this. But after he passed, no one continued it. That’s why I felt the urge to keep it alive.”
From selling at bazaars to becoming a certified Siddha practitioner with KKM-approved products, Sundaravadivu has proved her determination to succeed in this field.
More importantly, it reflects the enduring power of traditional knowledge in modern times.
“I’m proud to be part of this ancient practice,” she said. “And I hope more people will realise the value of these natural remedies.”
To purchase products from Herbs & Home, contact Sundaravadivu at 017-338 4066.