Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: Surpassing all expectations, hundreds of visitors from all walks of life descended on Exhibition Ground, the venue of the ongoing 8th Kalinga Herbal Fair, Sunday.
The four-day fair which started Saturday has seen herbal medicinal professionals from all parts of the state setting up shop here to sell herbal medicines for all sorts of illnesses from diabetes to arthritis.
A stall set up by the forest and environment department is attracting many customers. Most of the visitors to the fair are purchasing herbs effective for the treatment of major problems like diabetes and blood pressure.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Gudmari) for the treatment of diabetes, Stevia plant, a sugar substitute, Tulsi, Brahmi, paper mint and lemon grass are some of the herbal plants in high demand.
SK Das, an engineer, said, “Auyrvedic medicines are really very effective and are better than allopathic medicines as there are no side-effects. The fair is very informative and such fairs are necessary as most of us don’t have an idea about medicinal plants and their uses.”
Sangita Mishra, a retired teacher, said she was a regular at such fairs and was a connoisseur of herbal medicines.
“I have been visiting the fair regularly for the past two years. I’ve gone back home with a stack of medicinal plants every time,” Mishra said.
Bolangir-based Saudamini Saha who runs a herbal juice stall and sells medicinal products in the fair, said demand for herbal juice made of aloe vera and bitter gourd has increased.
Saudamini has started a farm called Amrita Herbal in the memory of her late daughter. “My daughter wanted to be a doctor. She wanted to work for the welfare of the underprivileged. I’m trying to fulfill her dream through this farm. Most of the products that we sell are grown on the farm and we’ve been getting a positive response,” Saudamini said.
The highest-selling medicines are the ones for diabetes. Being a very common disease affecting all age groups, these medicines are drawing maximum takers. “I’ve been using ayur
Mukhiram Dandasena who prefers ayuvedic medicines for control of diabetes, said he has been using them for several years. “I have been using ayurvedic medicines to control diabetes for the past few years and they are very effective as compared to allopathic ones. They’re cheap too and do not have side-effects.”