Herbal Expo to help medicinal plant growers

Around 50 herbal product companies are taking part in this exhibition. There are several medicinal plants that are exhibited in the expo which have been cultivated by atleast 5,000 farmers.

Speaking on this occasion Dr KP Srivasuki, commissioner, department of AYUSH and chief executive officer, AP Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Board, said, “The aim of the Herbal expo is to aid farmers in cultivating herbal plants and create a market for their raw material without intruding of any middle men. Bringing awareness among public about AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) products is also another target of this programme. Through this, we would enlighten the students. Since 2006, the board has been conducting the herbal exhibition every year. We also provide subsidies to farmers”.

He continued “Medicinal plants and their relevance in managing many health disorders are immense. Traditional systems of medicines are excellent for both preventive and curative aspects. The expo is a platform for farmers to be aware of different things involved in the process of medicinal plants from cultivation, its uses, prices and how to use it.”

Commenting on allopathy, he said, “Each system has its own virtues and disadvantages. If we take allopathy, I felt it is more useful for emergency medical situations. And traditional systems of medicines are good for keeping the health stable and disease-free condition though the medicines take time for reaction. They are good for all ages including elders and children.”

Explaining the raw materials in medicinal plants, a pharmacist said, “Our traditional medicinal plants are most effective and is a strong remedy for all diseases. For example ‘Tulsi’ works well for jaundice and liver diseases; ‘Chandana’ for urinary disease and burining senses; ‘Neredu Chettu’ for diabetes, strengthening teeth and gums; ‘Ashoka’ and ‘Sita Ashoka’ for stimulating effect on the endometrial, ovarian tissue and for internal bleeding; ‘Medi’ for piles and diarrhoea, ‘Rela’ for jaundice, leprosy, indigestion and anemia; ‘Maredu’ for dysentery, jaundice, stomach disorders and chronic constipation; ‘Goranti’ for cure of mouth ulcers, headaches, wounds and give relaxation; ‘Veepa’ for keeping the body fit and healthy; ‘Ippa’ to treat thrist, eczema, fracture, eye diseases, vomiting and ear diseases; ‘Velega’ for dysentery and fever and ‘Moduga’ for blood purification, inflammation, sprain, swelling , diabetes and ulcer.”