In-flu-enced demand

The saying that every problem comes with a solution is apt. However,what it doesnt highlight is that the solution becomes expensive,after the problem comes to the fore.

The saying that every problem comes with a solution is apt. However,what it doesnt highlight is that the solution becomes expensive,after the problem comes to the fore. The example could be found in the ongoing swine flu scare,because of which the otherwise indigenous,widely available and not-so-expensive Tulsi,has suddenly shot up in demand and price.

Nitin Phoolwale,a flower shop owner at Mahatma Phule Mandai,rattles off the method of preparation of the herbal medicine against swine flu while packing tulsi and bel (the ingredients of the medicine) without even looking at the customer. When asked what had lead to the doubled price of tulsi and bel leaves,which are commonly found,he says,There was an acute hike in the demand of tulsi leaves since the time Ramdev Baba suggested that it can cure and prevent swine flu. When the value has doubled (religious and medicinal) why not the price, he quips.

The omnipresent swine flu scare has affected our live in many ways,one was shift in customers choice,who were seen relying more on herbal medicines like tulsi and other natural products than the allopathic medicines,resulting in increasd price of medicinal herbs. Tulsi twig bundles,which were available for Rs 5 a few days back,were now sold for Rs 10 per bundle.

Ramesh Hanmane,teacher,says,The whole idea of Ram Dev Baba was to get easily available and cheap alternatives of allopathic medicine. And the increased price kills the motive.

Justifying the increase,he says that nobody questions when allopathic medicines create artificial shortage only to increase their price. Tulsi also offers a remedy for other disease as it boosts the immune system and it come for a mere Rs 10.

Ratnamala Dinkar sheoli,another stall owner,says,Last year during Ganapati festival the prices had gone up,but this time it has been doubled. Reason is demand has increased manifold due to swine flu and Ganapati.

Apart from Tulsi,other herbal and natural products like Sauth,Jestamadh,Nilgiri oil and Kalimirch is also selling like hot cakes. Niligiri oil at Gokuldas Gowardhandas Desi Dawa was almost running out of stock given the huge demand of the oil.

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Sujata Hambeer,customer,says,I dont know how it works,but I am regularly having the boiled tulsi water and also using a nilgiri oil dabbed mask.”

Chagan Darvade,shop owner at Mandai,boasts of a special incense stick that purifies the atmosphere thereby destroying the virus.

Herbal hot cakes
* Tulsi twigs
* Bel leaves
* Nilgiri oil
* Pepper
* Dried ginger
* Honey
* Medicinal incense stick

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In-flu-enced demand

The saying that every problem comes with a solution is apt. However,what it doesnt highlight is that the solution becomes expensive,after the problem comes to the fore.

The saying that every problem comes with a solution is apt. However,what it doesnt highlight is that the solution becomes expensive,after the problem comes to the fore.