Bhubaneswar, Dec. 13: Subranshu Das, a traditional healer, has been promoting a special medicine that helps addicts to quit smoking or drinking.

Several traditional healers like him and his family members have gathered at the 10th Kalinga Herbal Fair that began yesterday at the exhibition ground here. The five-day fair aims to promote traditional methods of curing diseases using Indian herbs.

Behera, who hails from Khurda, said: "The medicine if taken on time will decrease the urge for addiction. It will improve liver function along with keeping the person stress free. We have come out with the medicine after years of research."

Around 200 vaids or traders in the field, who are taking part in the fair, have not only put up kiosks for their products, but also are conducting conferences and workshops to spread awareness about the benefits of medicinal herbs.

Participants at the fair offer medicines for a wide range of health disorders such as skin problems, digestion issues, hair fall, arthritis, rheumatism and so on. Some kiosks are selling different parts of medicinal plants loose, including roots, seeds and leaves, others offer packets of paste, powder and tablets made of these plant parts. Skincare products and food supplements are also available at the kiosks.

Organised by the state board of medicinal plants, under the aegis of the state forest and environment department, the fair provides a platform for direct interaction among the dealers of herbal medicines, ayurvedic pharmaceuticals and the consumers.

The fair will also promote Ayush medicines and free consultations by experts from the Ayush ministry. A number of issues relating to manufacturing, storage and processing of such medicines will also be talked about.

Monalisa Sahoo, a herbal medicine entrepreneur from Balangir, feels that there is still demand for traditional ways of healing such as naturopathy and ayurveda.

"It has history of over 5,000 years. Allopathic medicines can offer easy solutions, but they have a lot of side effects. Since the past few decades, a scientific approach towards the herbal practices has helped to restore faith in it again," said the 32-year-old woman.

Suparna Senapati, a 38-year-old homemaker, who was at the fair on the inaugural day, said: "All kinds of basil, annapurna, aloe vera and amla are available. These herbs are not easily available in the city."