Bhubaneswar, Dec. 11: Herbal products are high in demand than ever before in the city and the rush at the ongoing Kalinga Herbal Fair at Exhibition Ground in the city proves that.

The annual fair began on Thursday and residents are already flocking in groups to collect herbal solutions for health and beauty.

Hosted by the State Medicinal Plants Board, the fair, which is in its ninth year, is witnessing great demand of traditional healers or vaidyas. While rheumatism and gastroenteritis are some common diseases that are being treated by the vaidyas, skin care, hair care and traditional beauty solutions are attracting many youths to these healers.

"I want to get rid of acne and pimples the natural way. Last year, my friend tried the healers' medicine at this fair and it has worked very well for her," said Monalisa, a college student and freelance model.

"The visitors are mostly senior citizens who suffer from pains or gastric problems or youngsters who want to use herbal medicines for clear skin, better hair or even as remedy for depression," said Jugal Behera, a traditional healer.

The healers have come here from all over the state and the medicines they prescribe, such as yugmakanta, pratigandhaa, ashwagandha and brahmi, are also easily available.

Many plants with medicinal uses are also available here that are attracting the visitors. These are available at a very affordable price beginning from Rs 5 per plant.

"I bought an aloe vera plant and also the 'ajwain' plant for just Rs 10 each. We get flowering plants but herbal and medicinal plants are found only at this event," said Kumudini Mohanty, a homemaker.