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 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.”

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