JOIN USTest your tenacity at 'davaikhana'
Several bottles that are similar to the ones that are used to store biscuits and other confectioneries, are arranged neatly in rows. And those hold the ‘magical’ roots in different colours and shapes which can cure any disorder/disease that you may have.
You can even see beverage containers, which are filled with colourful seeds and other products similar to ayurvedic drugs. Moreover, there seems to be no partiality between the communities as the photos of almost all Hindu Gods adorn the place to ‘bless’ you in time for quick treatment.
The likes of this ‘Shivshakti Davaikhana’, that can be spotted at important roads are supposed to be dispensaries selling ayurvedic herbs, promising to cure several diseases. When Deccan Herald spoke to Surjansingh Vaid, who is said to be an ayurvedic practitioner from Banares, he said that the ayurvedic herbs have been brought from Banares and his family has been practising the traditional medicine from generations.
The herbs are authentic and are collected from forests. A confident Vaid said he can cure almost all diseases. In his davaikhana, the medicine for diabetes — which is a root that should be consumed after boiling in water — is the same as that for arthritis too.
A single root, sometimes, can cure blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, gastric trouble, ulcer, menstrual problems and also all types of sexual disorders.
Vaid also offers to collect the charges for the medicine after cure to gain confidence. But a closer look at the people sauntering around the tent, makes one wonder how ‘genuine’ the claims can be.
Dr Aruna, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Kayachikitsa (General Medicine), Government Ayurvedic Medical College, is of the opinion that though there are several people practising traditional medicine since generations, those offering medicines without proper diagnosis of the disease are quacks.
Unless, the condition of the disease has been verified providing treatment is very risky and most of those who visit such quacks are those who belong to economically weaker sections.
Ironically, these people who come from other states open their tents right in front of hospitals to misguide innocent people, she adds.
Creating awareness among the people on the same is the only solution and the educated should volunteer to bring out a change among the people, she adds.