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BODY & MIND
He’s determined to weed out a deadly plant
Tripti Nath
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The killer weed spreads in city areas.
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DR
M. Mahadevappa, agricultural scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, has suggested modification of the integrated approach successfully tried in Karnataka to suit different parthenium infested situations in the country. Parthenium, a pernicious weed, poses a health hazard to human and animal population. It was first spotted in India in 1956, when it came through grain shipment from the US. It has now spread to almost all states. Introducing the weed in the book ‘Parthenium and its Management’ published by University of Agricultural Sciences, Dr Mahadevappa says that ``The wasteland weed, Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Family: Asteraceae), is called by several popular names as fever few, congress weed, carrot weed, white cap, white top etc. Within last decade, it has become one of the seven most dreaded weeds of the world. In India, parthenium has spread gradually from one place to another and is now common along the highways, petrol bunks, railway tracks, bus stops on roadsides and other wastelands including burial grounds. Manual, chemical and biological approaches have long been attempted but positive results are seen only through integrated management.” Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Dr Mahadevappa, who supervised development of the Integrated Parthenium Weed Management technology says that it serves to suppress parthenium to a safe level. The management technique comprises use of botanical agents, insect agents, mechanical method and chemical spraying as a last resort. According to him, an integrated approach is the best choice of providing a sustainable system of management. Every possible effort has to be put in effectively not only to check further invasion and growth of this obnoxious weed but also to clear the already invaded land for diverting it to productive use and to provide eco-friendly environment. “It is high time that the danger of allowing it to continue to grow and invade is taken note of seriously,’’ the scientist says. For two decades now, Dr Mahadevappa has been actively involved in developing and evolving strategies to contain the menace posed by this weed. SKIN CARE WEEK
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For ‘cafe au lait’
complexion
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Lifespring, a chain of health and beauty stores, recently concluded the Skin Care week with a seminar, organised by Antoine Richard, Brand Executive, Vichy Laboratories. The week began with free skin check ups at select Lifespring stores. Dr Bharat Chawda, well-known dermatologist, counselled customers on skin related issues. During the skin care sessions with Antoine Richard, customers got the opportunity to have their skins analysed. Antoine conducted various tests for skin texture, hydration and sebum detection. He then suggested products/solutions, which would restore skin condition and provide relief from pollution and humidity. He prescribed use of a good sunscreen and
moisturiser for Delhiites. Recently taken over by Morepen Laboratories Ltd, Lifespring offers a wide range of health, beauty and pharmacy products - both Indian and International. About 40 per cent of products are imported brands. It also offers consultation on beauty, pharmacy, eye care and other health related issues at all outlets. It has stores in South Extension Part II, Basant Lok Complex, Vasant Vihar, M-Block market, GK-I, Rajouri Garden main market, Karol Bagh and IP Extension. APOLLO
HOSPITALS Doctors, nurses, para-medical staff and housekeeping staff of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, joined hands to present a cultural function at Siri Fort auditorium here on Saturday evening on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the hospital. The 695-bed hospital in Sarita Vihar has over fifty super speciality departments and 200 consultants. Earlier, in the morning, the Chairman of the Apollo group of Hospitals, Dr Pratap C. Reddy, gave away awards to about 150 employees for their outstanding services and those who had won prizes in various games including badminton, chess, golf, bridge and carrom. Chief Secretary, Delhi Government and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Mrs Shailaja Chandra was the Chief Guest at the function. According to Dr Yogi Mehrotra, Managing Director of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, they plan to set-up a radiation oncology centre with the latest equipment soon. FOOT CURE CREAM IPSA Labs has recently launched the Eraser Foot Cure cream for treatment of cracked feet. According to Dr Sapna Arora, Director of IPSA Labs, heels get cracked when a person moves about bare feet. This condition is called ‘Paddari Rog’ and is caused due to imbalance of ‘Vaat Dosh’. Eraser Foot Cure Cream is a composition of extracts of Dhatura, Jati, Katutumbi, Narikel, Sarjras, Snuhi and Upodika. All these herbs find a mention in Charak Sanhita for their medicinal value. The cream is available in 30-gm packing and is priced at Rs 28.90. HERBAL TEA Goodcare Pharma Pvt. Ltd, known for its lifestyle products, has now introduced five varieties of herbal tea namely, Vata tea, Pitta tea, Kapha tea, anti- obesity tea and calming tea. Available in packs of 100-gms each, the herbal tea is priced at Rs 50. According to the Kolkata-based company, Vata tea helps to calm and relax a person. It contains Devdaru, Bala, Lavang, Ajowain and Jatamansi. Kapha tea is invigorating and contains Mulethi, Vasak, Sonth and Elaichi. Pitta tea is used as a cooling and refreshing agent. It has Chandan, Khus, Arjun and Sonth. Anti-obesity tea contains Nagarmotha, Shatawari, Vidang, Kuth, Triphala and Sonth. Calming tea has a well-balanced formulation for calming body and mind. It contains Brahmi, Jatamansi, Gulabphool, Mulethi and
Shankhpushpi.
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