First there were the quacks. Then came the mass manufacturers of substandard herbal drugs and cosmetics. Cashing in on the goodwill of traditional systems of medicine and taking consumers for a ride has never been so easy. In the process, however, business is destroying natural resources. The absence of market regulation is costing the earth. At stake is the future of rare herbs and medicinal plants. And a tradition in health care. JITENDRA VERMA INDIRA KHURANA report