Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. 78 Nili Nirgundi (Justicia gendarussa, family Acanthaceae).
Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. 78 Nili Nirgundi (Justicia gendarussa, family Acanthaceae).
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
I saw this herb for the first time when I was a graduate student and got opportunity to visit the dense forests of Bastar region with my Guru Shri Vishal Bharat. Shri Bharat was using this herb in the herbal combination used in treatment of different types of cancer. Later, I have seen its natural population in dense forests of Gandai - Salewara forest region. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, specially the natives of forest areas plant this herb as hedge plant. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected many valuable information on traditional uses of this herb. Although the natural forests of Chhattisgarh are rich in its natural population but this is a surprising observation that very few traditional healers are aware of its medicinal uses. Its leaves are used mainly but Shri Bharat was using its leaves, barks and roots in equal proportion in his secret herbal combination. The traditional healers of Bastar region, use its leaves in treatment of Migraine. The leaves are dried and put in fire. The patients having the problem of Migraine are advised to inhale the fumes. This treatment is used during attack to reduce its intensity. The healers informed that the leaves are also used internally in combination with other herbs in treatment of Migraine. The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed that the fumes of burning leaves are also useful in treatment of respiratory troubles specially Asthma. The healers of Gandai Salewara region, use its leaves in combination with Charota (Cassia tora) seeds in treatment of ringworm externally. Nili Nirgundi is not in the list of medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh having routine demand in national and international drug markets. The herb collectors informed that its demand increases suddenly for few months. According to them, there is a demand of this herb in pharmaceutical industries but the pattern of demand indicates, that it is used as substitute to any important herb and when the collection or production of this herb goes down, the demand of Nili Nirgundi increases for time being. Unfortunately, the herb collectors are not having the details. They are aware that all parts of this herb possess medicinal properties but the traders ask for only leaves. I am giving details regarding its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures, botanically, Nili Nirgundi is a strong scented under shrub; branches subterete with raised lines'; Leaves lanceolate or linear lancealate; flower white spotted, purpl within, in interrupted spikes, 5-12.5 cm long from the uppermost leaf - axil and often forming a terminal panicle; fruits capsule, clavate, glabrous. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found much details regarding medicinal properties and uses of this herb. According to Ayurveda, it is pungent , bitter, hot, dry and useful in treatment of bronchitis, inflammations, vaginal discharges, dyspepsia, tympanitis, fevers and eye diseases,
The types of Cancer is an important information. Although Shri Bharat not disclosed the formula but I have seen the addition of this herb in herbal combination used to treat cancer. Unfortunately, he is not with us now. I am confident that new research on this aspect will establish this herb as promising herb in Chhattisgarh.
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