Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Through the recent interactions with the traditional healers of Rajnandgoan region. I have collected many new information on traditional uses of common herbs. In this interaction, I got good support of the sincere readers of my popular science articles, frequently published in local newspaper. I am giving the details in this article.
In treatment of Earache, the traditional healers of this region prepare a special herbal oil and use it internally. To prepare the oil, a piece of Haldi (Curcuma longa) rhizome, Shahad (Honey), Neem leaf juice and Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) bark are mixed in equal proportion and the mixture is boiled in base oil. When all watery contents evaporate, the boiling is stopped. The oil is kept for future use. In treatment of Earache, the healers suggest the patients to apply the oil into the painful ears for immediate relief. According to the traditional healers in most of the cases, the patients get relief from this oil. In general, the healers do not disclose the formulation to the patients. In treatment of Epistaxis, the healers use an other special herbal combination. In this combination, Multani Mitti, Dhania (Coriander), Aonla (Emblica officinalis), and Gahun Ata (Wheat flour) are mixed in equal proportions. This mixture is converted into aqueous paste with the help of water. This paste is applied on forehead to get rid from this trouble. The use is continued till complete cure. Many healers use Jau Ata (Barley flour) in place of Gahun Ata. Also in place of Multani Mitti, Kanhar (Black clay soil) Mitti is preferred. It is a matter of scientific investigation that which ingredients are more promising as compared to the others. Akarkara (Spilanthes acmella) is well known herb in Chhattisgarh used to treat dental troubles. The traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region also use Akarkara in treatment of toothache. They prefer the wild species of Akarkara that grows as weed in crop fields. The healers collect the whole herb and dry it in shade. After drying it is converted into powder. In this powder, Kapoor (Camphor) is added in equal proportion and the combination is applied externally on painful teeth. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. I have mentioned in previous articles, that the traditional healers of many parts of Chhattisgarh use Kapoor alone for the same purpose. Like Akarkara, Makoi (Solanum indicum) is also a common wasteland herb in this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers use Makoi, in combination with Gulab Phool (Rose flower) and Masoor (Lens esculenta) in treatment of swellings in tongue. The Rose flower and Masoor seeds are mixed with the help of Makoi herb juice and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied on swollen tongue as treatment. This use is very popular among the traditional healers. At initial stages, in treatment of Hoarseness in voice, the traditional healers use Hing (Asafoetida). The patients are advised to take Hing with lukewarm water. This use is popular among the natives also. I have mentioned in previous articles that the healers of this region have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs used in treatment of Gonorrhoea. During recent interactions, I got one additional information. The healers informed that the juice of Doobi herb is a boon for the patients having the problem of Gonorrhoea. The patients are advised to take the juice of whole herb internally, empty stomach daily morning. Doobi is a common herb present everywhere in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Cynodon dactylon.
The traditional healers informed two new traditional uses of Indian Ginseng Asgandh (Withania somnifera). These uses are related to gynaecological troubles. The healers informed that the Asgandh roots are burnt and ash is collected. This ash can be used as birth control measure successfully. They suggest the female natives to take a tea spoonful of this ash for this purpose. This was new information foe me. The healers use raw roots in form of powder in treatment of Metrorrhagia. The powder is mixed with equal proportion of sugar and given internally to the patients as treatment.
Many of the above mentioned traditional uses are absolutely new information and very important from documentation point of view. I am satisfied with these recent interactions. I am planning to visit this region more frequently in order to collect new information.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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