Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Jagdalpur and surrounding regions.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Jagdalpur and surrounding regions.
Pankaj
Oudhia
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Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
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The traditional healers of these region informed about the simple but promising use of Sarson (Mustard seeds) in treatment of chronic cough. They suggest the patients to convert the seeds into powder and in combination with Shahad (Honey), take it internally, twice a day. In treatment of Eczema, the healers use Kuchla in combination with Fitkari (Alum). This combination is applied externally on affected parts. Kuchla is well known tree in this part of Chhattisgarh. It is popularly known as dog poison. Its scientific name is Strychnos nuxvomica. Many healers add cow ghee also in this combination for more better results. The healers use many herbs and herbal combinations in treatment of Carbuncle. They prepare a special herbal oil by boiling Giloi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Hardi (Curcuma longa) in base oil. When all watery contents evaporate, the oil is considered ready for use. As base oil Sarson (Mustard) seed oil is used. This herbal oil is considered as a boon for the patients having Carbuncle. In treatment of burns, the healers of this region use Boir (Zizyphus sp.) Leaves. The combination of Boir leaf juice and Dahi (Curd) is applied externally on affected parts, many times a day. The use is continued till complete cure. As first aid remedy, the healers also recommend the use of aqueous solution of Hing (Asafoetida). In treatment of swelling in Ears, the healers prepare a special combination by mixing Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Andi (Ricinus communis) leaves in equal proportion. After mixing, Namak (Salt) is added in the mixture. The combination is converted into aqueous paste with the help of lukewarm water. This paste is applied externally in painful parts. In treatment of wounds due to spider poison, the natives use Char (Buchanania lanzan) in combination with Chuna (Lime) in affected parts. Char is well known medicinal tree is this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers also use the aqueous paste of Haldi as treatment in same manner. Like the healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh, the healers of this region are also aware of medicinal uses of Jonk (Leech). They suggest the patients having the problem of Alopecia, to apply the combination of dry Leech and Sirka (Vinegar) externally in affected parts. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. For all types of fevers, the healers prepare a herbal combination in which Pipal (Ficus religiosa) leaves, Fruit pulp of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata), Zeera (cumin) and Bambri (Acacia nilotica) leaves are mixed in equal proportion. The small globules (at the size of, chickpea seeds) are prepared and the patients having fever are instructed to take these globules in every two hour till complete cure. In another combination, they mix the Neem leaves and Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) in equal proportion and boil it in water. The decoction is given internally as treatment.
The healers of this region informed me about traditional medicinal uses of rare herbs. As we are still in process of identification, I am not giving the details in present article. After getting the information on correct identification, I will write a separate series on these rare herbs.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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