Traditional medicinal knowledge about Muchkand (Pterospermum suberifolium) in Chhattisgarh India.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about Muchkand (Pterospermum suberifolium) in Chhattisgarh India.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
In Chhattisgarh , this tree occurs in regions near to Orissa- Chattisgarh border and Maharashtra - Chhattisgarh border. The traditional healers identify it by the name Muchkand . Although all parts of Muchkand possess valuable medicinal properties but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use its flower very frequently. The ethnobotanical surveys conducted among the traditional healers revealed that the healers are not much aware of traditional medicinal uses of Muchkand. I have collected few but important information through these surveys. I am giving the details in present article. The traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region use the flowers of Muchkand in treatment of Headache. The flowers are used in combination with Andi roots (Ricinus communis). By mixing the flowers with roots, the healers prepare an aqueous paste. This paste is applied externally on painful parts. This use is very popular among the traditional healers. The healers use its flower in other ways also. They boil the flowers in water, and suggest the patients to inhale the medicated vapour in order to get relief from Headache. In simple case, the healers use the aqueous paste of Muchkand flower alone. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region specially recommend the patients having the problem of Bavasir (Piles) to consume a curry prepared by using Muchkand flowers. This curry is popular among the natives of this region for its unique taste. In combination with other herbs, the traditional healers use Muchkand Flower in treatment of diseases related to respiratory system. They further informed me that its internal use clears the voice and also acts as promising blood purifier. No part of Muchkand is in trade in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers fulfill their requirement by herb venders or collect the flowers from trees directly. Another species of Pterospermum i.e. P.acerifolium found in abundance in Chhattisgarh. It is locally known as Kanak Champa. P. acerifolium can be distinguished by Muchkand easily by number of leaves and leaf length. Muchkand possess 5-15 leaves having length upto 5cm where as P. acerifolium possess 25-35 leaves having length upto 30cm. The traditional healers use both species for medicinal purpose but these are not used as alternatives. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found much details regarding the medicinal properties and uses of this herb.
Through the on going ethnobotanical surveys I am trying my best to gather more information on this herb.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
Related References
Please visit
Comments