Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Imli or Amli (Tamarindus indica; family Caesalpiniaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India
Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Imli or Amli (Tamarindus
indica; family Caesalpiniaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Since generations, we are listening the small story indicating the importance of herbs from our seniors. To explain the importance of medicinal herbs, the Master living in South India sent his student to Banaras, situated in North India and instructed him to always sleep beneath the Imli trees every night and in return journey, in place of Imli trees, use the Neem trees. In ancient time, over a month was required to cover this long distance. The student obeyed the order to his Master. When he reached to Banaras, due to bad effects of Imli trees where he has passed his nights, he got infected with several diseases, including asthmatic and skin troubles. When he returned back, he selected Neem trees, for sleep. When he came back to his Master, he was totally free from the side effects of Imli trees. Since childhood, I was very much afraid of this tree. Aa small children, the stories of ghosts living in Pipal and Imli trees were horrifying me. When I became herb expert, I have found both trees very useful. In reference literatures, related to different systems of medicine, a lot have been written on medicinal uses of Imli. My Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh revealed that although natives are aware of these stories but they use different parts of this herb very frequently in form of food material as well as medicine. Yesterday I got one Sanskrit name of Imli, Yamdootika (Yam is the god of death, and doot means representative). According to this reference book, one should avoid the use of Imli as medicine and if necessary, use it under strict supervision of traditional healers or medical practitioners. To some extent, this is true. For our state Chhattisgarh, Imli is a boon. It is one of the non-wood forest produces having heavy and routine demand in international and national drug markets. From collectors to traders, every one earn from this herb. All parts of Imli are used as medicine. It is collected and supplied for both industrial and medicinal uses. It is common tree in almost every part of Chhattisgarh but the southern part of Chhattisgarh is rich in its natural population. Imli is present in the state since generations. Common and popular names of Imli (Tamarindus indica) around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Amara, Dar-al-sida, Homer, Hommor, Humar 2) Assam Teteli, Tetuli 3) Bengal Ambli, Amli, Nuli, Tentul, Tentuli 4) Brazil Jubay, Tamarindo 5) Myanmar Magi, Magyi 6) Kanarese Amla, Amli, Amlike, Gotu, Huli 7) Chinese Ou Mei Dutch Tamarindenboom 9) Egypt Tammer hendi 10) English Tamarind Tree 11) German Tamarindenbaum 12) French Assam, Tamar indien 13) Gujarati Ambla, Amli 14) Mudagascar Kily, Madila, Madiro 15) Malyalam Amlam, Amlika, Madhurappuli 16) Marathi Ambali, Chicha, Chinch, Chitz 17) Maurititius Tamarin, Polli-Imli 18) Mexico Tamarindo 19) Persian Ambalah, Tamar-i-hindi 20) Philippines I-tumbi, Ma-tumbi 21) Portuguese Tamainda, Tamarindeiro 22) Sanskrit Amli, Amlika, Abdika, Amla, Gurupatra, Chukra, Chukrik, Sarvamda, Yamdutika 23) Sind Amri, Gidamri 24) Spanish Tomarindo, Tamarindo de la India 25) Tamil Ambilam, Amilam, Amilgai, Indam 26) Telugu Amlika, Chinta, Sinja, Sinta 27) Urdu Imli 28) Uriya Koina, Konya, Koya, Omlika, Tentuli, Telul The village names based on natural population of Imli (or Amli) viz. Amlipadar, Amlidih, Amlibhata etc., clearly confirms this fact. present article, at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, after this I will write on traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli (or Amli) in Chhattisgarh, India. Botanically it is a moderate size to large, evergreen ornamental tree with hand some, dense crown, having height upto 30 meters, stem short thick, seldom straight; Bark-brownish or dark gray, longitudinally and horizontally fissured; Leaf paripinnate, upto 15cm long; leaflets generally 10-20 pairs, sub sessile, oblong; Flower – small, yellowish with pink stripes or red-variegated, in few flowered, lax racemes, at the ends of the branchlets; Fruits grayish – brown-green, more or less constricted between seeds, slightly curved 3-12 seeded pod; Seed-obovate oblong or squarish compressed, with a shallow, oblong pit on each side of the flat or slightly raised faces, smooth, dark brown, shining, contained in loculi, enveloped by a tough, leathery membrane, the endocarp covered with light brownish red, sweetish, acidic, edible pulp, transversed by several-branched, ligneous stands; outermost covering fragile and easily separable. According to Ayurveda, leaves are useful in treatment of swellings, tumor, ring worm, blood disorders, small-pox, eye diseases, earache etc. Flowers are useful in treatment of urinary troubles. Fruits are sour, tasty, indigestible, astringent to bowels, laxative, heating, heart tonic, anthelmintic whereas seeds are useful in treatment of vaginal discharges and ulcers. According to the Unani systems of medicine, bark is astringent and tonic whereas fruits are sour, sweetish, laxative and useful in liver complaints, vomiting, thirst, scabies, sore-throat, stomatitis and blood disorders. Seeds are astringent and aphrodisiac. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli. They use this herb alone or in combinations with other herbs in treatment of over 50 common diseases. I am describing some traditional uses I have noted and observed during my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh always keep the seeds of Imli with them during traveling. In case of snake or scorpion bite, they cut the wound with the help of sharp knife and after rubbing the Imli seeds in stones, stick the seeds in contact with the affected portion. They informed me that the seeds are capable of absorbing the poison. When seeds soak all the poison, it drop automatically. In case of complication they apply, more seeds as seeds fall after saturation. In most of the cases, the patients get rid from the effect of poison by this simple treatment. The saturated seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The vendors are unable to give the explanation that why the seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialised in treatment of Hydrocele frequently use Imli in treatment. For treatment leaves are preferred. They collect the leaves and put it in clay pot full of cow urine. After mixing, the pot is kept on fire. As cow urine evaporates they add more cow urine. The same process of repeated for five times. After last boiling the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. According to the healers, it is one of the most promising treatment. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, add the leaves of Andi (Castor) in this combination in order to make the combination more useful. The urine of black cow is preferred . The urine of bull and pregnant cow is not used by the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Gulgul village, use the Imli leaves in different ways. The leave are boiled in water and patients having the problem of Hydrocele are advised to expose the scrotum in fumes in order get rid from intense pain. After this application, the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. I am really surprised to know the efficacies of both methods. In first method the healers use the cow urine and in second method in place of urine, water is used. Both combinations are in use and healers of both regions are aware of both methods, but they claim that their method is more effective. The systematic scientific research can answer this question. As natural deodorant the use of Imli fruit pulp and flowers are very popular among the natives. Both parts are converted into paste with the help of water and used to wash the body. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the seedless pods of Imli as appetizer. The pods are burnt and ash is collected. As medicine, it is given to the patients every night before sleep. For children half teaspoonful and for adults full teaspoonful of ash is recommended. After taking ash , the patients are advised to take lukewarm water. According to the healers, it is good stomach tonic and specially useful for the patients having constipation and related troubles. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village informed me that the Imli seeds can be used for the treatment of Pelea (Jaundice) successfully,. According to him, the seeds are splitted from center and each portion is burnt, the ash is given with goat’s urine internally as treatment. In general, one part of ash and four parts of goat’s urine is recommended. When I discussed this use with the traditional healers of Bastar region, they informed that it is good supplement to main treatment, but alone this use is not capable of curing the problem of Jaundice completely. The natives of Bastar region, prepare a special vegetable using the flowers of Imli and serve it with lunch. it with lunch. In this preparation, with Imli flowers Dahi (Curd) is used. The natives prepare it just for taste but according to the traditional healers this preparation possess unique medicinal properties. It is good for constipation and boon for the patients having the old problem of Bavasir (Piles). In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, this preparation is described. According to these references, more herbs like Dhania (Coriander), Sonth and Anar (Pomegranate) are added in combination but the natives of Chhattisgarh are not aware of these additional ingredients. From my grand father’s diary. I have noted the use of Imli bark in treatment of burns and scalds. According to this diary, the powdered bark should be applied with Nariyal oil (Coconut oil) externally on affected parts. As other promising alternatives are available, the natives use the Imli bark very rarely. The seeds of Imli are used as "Poor man’s sex tonic’ in Chhattisgarh. The method of its use is very simple and one can prepare this aphrodisiac at home. The Imli seeds are collected and dried in shade. Then it is boiled in cow milk. After boiling, the seed cover from softened seeds is removed and seeds are converted into paste with the help of clean stone. The paste is left for drying and after drying the powder is fried in cow’s ghee. For taste sugar is added and this preparation is kept for future use. A teaspoonful of this preparation with milk is given once in a day. According to the traditional healers, besides sex tonic, it is a good general tonic and its regular use protects the body from diseases. For persons having old age, this preparation is very useful. After addition of costly herbs like Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens), Badam (Almond) etc. this preparation become "Rich man’s sex tonic". The natives use germinating Imli seeds in treatment of eye diseases. The seeds are crushed with water to prepare the aqueous paste. This aqueous paste is applied externally on eye lids in case of conjunctivitis. Chhattisgarh is well known for its long hot summer and in these days, sunstroke is common complaint. The natives use Imli in different ways to treat the patients having sunstroke. They mix the ripe fruit in water and rinse the clothes of patients with it. They also spray the Imli water on the body. The solution prepared by dipping the sweet pulp in water, is massaged on soles of the patients to check the burning. They also apply this solution on head. All these uses make the patient normal in every less time. In case of Leucorrhoea (Safed Pani), the natives advise the patients to wash the vagina with powdered seeds mixed in pure honey, in order to check the bad smell. With the common herb Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia), many healers use the powdered Imli seeds in treatment of Leucoderma. This combination is applied externally on white spots. T natives also use different parts of Imli as veterinary medicine. I will write a separate article on this important aspect. The fresh juice of Imli leaves is applied on ring worm externally as treatments. With Til oil, the juice is used to treat earache. Many of the above mentioned traditional uses are not reported in reference literatures. My surveys have revealed that the traditional healers and natives have in depth knowledge about different medicinal uses of Imli. I personally feel that it is wrong to consider or declare Imli as harmful and useless herb. I am sure that my on going surveys will provide more information on traditional uses of Imli herb in Chhattisgarh, India.
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Since generations, we are listening the small story indicating the importance of herbs from our seniors. To explain the importance of medicinal herbs, the Master living in South India sent his student to Banaras, situated in North India and instructed him to always sleep beneath the Imli trees every night and in return journey, in place of Imli trees, use the Neem trees. In ancient time, over a month was required to cover this long distance. The student obeyed the order to his Master. When he reached to Banaras, due to bad effects of Imli trees where he has passed his nights, he got infected with several diseases, including asthmatic and skin troubles. When he returned back, he selected Neem trees, for sleep. When he came back to his Master, he was totally free from the side effects of Imli trees. Since childhood, I was very much afraid of this tree. Aa small children, the stories of ghosts living in Pipal and Imli trees were horrifying me. When I became herb expert, I have found both trees very useful. In reference literatures, related to different systems of medicine, a lot have been written on medicinal uses of Imli. My Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh revealed that although natives are aware of these stories but they use different parts of this herb very frequently in form of food material as well as medicine. Yesterday I got one Sanskrit name of Imli, Yamdootika (Yam is the god of death, and doot means representative). According to this reference book, one should avoid the use of Imli as medicine and if necessary, use it under strict supervision of traditional healers or medical practitioners. To some extent, this is true. For our state Chhattisgarh, Imli is a boon. It is one of the non-wood forest produces having heavy and routine demand in international and national drug markets. From collectors to traders, every one earn from this herb. All parts of Imli are used as medicine. It is collected and supplied for both industrial and medicinal uses. It is common tree in almost every part of Chhattisgarh but the southern part of Chhattisgarh is rich in its natural population. Imli is present in the state since generations. Common and popular names of Imli (Tamarindus indica) around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Amara, Dar-al-sida, Homer, Hommor, Humar 2) Assam Teteli, Tetuli 3) Bengal Ambli, Amli, Nuli, Tentul, Tentuli 4) Brazil Jubay, Tamarindo 5) Myanmar Magi, Magyi 6) Kanarese Amla, Amli, Amlike, Gotu, Huli 7) Chinese Ou Mei Dutch Tamarindenboom 9) Egypt Tammer hendi 10) English Tamarind Tree 11) German Tamarindenbaum 12) French Assam, Tamar indien 13) Gujarati Ambla, Amli 14) Mudagascar Kily, Madila, Madiro 15) Malyalam Amlam, Amlika, Madhurappuli 16) Marathi Ambali, Chicha, Chinch, Chitz 17) Maurititius Tamarin, Polli-Imli 18) Mexico Tamarindo 19) Persian Ambalah, Tamar-i-hindi 20) Philippines I-tumbi, Ma-tumbi 21) Portuguese Tamainda, Tamarindeiro 22) Sanskrit Amli, Amlika, Abdika, Amla, Gurupatra, Chukra, Chukrik, Sarvamda, Yamdutika 23) Sind Amri, Gidamri 24) Spanish Tomarindo, Tamarindo de la India 25) Tamil Ambilam, Amilam, Amilgai, Indam 26) Telugu Amlika, Chinta, Sinja, Sinta 27) Urdu Imli 28) Uriya Koina, Konya, Koya, Omlika, Tentuli, Telul The village names based on natural population of Imli (or Amli) viz. Amlipadar, Amlidih, Amlibhata etc., clearly confirms this fact. present article, at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, after this I will write on traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli (or Amli) in Chhattisgarh, India. Botanically it is a moderate size to large, evergreen ornamental tree with hand some, dense crown, having height upto 30 meters, stem short thick, seldom straight; Bark-brownish or dark gray, longitudinally and horizontally fissured; Leaf paripinnate, upto 15cm long; leaflets generally 10-20 pairs, sub sessile, oblong; Flower – small, yellowish with pink stripes or red-variegated, in few flowered, lax racemes, at the ends of the branchlets; Fruits grayish – brown-green, more or less constricted between seeds, slightly curved 3-12 seeded pod; Seed-obovate oblong or squarish compressed, with a shallow, oblong pit on each side of the flat or slightly raised faces, smooth, dark brown, shining, contained in loculi, enveloped by a tough, leathery membrane, the endocarp covered with light brownish red, sweetish, acidic, edible pulp, transversed by several-branched, ligneous stands; outermost covering fragile and easily separable. According to Ayurveda, leaves are useful in treatment of swellings, tumor, ring worm, blood disorders, small-pox, eye diseases, earache etc. Flowers are useful in treatment of urinary troubles. Fruits are sour, tasty, indigestible, astringent to bowels, laxative, heating, heart tonic, anthelmintic whereas seeds are useful in treatment of vaginal discharges and ulcers. According to the Unani systems of medicine, bark is astringent and tonic whereas fruits are sour, sweetish, laxative and useful in liver complaints, vomiting, thirst, scabies, sore-throat, stomatitis and blood disorders. Seeds are astringent and aphrodisiac. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli. They use this herb alone or in combinations with other herbs in treatment of over 50 common diseases. I am describing some traditional uses I have noted and observed during my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh always keep the seeds of Imli with them during traveling. In case of snake or scorpion bite, they cut the wound with the help of sharp knife and after rubbing the Imli seeds in stones, stick the seeds in contact with the affected portion. They informed me that the seeds are capable of absorbing the poison. When seeds soak all the poison, it drop automatically. In case of complication they apply, more seeds as seeds fall after saturation. In most of the cases, the patients get rid from the effect of poison by this simple treatment. The saturated seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The vendors are unable to give the explanation that why the seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialised in treatment of Hydrocele frequently use Imli in treatment. For treatment leaves are preferred. They collect the leaves and put it in clay pot full of cow urine. After mixing, the pot is kept on fire. As cow urine evaporates they add more cow urine. The same process of repeated for five times. After last boiling the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. According to the healers, it is one of the most promising treatment. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, add the leaves of Andi (Castor) in this combination in order to make the combination more useful. The urine of black cow is preferred . The urine of bull and pregnant cow is not used by the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Gulgul village, use the Imli leaves in different ways. The leave are boiled in water and patients having the problem of Hydrocele are advised to expose the scrotum in fumes in order get rid from intense pain. After this application, the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. I am really surprised to know the efficacies of both methods. In first method the healers use the cow urine and in second method in place of urine, water is used. Both combinations are in use and healers of both regions are aware of both methods, but they claim that their method is more effective. The systematic scientific research can answer this question. As natural deodorant the use of Imli fruit pulp and flowers are very popular among the natives. Both parts are converted into paste with the help of water and used to wash the body. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the seedless pods of Imli as appetizer. The pods are burnt and ash is collected. As medicine, it is given to the patients every night before sleep. For children half teaspoonful and for adults full teaspoonful of ash is recommended. After taking ash , the patients are advised to take lukewarm water. According to the healers, it is good stomach tonic and specially useful for the patients having constipation and related troubles. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village informed me that the Imli seeds can be used for the treatment of Pelea (Jaundice) successfully,. According to him, the seeds are splitted from center and each portion is burnt, the ash is given with goat’s urine internally as treatment. In general, one part of ash and four parts of goat’s urine is recommended. When I discussed this use with the traditional healers of Bastar region, they informed that it is good supplement to main treatment, but alone this use is not capable of curing the problem of Jaundice completely. The natives of Bastar region, prepare a special vegetable using the flowers of Imli and serve it with lunch. it with lunch. In this preparation, with Imli flowers Dahi (Curd) is used. The natives prepare it just for taste but according to the traditional healers this preparation possess unique medicinal properties. It is good for constipation and boon for the patients having the old problem of Bavasir (Piles). In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, this preparation is described. According to these references, more herbs like Dhania (Coriander), Sonth and Anar (Pomegranate) are added in combination but the natives of Chhattisgarh are not aware of these additional ingredients. From my grand father’s diary. I have noted the use of Imli bark in treatment of burns and scalds. According to this diary, the powdered bark should be applied with Nariyal oil (Coconut oil) externally on affected parts. As other promising alternatives are available, the natives use the Imli bark very rarely. The seeds of Imli are used as "Poor man’s sex tonic’ in Chhattisgarh. The method of its use is very simple and one can prepare this aphrodisiac at home. The Imli seeds are collected and dried in shade. Then it is boiled in cow milk. After boiling, the seed cover from softened seeds is removed and seeds are converted into paste with the help of clean stone. The paste is left for drying and after drying the powder is fried in cow’s ghee. For taste sugar is added and this preparation is kept for future use. A teaspoonful of this preparation with milk is given once in a day. According to the traditional healers, besides sex tonic, it is a good general tonic and its regular use protects the body from diseases. For persons having old age, this preparation is very useful. After addition of costly herbs like Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens), Badam (Almond) etc. this preparation become "Rich man’s sex tonic". The natives use germinating Imli seeds in treatment of eye diseases. The seeds are crushed with water to prepare the aqueous paste. This aqueous paste is applied externally on eye lids in case of conjunctivitis. Chhattisgarh is well known for its long hot summer and in these days, sunstroke is common complaint. The natives use Imli in different ways to treat the patients having sunstroke. They mix the ripe fruit in water and rinse the clothes of patients with it. They also spray the Imli water on the body. The solution prepared by dipping the sweet pulp in water, is massaged on soles of the patients to check the burning. They also apply this solution on head. All these uses make the patient normal in every less time. In case of Leucorrhoea (Safed Pani), the natives advise the patients to wash the vagina with powdered seeds mixed in pure honey, in order to check the bad smell. With the common herb Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia), many healers use the powdered Imli seeds in treatment of Leucoderma. This combination is applied externally on white spots. T natives also use different parts of Imli as veterinary medicine. I will write a separate article on this important aspect. The fresh juice of Imli leaves is applied on ring worm externally as treatments. With Til oil, the juice is used to treat earache. Many of the above mentioned traditional uses are not reported in reference literatures. My surveys have revealed that the traditional healers and natives have in depth knowledge about different medicinal uses of Imli. I personally feel that it is wrong to consider or declare Imli as harmful and useless herb. I am sure that my on going surveys will provide more information on traditional uses of Imli herb in Chhattisgarh, India.
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