Pankaj Oudhia on Ajmod: Manuscripts from Medicinal Plant Database

Abstract

Since year 1990 Pankaj Oudhia is writing on various aspects of Biodiversity and Traditional Healing. The regular writing of more than two decades resulted in documents worth millions of pages. Very small part of these documents is online so far. The present series is an effort to represent excerpts of these documents available in Pankaj Oudhia’s Medicinal Plant Database at pankajoudhia.com

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In case of severe toothache the Traditional Healers of {{Chhattisgarh}e} suggest patients to burn seeds of medicinal [[weed]g24116] [[Bhatkatiya]e16969] and direct the medicated fumes towards painful teeth. I have mentioned it in my previous research articles. But many times this use fails to give the desired effects.  In such case the Healers of Southern Chhattisgarh add flower heads of [[Akarkara]e10002] with these seeds. The Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains prefer addition of medicinal herb [[Ajmod]e431]. It seeds are added. Initially it is added in little amount but gradually they increase its proportion. This increase is continued till complete cure. The combination is Bhatkatiya and Ajmod is considered useful not only for toothache but also to heal decayed teeth. The Healers boil both herb parts and prepare decoction. This decoction is used in form of gargle. I have found it superior to mouth fresheners available in market with odd smell as well as sharp taste, many times having potential to damage inner linings of mouth. Although the Healers depend on herb vendors coming from other states for supply of Ajmod plant parts but they use it commonly in combination with local herbs in order to increase its efficacy. Through recent Ethnobotanical surveys I have collected interesting information on this aspect. I am giving details in present article.

As home remedy the senior natives of Chhattisgarh use Kerosene oil locally known as Mitti Ka Tel in treatment of worm especially in case of children. [[Cotton]e1161] dipped in this oil is kept at the opening of anus at night and next morning all worms come out. It is simple but very effective treatment. It is useful even in case of adults. I have written in detail about this simple treatment in my previous research articles. During recent interactions the Healers of {{Ambikapur}e} region informed that they use seeds of Ajmod in same way. They dip Cotton bud in decoction of seeds and keep it in opening in same way. It is less effective but it is popular among them. When I informed about the simple use of Kerosene oil they tried it with Ajmod and as expected got promising results. Instead of using both remedies at a time they used it in alternate days. They are getting good results. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in {{India}e} especially in {{Ayurveda}g} use of medicated fumes of Ajmod seeds for same trouble has been mentioned. Its use in form of paste is also mentioned. But the way through which Healers are using it is new information.  When I shared this information with the Healers of {{Orissa}e} during recent interactions they suggested the use of [[Hing]e6095] and Ajmod in this way instead of its use with Kerosene oil.

During visit to Melas in Chhattisgarh Plains I interacted with the Herb Sellers selling Ajmod in bulk, I shared information about use of [[Mooli]e1839] leaves in any form beneficial for the patients having {{Renal Calculi}g}. They added that use of Ajmod seeds with Mooli increases the performance of Mooli. This use is mentioned in reference literatures. It shows its effectiveness that this combination is in tip of the tongue of herb sellers. In general Ajmod is used alone and in combination with local herbs to flush out Renal Calculi but the senior Healers of {{Bagbahera}e} region consider that its regular use in little amount especially with [[cow]e243652] milk up to long time prevents formation of Calculi again. Its use in this way is having other health benefits also.

The Healers of {{Bilaspur}e} region grow this herb in their {{Badi}g} for use of soil collected from its root zone. They spray herbal combination having [[Haldi]e828] and [[rice]e1574] water on these plants one week before collection of soil. They believe that this application forces the plants to exude natural chemicals into the soil. In little amount this soil is added in over 16 herbal formulations. Its use in treatment of old wound is popular among them.  The Healers of this region treating {{cancer}g} patients use many herbs in treatment of severe body ache common during this trouble. In general they use leaves of [[Nirgundi]e10884]. Ajmod seeds and leaves, if available are also added as important ingredient. The use of Ajmod seeds by spreading it on patient's bed is mentioned in reference literatures but it is suggested for body ache due to heavy physical exertion.  The Healers of Chhattisgarh don't use it in this way. They boil the herbal combination and medicated fumes are directed towards different body parts. This use gives much relief to such patients. According to the Healers these fumes are beneficial for skin also.

After any shocking incidence when available remedies fail to provide relief to the patients the Healers of Chhattisgarh prepare special herbal decoction for them. In this decoction root of medicinal rice Udanpakheru, [[Urai]e2144] and roots of Ajmod are added. Hot decoction is given to patients twice a day with instruction to take it sip by sip. It acts in miraculous ways. Many times they use this combination in other way. This combination is burnt and patients are suggested to inhale the fumes. It is also used in form of Chilam. According to the Healers this use requires much caution as over use or dose may results in harmful consequences.

In market number of products having Ajmod are available. The Healers are not aware of these products. Many are aware but they prefer to make combinations at their home. Through on-going surveys I am trying to collect more information on this herb.

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