Pankaj Oudhia on Amarbel: 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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When I observed few people collecting parasitic [[weed]g24116] [[Amarbel]e11034] in forest I instructed my driver to stop survey vehicle. These people were Herb Collectors and collecting Amarbel from [[Boir]e78687] trees. They informed that the collection in limited quantity is on for the traders of {{Dhamtari}e} region. Although Amarbel is used as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in [[India]e103] and it is collected from wild but the Herb Collectors of {{Narharpur}e} region informed that from this region it is collected in limited amount. I have mentioned in previous research articles that Amarbel growing in different herbs possess different medicinal properties and Traditional Healers as well as Herb Collectors of different parts of {{Chhattisgarh}e} are not only aware of this fact but also they utilize it in treatment of different diseases both internally as well as externally. But in trade in the name of Amarbel only one type is known and i.e. mixture of all available types. Many traders are aware of this fact that many types of Amarbel exist but national and international buyers ask for mixture and this is the reason these traders supply them mixture. When I started discussion with Herb Collectors on different types of Amarbel the senior Collectors informed that Amarbel infesting forest tree [[Beeja]e9046] is used as external remedy in treatment of skin diseases. Amarbel infesting [[Dhawai]e10922] plant is added in herbal oil with other herbs used in treatment of hair related troubles. Amarbel collected from [[Mitha Indrajau]e371570] tree is used to prepare medicine useful for women in lactation. It is also used as veterinary medicine. Amarbel collected from [[Ranijada]e18163] plant is used externally for skin diseases. It is used in powder form along with [[cow]e243652] urine. Amarbel collected from [[Kumhi]e12929] tree is used as remedy for Migraine. They informed about over 35 types of Amarbel with specific uses and added that it is not easy to find its infestation in wild always. Many times they have to travel far and also to climb large trees for collection. As mentioned earlier that there is no specific demand for different types this information is of no use for the Herb Collectors of this region. Whenever they have to use it as medicine they approach to the Traditional Healers for treatment. Later the Healers informed that there is specific stage and time for the collection of different types of Amarbel from different trees. They suggested me to visit for long time to discuss on this aspect in detail. Through recent surveys I collected many interesting information like this from the Herb Collectors of Narharpur region. I am giving details in present article.

As per demand they collect [[Doomar]e77821] plant parts specially fruits in bulk for the traders. While its collection they never miss to consume its tasty fruits. They are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Besides informing its well-known properties they added that these fruits are boon for the trouble of joint pain. Its regular use during season protects from such trouble round the year. It was new information for me. They informed about special herbal oil prepared from fruits of this tree. Matured fallen fruits are used as single ingredient to prepare this oil. It is considered useful for the patients having {{Epilepsy}g}. This oil is massaged on head, sole and palm of patients both during normal time and also during attack. Later the Healers of this region confirmed it and added that more herbs are used with Doomar fruits in order to increase performance of oil.  The Healers also use these fruits in treatment of spleen related troubles.

While collecting herbs there is always chance of bites of poisonous insects and other wild animals. This is the reason many Collectors always keep roots of [[Ankol]e366547] tree with them. These roots are used both internally as well as externally in treatment of such bites. Ankol trees are present in wild also. But it is not necessary that such bad incidences occur always near to this tree. The use of fresh roots is preferred but in case of unavailability dry roots are also used. The Healers of this region are also aware of this use. They have found it useful in case of rat as well as dog bite. Many senior Herb Collectors claimed that use of Ankol roots in form of {{Dataun}g} and swallowing of its juice during this process protects body from different blood related diseases. They consider it very useful for the patients having {{Sickle Cell Anaemia}g}. They have gained this knowledge from their ancestors. The Healers of this region showed surprise in this unique knowledge and assured me to try it in this way on their patients. I feel that attention from scientific community is required in this regard as modern experts are still searching ways to treat Sickle Cell Anaemia.

Beside forest herbs the Herb Collectors of this region are also aware of medicinal uses of trees present in {{Badi}g}. I have mentioned in previous research articles that as home remedy natives of different parts of Chhattisgarh use decoction of [[Jam]e1804] leaves for mouth related troubles. When they fail to get the desired effects they try other remedies or consult Traditional Healers for further treatment. The Herb Collectors of Narharpur region add whole herb of [[Akarkara]e10002] with Jam leaves in equal amount and prepare decoction. This decoction is used in same way i.e. in form of gargle. If they fail to get the effect then Fitkari is added in this decoction. As final herb they add leaves of medicinal herb [[Arusa]e7037] in it. They have found it very useful in case of ulcers due to poor digestion and also for toothache.

I found these Herb Collectors having expertise in collection of herbs growing in marshy regions. They are having rich knowledge about these herbs also. Many of them dare to enter in marshy region even during peak rainy season days. I am planning to organize a trip in coming rainy season for collection of marshy herbs and also different types of medicinal mushroom species with them.

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