Pankaj Oudhia on Ankol (Alangium): 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 treatment of cancerous wound the Traditional Healers of {{Durg}e} region try [[Ankol]e366547] seed oil as last hope when all available remedies fail to give the desirable effects. Ankol is well known tree in this region and the Healers as well as natives are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. They extract the seed oil at their homes for its use. Before collecting seed oil they select the actively growing trees and irrigate it up to long time with different herb extracts and leachate. Through this Traditional [[Allelopathic]g25170] Knowledge they enrich the seeds with medicinal properties. In treatment of cancerous wound when they observe positive effects of Ankol oil they add the seeds of another medicinal herb [[Kasturi Bhindi]e291] in it. Many of them prefer its oil. Oil is extracted by using traditional method. They wait for some time and in case of improvement, roots of medicinal herb [[Satyanashi]e3353] are added in this combination. Many of them boil the freshly collected roots in [[Sarson]e3846] oil and when all watery contents evaporate boiling is stopped and after filtration oil is collected. This oil is added with oils of Ankol and Kasturi Bhindi. After some time in order to hasten the process of wound healing bark on medicinal plant [[Hingot]e3608] is added. Freshly collected bark is collected and added in herbal combination in powder form. Most of the Healers depend on Herb Vendors for the collection of bark. They test its purity before using, as they are well aware of adulteration. As last herb roots of medicinal herb [[Isarmool]e371512] are added. They claim that addition of these herbs at different stages helps the patients to recover from trouble effectively in less time. What will happen if we add all herbs and use it as first remedy? The Healers have different opinions but most of them avoid any such experimentation and wish to practice this traditional knowledge without any modification.  After getting information about this unique sequence when I searched the reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in [[India]e103] I failed to get any information on this aspect. It is matter of proud that this information is coming among the world community in form of written document through present article. The senior Healers informed that in early days of war their ancestors were using this knowledge to treat the soldiers injured by poisonous arrows. Now this knowledge is helping the patients having cancerous wounds. Through recent interactions and discussions with the Traditional Healers of Durg region I collected many such important information. I am giving details in present article.

The Healers of this region use both common as well as rare herbs in treatment of different types of {{cancer}g}. These days '[[Wheat]e2114] grass therapy' is becoming popular among the natives of Indian Metros. The modern experts are suggesting cancer patients to use it as supplement treatment. The Healers of Durg region are also aware of it. It is locally popular as 'Jwara chikitsa'. According to the Healers this extract is beneficial for common natives not for the patients fighting with complicated diseases like cancer. For them they use extracts of other herbs. They informed about the unique use of young seedling juice of medicinal herb Ankol. Based on the condition of the patients this juice is given in specific amount. It is given many times in a day but its use is preferred during morning. The Healers raise the seedlings in their {{Badi}g} and give it to the patients approaching to them. In most of the cases patients are not informed about the name of herb. The Healers are much worried about commercial exploitation. Many Healers suggest its round the year use but the senior Healers informed that its use in rainy season when new seedlings appear in forest naturally, gives best results. They claimed that this juice is useful for external use also but as other promising alternatives are available the Healers use it less commonly in treatment of cancerous wound.  I am aware that from documentation point of view it is important information.  The Healers use another herb also for cancer patients. It is [[Gataran]e4003]. The decoction of its bark is given internally as tonic to such patients. According to them its use in limited quantity increases the natural resistance of body and increases the performance of main remedies. These traditional uses are also new information.

When for the first time I wrote an article on traditional medicinal uses of [[Cannabis]e17903]  in Botanical.com many readers raised objection that such information will encourage the users of this narcotic herb but it is matter of fact that in India this herb is used as medicinal herb and the reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India are full of information about its medicinal properties and uses. Its all parts are used internally as well as externally in treatment of many diseases both alone and in combination with other herbs. I have written a lot on its different aspects. The Traditional Healers of Durg region use its leaves in treatment of hair related troubles in combination with other herbs. In general they mix [[Bhengra]e5610] and Cannabis leaves in equal proportion and extract the juice. This juice is added in black soil and patients are advised to wash hairs with it. It is said as panacea to all hair related troubles. It promotes new hair growth and also very useful in treatment of dandruff. During surveys I got opportunity to meet and interact with the patients getting benefit from this combination.  Their encouraging responses motivated me to write about it without any delay. In reference literatures the use of Cannabis leaves for dandruff trouble has been mentioned but its use in combination with Bhengra and black soil in this way is new information. 

After trying all types of herbs and herbal oils for mosquito management the Healers of this region have prepared a new combination of different oils. They are adding 16 types of oils to prepare this combination. [[Peng]e372386], [[Karanj]e1781], [[Neem]e3581] and [[Kukronda]e3744] oils are added as main ingredients. This combination is having bit odd smell but it is effective as mosquito repellent. The Healers burn it during evening time when mosquitoes are active. They also give it to the [[cattle]e243652] owners to burn it in cattle shed. These days' mosquito bites are affecting milk production of indigenous cows to great extent. The Healers are aware that very soon this combination will start loosing its effectiveness. But they are ready for it. They are having over 20 types of new oils ready for addition. They will add it gradually in it. It is really matter of proud to work with such real scientists.

Without waiting for honor and recognition from civil society the Healers of Chhattisgarh are serving natives of the state as well as different corners of world. In fact they are waiting for new flush of youths interested in their knowledge so that they can transfer it to safe hands. Lets hope and pray that one day our society will understand their contributions.       

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