Pankaj Oudhia on Shilaras, Loban and Kasturi: 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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[[Kala Agar]e3302] 9 parts, [[Khas]e2144] 2 parts, [[Nagarmotha]e856] 4 parts, [[Tagar]e17405] 2 parts, [[Ami Haldi]e5057] 2 parts, [[Chandan]e9546] 18 parts, [[Gulab]e1871] Kali 2 parts, [[Guggal]e366275] 2 parts, [[Loban]e10156] 4 parts, [[Shilaras]e3783] 18 parts, [[Kasturi]e352685] 1 part, [[Maida Lakdi]e375171] 9 parts, Gud and [[Bans]e3616] ki seenk - I got this complete information along with {{Agarbatti}g} packet from my friend from North [[India]e103]. According to him this Agarbatti is home made and it purifies the air. These days I am need of pure air. Few months back I was in {{Raigarh}e} region to conduct [[study on impact of sponge iron plants on biodiversity of the region]t735]. At that time the green forest covered with thick layer of black dust (I named it as [[Black forest]i95729]) shocked me a lot and motivated to work on this aspect throughout this life. Now this pollution has reached to my doorstep. In capital city of {{Raipur}e} when we see our sole, we found it complete black. Black dust is coming inside our houses silently and we are unable to do anything. Seeing this situation my friend presented me this special Agarbatti having capacity to purify air. I searched the reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India and found that this formulation is mentioned in many places. Although I received it as gift but I am aware this formulation is having many costly ingredients. Many ingredients are rare and it is not possible to make it in {{Chhattisgarh}e}. As I always do, I decided to show it to the Traditional Healers of different regions and get their comments. After detailed surveys I got interesting information. I am giving details in present article.

The Traditional Healers of {{Kanker}e} region thanked me for this gift and added that Kasturi is not available with them. They suggested the addition of locally available aromatic herb [[Kasturi Bhindi]e291] in place of Kasturi obtained from Musk Deer. Although Maida trees are available in this region but due to over collection the natural population is in danger. This is the reason its collection is banned by the state authorities. The senior Healers informed that in early days they were using Maida for preparing different types of Agarbatti. They still remember the miraculous effects of Agarbatti prepared for the patients having mental troubles. In early days they were using Maida bark as food during religious fast. Herbal Tea prepared from this bark is considered as boon for the natives having obesity. It reduces fat without any side effects. Both Agar and Tagar are also not available in this region. For air purification they suggested Agarbatti having Motha, [[Neem]e3581] leaves, [[Bach]e2779] leaves, [[Kukronda]e3744] leaves and Kasturi Bhindi as main ingredients. They use it during rainy days in order to repel away the flies. All these herbs are available in surroundings without paying any cost. I feel that it is its effect due to which it is still popular among them.   

The Healers of {{Bagbahera}e} region also showed the same response. They prepare Agarbatti having Neem, [[Bhirra]e4516], [[Dikamali]e375678], [[Van Tulsa]e6851], Kukronda, Motha and Bach rhizome powder as main ingredients. They are aware that the fumes purify the air. That is why it is burnt in patient's room. It is also used to repel away mosquitoes but they accepted that mosquitoes develop resistant power very soon to such natural products. They are having six formulations for mosquitoes. They use it in rotation. Possibly to confuse the mosquito population. 

Modern Agarbatti having synthetic chemicals added for sharp odor in fumes irritates many people especially to {{Asthma}g} patients. But they have no choice. In religious ceremonies perfumed Agarbatti are used quite commonly.   The Healers of {{Durg}e} region claim that the Agarbatti prepared by them are beneficial for respiratory system and especially useful for the patients having respiratory troubles.  They prepare twelve types of Agarbatti using over 35 types of aromatic herbs. Khas locally known as Urai, [[Kukronda]e3744], Dikamali, [[Sarai]e9747] Gond, [[Datura]e306951], Bach, [[Lemon grass]e841], Van Tulsa, [[Tulsi]e243683], [[Nimbu]e714], [[Adusa]e7037] etc. are these ingredients. They accepted my gift and said without any delay that it is Agarbatti for rich natives by knowing its ingredients.

During interaction with the Traditional Healers of {{Bastar}e} region I got information about different types of aromatic tubers used to prepare such Agarbatti. They showed me tubers but I failed to identify it in terms of botanical names. In place of Agarbatti they prefer use of raw herbs. During different religious and social ceremonies they burn the herbal combinations. They confirmed that such combinations are having capacity to kill harmful germs and purify the air.

None of above-mentioned Agarbatti are available as commercial product in market.  I noted during surveys that senior Healers are having much faith on it as compared to young Healers. These traditional products are becoming less popular in rural and forest region due to efficient marketing by the companies engaged in manufacturing of routine Agarbatti. These products are available in attractive packets.  In small village of Durg region when I presented the traditional Agarbatti to village head, he showed surprise. He burnt it and appreciated its aroma. He got information about it through me. I collected it from the Healer of same village. This example shows our ignorance towards treasure spread around us. In Chhattisgarh hundreds of self-help groups are active. I feel that these groups must promote traditional products among common people. These groups must not become the target of multi national companies as easy way to reach into rural market through them.

As I always write that there is need to make aware the rural youths about these traditional products. There must be facilities by the authorities for the interested youths eager to start Agarbatti making units. The support of authorities is required in marketing of these products, at least at initial stage. I feel that this is one the steps through which we will be able to avoid large-scale migration of rural youths to different parts of India in search of good job. Am I wrong?

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