Pankaj Oudhia’s Notes on Semecarpus anacardium, Linn. f. h.f.b.l, ii. 30, Roxb. 268. [Kirtikar, Kanhoba Ranchoddas, and Baman Das Basu. "Indian Medicinal Plants." Indian Medicinal Plants. (1918)]

Pankaj Oudhia’s Notes on Semecarpus anacardium, Linn. f. h.f.b.l,

ii. 30, Roxb. 268. [Kirtikar, Kanhoba Ranchoddas, and Baman Das Basu. "Indian Medicinal Plants." Indian Medicinal Plants. (1918)]

Pankaj Oudhia

Introduction

Based on Ethnobotanical surveys since year 1990 in different parts of India Pankaj Oudhia has documented vital information about Medicinal Plants mentioned in the famous publication by Kirtikar and Basu (1918). Through this research document Pankaj Oudhia has tried to present original document with additional notes. For complete paper with pictures, Interactive Tables, Video and Audio clips please visit pankajoudhia.com

For original publication by Kirtikar and Basu (1918) please visit https://archive.org/details/indianmedicinalp01kirt

331. — Semecarpus anacardium, Linn. f. h.f.b.l,

ii. 30, Roxb. 268.

Sans. : — Bhallataka, Arushkara.

Arab. :— Habbul-fahm.

Vers. : — Biladur.

Vern. :— Bhela, bhilaura (H.) ; Bhela, bhelatuki (B.) ; Bhallia

(Uriya) ; Konghi (Lepcha) ; Bhilavan (Dec.) ; Shenkottai, sheran-

kottai (Tarn.) ; Jidi-Vittulu (Tel.) ; Oherun kuru 'Mai.) ; Giru

(Kan.) ; Bibba (Bomb.) ; Bhiamu, (Guz.)

Eng. :— The Marking-Nut Tree.

N. 0. ANACARDIACEiE. 385

Habitat : — Tropical outer Himalaya, from Sirmoor to Sikkim,

and throughout the hotter parts of India, as far east as

Assam (absent in the Eastern Peninsula).

[Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: Semecarpus anacardium growing in different climate zones possess different medicinal properties.]

A handsome tree, 20-40ft. high ; deciduous, girth 4-6ft.

Bark lin thick, dusky grey ; wounds on bark yield a brownish

soft gum which dissolves slowly in the mouth. Wood ash-

coloured, reddish white or brown ; even, but open-grained ; full

of acrid juice, causing irritation and swelling. Leaves gener-

ally closely arranged at the extremities of the branchlets of

numerous spreading branches ; simple, alternate, very coriace-

ous, flat ; 9-30in. by 5-1 2in., cuneate, oblong or obovate-oblong,

rarely linear-oblong. Apex rounded, margins entire, cartilagin-

ous. Base rounded, cordate or cuneate ; surface opaque above,

slightly pubescent, especially when young, whitish or glaucous

and thickly pubescent beneath. Nerves 16-25 pair, stout,

slightly arched, pale whitly. Venation marked coarse on the

under surface. Petiole l-2in., densely puberulous ; small,

i-fin. diam., subsessile, fascicled in erect tomentose compound

terminal panicles. Bracts and bracteoles fugacious Estivation

imbricate. Female and Hermaphrodite flowers lfriin. long,

longer than the almost sessile male flowers. Calyx 5-fid. ;

segments deciduous. Corolla greenish white or greenish yellow;

petals 5, 3 or 4 times the length of Calyx, oblong, pointed at

the apex, inserted under the margin of the disk, sessile, glab-

rous, very spreading. Disk annular, broad, between stamens

and ovary. Stamens 5, alternate, inserted on the margins of

the disk ; imperfect or sterile in female flowers, equal, dis-

tinct ; filaments subulate from a somewhat dilated base, of the

length of petals. Anthers ovoid or elliptical, yellow. Ovary

free, sessile, one-celled, densely appressed, tawny, hispid.

Styles 3, divergent, incrassate. Stigma subclavate, shortly

2-lobed or retused . Ovules inserted at apex of the cell. Pen-

dulous from a basal funicle. Male flowers often on a separate

tree. Calyx and Corolla as in the hermaphrodite flower, but

smaller. Filaments 5, of the length of petals. Anthers much

larger than the hermaphrodites. Pistil absent or abortive.

Fruit, a drupe, lin. long, and about as broad or fin., ovoid,

49

586 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.

obliquely ovoid or cordate-ovate, with a slight obtuse notch on

either side under the apex ; unequally compressed ; slightly

convex in some parts, and quite plain in others ; cup fleshy,

orange-red, smooth, succulent, sweet, edible when ripe, formed

of the thickened disk and accrescent Calyx-base. Pericarp

smooth, shining, black, thick ; containing between the outer

and inner laminse roundish or oblong cells, full of corrosive

resinous juice. This juice is white when the fruit is young,

darkening on exposure to air. In the mature fruit, it is brown-

ish or perfectly black ; inner lamina hard, rugose, outer smooth,

leathery, less hard. Seed pendulous, with a swollen or umbil-

licate funicle (Lubbock).

Testa coriaceous, inner coat somewhat fleshy. Embryo

thick, milk-white. Plumule ovate-leaved, veined, conduplicate,

very thin. Cotyledons fleshy, thick, white, irregularly plano-

convex. Albumen absent. Radicle superior, minute, connate

with the apex of the cotyledons, always directed to the hilum.

Parts used: — The fruit.

[Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: All parts are used as medicine both internally as well as externally. For example Allelopathically enriched bark of this species is used in over 500 Traditional Herbal Formulations for treatment of different types of cancer. The Leaves with twigs are used in treatment of Hysteria by the Traditional Healers of Chhattisgarh and Orissa.]

Use : — In Hindoo medicine the ripe fruits are regarded as

acrid, heating, stimulant, digestive, nervine and escharotic, and

are used in dyspepsia, piles, skin diseases, nervous debility, &c.

(Dutt).

Mahomedan writers consider the juice of the pericarp to be

hot and dry, useful in all kinds of skin diseases, palsy, epilepsy

and other affections of the nervous system. Externally, it is

applied to cold swellings, such as piles (Dymock).

The Hakeems administer it for weakness of memory, epilepsy,

etc. They consider it to be injurious to the liver[Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: There are 300 herbs and herbal formulations used in Indian Traditional Healing to treat the cases of injury of liver due to this species.], inflames the

blood, and can produce melancholia, insanity, frenzy, etc.

(Honnigberger.)

The Telingee physicians use it as a specific in all kinds of

venereal affections (Roxburgh). A brown gum exudes from

the bark which the Hindus regard as a valuable medicine in

scrofulous, venereal and leprous affections (Ainslie). An oil

from the nut acts as a vesicant in rheumatism and sprains

(Ainslie).

N. 0. ANACARDIACE^. 387

In Goa, the nut is used internally in asthma after having

been steeped in butter-milk, [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: Use only under strict supervision of the Expert Traditional Healers] and is also given as vermifuge.

In the Concan, a single fruit is heated in the flame of a lamp

and the oil allowed to drop into a quarter-seer of milk ; this

draught is given daily in cough, caused by relaxation of the

uvula and palate. The juice of the root-bark is also used

medicinally on account of its acrid properties (Dymock).

The bruised nut is applied to the os uteri by the native women

to procure abortion [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: There are so many safer options available in Traditional Healing. Hence this use is not popular among the Healers.] (Ph. Ind). Basiner found that within 12

hours the brown oil of the nut raised a black blister ; this should

be carefully protected from touch, as the fluid causes eczematous

vesicles on any part of the body it may come in contact with.

He has also noticed painful micturition, the urine being reddish

brown and bloody, and painful stools, as a sequel to the

external application of the oil (Am. J. of Pharm., 1882,

Dymock).

" I have used the black, thick and acrid oil of the

marking-nut, prepared either by expression or with the aid of

heat, or the nut itself in the form of electuary, pretty extensively

in my practice, and found it so eflicacious in acute rheumatism [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: The expert Traditional Healers prefer mixing of other Medicinal Tree oils in order to reduce the harmful effects of Semecarpus oil.]

that it may be considered a specific in that disease. The drug

is also of great service in asthma, and more or less beneficial in

secondary syphilis[Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: It is less preferred by the Healers of present generation for treatment of secondary syphilis.], haemorrhoids, neuralgia, epilepsy,

anaesthesia, paralysis, lepra, psoriasis and a few other cutaneous

affections. Externally, the oil is a very cheap and pretty useful

counter-irritant, but requires great care and caution in its

employment [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: Agree. Please be careful]. It should not be applied much or continuously

to any part, but always in the form of parallel lines by means

of a long needle or wire. In very severe cases, these lines may

be crossed with other parallel lines in an opposite direction.

In either case, when the blister is risen, it should be pricked

and the serum allowed to dribble away ; and then the use of

poultices for two or three clays renders the part very clean and

fit to be dressed with simple dressing, carron oil or plantain

leaves. The nut is more useful in haemorrhoids in the form of

fumigation than the internal administration of its oil or

electuary ; but unfortunately its smoke is attended with bad

effects in some constitutions. Out of the two severe and painful

388 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.

cases of piles I treated with fumigation, one suffered from a

swelling on the face, chest and abdomen with an erysipelatous

blush ; while the other was quite free from all these symptoms.

Both, however, were much benefited by the remedy in one siting

Although T have not seen any case of bad effects from internal

use of the marking-nut, yet there is no doubt that it is an irritant

poison in a large quantity or overdose " (Moodeen Sheriff).

" Marking-nut is one of the few drugs which T have found

more or less useful in all the diseases for wich it is recommended

in Native and other medical works. These works, however,

speak of the usefulness of the drug in rheumatism in a very

casual manner and only as a local application ; but, according

to my own experience, it is, as an internal remedy, so useful

in the acute form of that disease that it deserves a special

attention. Used in full and repeated medicinal doses, the

relief it affords is very great and satisfactory, and I do not

hesitate in calling it a sovereign remedy in acute rheumatism.

It is certainly more sure and speedy in its action than salicylic

acid, salicylate of soda, colchicum, &c, and therefore the best

drug for the above complaint. The more recent and acute

the disease is, the more speedy and successful this meedicine

proves. Many of the patients suffering from acute rheumatism

who were brought to me in doolies or other vehicles, and who

were quite unable to sit or move without assistance, were able

from the use of the electuary or the acrid oil of this drug to

return to me walking on the 6th or 7th day after their first vist.

On a few occasions, again, I was pleasantly surprised to see

them walking lamely and coming to me on the very next or

3rd morning to say they were much better. In the latter case

the patients were all youths or very young men.

" With regard to the preparations of the marking-nut I have

described (electuary and acrid oil), there is no difference

between the therapeutic uses of them, particularly in the

treatment of acute rheumatism; but the patients generally

prefer the former on account of its very pleasant taste. The

number of the doses of these preparations I have generally used

in the 24 hours is 4, and the dose of both is the same, viz., from

N. 0. ANACARDIACE^. 389

one and a half drachm to two drachms and a half. In some

very severe cases, when the patients were very strong and

robust, the dose was increased to three drachms ; but the average

dose is two drachms, which is the one I have most frequently

employed in my practice. As soon as the patients are much

relieved and able to walk about to some extent without

assistance, I generally omit the drug and complete the cure with

milder or less active medicines, such as salicylate of soda,

colchicum, alkalines, and with stimulant embrocations.

" In chronic and muscular forms of rheumatism, however,

the marking-nut is not half as useful as it is in its acute variety,

and I am therefore unable to speak much in its favour in the

treatment of the former diseases. [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: It acts miraculously when used in combination of other medicinal plants. There are many harmful effects if used as single remedy.]

" Marking-nut is also a good therapeutic agent in asthma, but

the relief it affords in so small doses as those mentioned in some

books, is very slight. To secure its best effects in this disease

it should be used repeatedly and in doses similar to those

I generally employ in acute rheumatism. Gout is so rare

among the Natives of this country that I never had an

opportunity of using this drug in any well-marked case of that

disease during the last two years ; but from its great influence

over acute rheumatism ; I am almost sure that it will also

produce good results in the acute form of the former.

" There is a notion among the Natives of Southern India that

the internal use of the marking-nut is apt to produce sore mouth

or ptyalism, but I have never met with a single instance of

of these bad effects, though I have administered the drug in

many cases and in so large and repeated doses as those explained

above.

" During the employment of the marking-nut, either external-

ly or internally, the least appearance of a rash or redness of the

the skin, or an itchy or uneasy sensation in any part of the

body, should be considered as a sign of the bad effects of the

drug, and it should, therefore, be stopped immediately. Spiritus

ammonite aromaticus is to be freely administered, with some

demulcent drinks, such as infusum lini ; and some oil, olive or

cocoanut, should be constantly smeared over the affected part

390 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.

or parts. This is generally sufficient to check the above

symptoms ; but if they get worse and become more developed,

they must be treated with some other and stronger remedies

according to their nature" (Moodeen Sharif!).

In the Indian Medical Gazette for March 1902, Dr. Hem Chan-

dra Sen, Teacher of Materia Medica, Campbell Medical School,

Calcutta, published an interesting paper on the Therapeutics of

Semicarpus anacardium. According to him : —

"The oil has very powerful antiseptic properties, but is too

strong an irritant to be used medicinally for any such purpose.

* * e *

"The oil mitigated with butter or ghee (a dram of the oil 'to

four ounces of ghee) is used in scaly skin eruptions, e. g.,

psoriasis, etc. The affected part becomes softened with marked

rapidity and a normal condition returns. The strength may be

varied according to indications.

" This application also does good in leucoderma. [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: I have documented 1500 cases of Vitiligo successfully cured with the help of this species.] Sometimes

the fruits are fried in mustard oil, and the oil is used for this

purpose. The leucodermic spots show foci of fresh deposition of

pigments ; and, after a prolonged use, distinct change of color

is generally noticed.

* * * *

" The oil is irritant to the whole of the digestive tract, in big

doses. In medicinal doses, it increases appetite and powerfully

increases the secretions.

* m &

"Partly by its own direct stimulating action, and partly by

its powerful cholagogue action, it often acts as a purgative also.

$ y> *

" The kernel of this and of S. Occidentale has no irritant

properties at all. It tastes like almonds, and is a good nutritive

food. In fact, it is used in the preparation of sweetmeats in

some districts of India.

* * * *

" As a general alterative, it is often used to increase appetite,

t * The power of digesting fats is said to be enormously

increased. It is also a powerful carminative.

N. 0. ANACARDJACE^. 391

" In chronic enlargement of spleen, it can be used with ad-

vantage when there is no hepatic complication [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: “No Hepatic complication”-Please be sure before using it otherwise it can be even fatal.] of any marked

degree and fever.

" S. anacardium is a good cardiac tonic. Under its influence

many neurotic cardiac troubles are noticed to subside in a short

time. The rate of the heart beat is usually increased.

" The drug is a general respiratory stimulant. It has been

tried by me with success in several cases of pneumonia in the

Campbell Hospital, as well as in private practice. The condi-

tion generally improves within three or four days — an ounce

of the decoction (strength two drams of the bruised fruits to the

ounce), — once or sometimes twice a day having been used.

"If a fruit is heated in the flame of a lamp and a drop of the

oil allowed to drop in a pint and a half of milk, the milk can

be used successfully in relaxation of the uvula and cough,

especially in children. * • The potency of the drug in

asthma is very remarkable. The drug not only relieves the spas-

modic attacks, but also tends to cure the disease by prolonged

use. A course of treatment with the drug for a month or so,

in winter, is highly beneficial for asthmatics.

i-J $;J i]i i]j

" S. anacardium has a very pronounced action in subduing

all forms of neuritis. In peripheral neuritis, including beri-

beri, I have used the decoction with milk and ghee in gradually

increasing doses, with very satisfactory results.

•:•:• * * *

" In Sciatica, the drug often acts like a charm. The patients

feel relieved usually within 48 hours. A chronic case of Sciatica

* • recovered completely in a month, with the administra-

tion of the decoction in increasing doses.

* •:•:- * *

" The use of the drug in paralysis is especially noteworthy.

I have found the drug efficacious in both the spasmodic and

flaccid varieties of the disease. Several cases of paraplegia,

spastic and simple, and many others of hemiplegia with secon-

dary rigidity, have been successfully treated with the decoction.

* * " It is also one of the most powerful emmenagogues,

392 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.

and produces good effects in dysmenorrhoea. In inflammations

around the uterus (pelvic cellulitis and peritonitis) it has been

used with much benefit.

" S. anacardium is a powerful diaphoretic. It is very useful

in scaly skin diseases.

$ $ «

" It is believed by the Indians that if the drug betaken

internally in small, but gradually increasing, doses in the winter,

it makes one free from coughs and colds and senile degenera-

tions.

* # « $

" Winter is the best season for the use of S. anacardium. It

being a very heating remedy, its dose cannot be pushed to any

length in summer. [Pankaj Oudhia’s Comment: It can be used in summer also but with special diet having Indigenous Medicinal Rice and wild fruits.]

" I have been using this drug for more than six years, with-

out seeing any bad effect other than erythematous rash. In the

Campbell Hospital I have made many bed-ridden cases of

disseminated sclerosis walk about in the hospital compound.

As an alterative, it is very useful in secondary and tertiary stages

of syphilis.

" I have used it successfully in two cases of epidemic dropsy

of the legs recently."

Additional Information:

Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Bhelwa (Semecarpus anacardium, Family : Anacardiaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Although the villages having names like Bhelwadih, Bhelwapadar, Bhelwabhatha, etc., based on presence of this herb in abundance clearly indicates, the natural occurrence of Bhelwa, but I have seen it in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. According reference literatures, it is a herb found in dry deciduous and Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Chhattisgarh. Its English name is Marking nut because the black resin, obtained from pericarp of fruit, is used as marking ink to write on cloth. The washermen of Chhattisgarh still use the Marking nut, for this specific purpose. Bhelwa is one of the non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having fair demand in national and international markets. It has both industrial and medicinal uses. The herb traders of different regions informed me that there is more demand for the industrial purposes. The buyers at national and international levels are aware the presence of Bhelwa in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. These forests fulfill the annual requirement of many leading pharmaceutical companies of India. In different reference literatures, related to economic botany, Bhelwa is described as herb having many industrial uses.

According to these literatures, the vesicant juice known in trade as Bhilawan Shell Liquid (BSL) is obtained from Bhelwa nuts and is rich source of phenols. BSL also finds uses in manufacture of varnishes, lacquers, enamels, paints, water proofing and industrial materials. The chlorinated derivates of phenolic constituents of BSL are used as insecticides, antiseptics, termite repellents, mildew and moth-proofing agents and also for preparation of synthetic detergents, herbicides and fireproof plastics. Kernels yield semi-drying oil which is used as wood preservative against white ants and also as lubricant for wooden axels of carts. Nuts are also used as Tan. The common natives and herb traders of Chhattisgarh are not aware of these multiple uses and this is the reason they are supplying this herb at relatively very low rates to buyers at national level. Like other herbs, there are many middle men, active in this business. As mentioned early, the buyers at national and international markets are aware of its presence, they only purchase the raw material. In Chhattisgarh, there is not a single processing or value addition unit. The natives are supplying raw material at poor rates and purchasing the processed material at very high rates. The politicians always quote that 'Chhattisgarh natives are poor men belonging to rich land' but as usual nobody do anything in real sense to make these natives, the rich men belonging to rich land. Many innovative processors are eager to start their units in Chhattisgarh but due to lack of support, and encouragement they are unable to start these units. In fact, there is a lack of political will. Although natives are not aware of its industrial uses, but as medicinal herb Bhelwa holds a reputed position among them. For its internal uses the natives are dependent on traditional healers. It is one of the toxic nuts and overdose can cause even death. The natives use different parts of Bhelwa externally without any tension. It is one of the commonly used veterinary medicines. In trader, there is demand of fruits but for the natives and traditional healers all parts are valuable. The insecticidal properties of Bhelwa are reported but the farmers of Chhattisgarh are not using it for this purpose. Bhelwa is not under cultivation and it is also not in list of medicinal herbs, the government is promoting. In public herbal gardens, it is planted as specimen. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have found that the natives and traditional healers have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb.

Again it is a bitter fact that there is a lack of pharmaceutical establishment based on Bhelwa. The documentation part is also lacking. In present article, I am describing some traditional medicinal uses of Bhelwa, as noted during my surveys. This article is the first written document about this herb in Chhattisgarh and I am feeling proud to do this work. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literature, Bhelwa is a deciduous tree having height upto 10 meters (In Chhattisgarh, more taller trees can be seen); young branches, petiole, under surface of leaves and inflorescence tomentose. Leaves coriaceous above, margin entire, base rounded or cordate, petioles 1-4.5 cm long. Flowers greenish-yellow, sub sessile, in erect, terminal 12-30 cm long panicles. Pedicles accrescent, upto 1.5 cm long in fruits. Sepals long, ovate, acute, pubescent without. Petals 5, 2.5-4 mm long, ovate-triangular, acute. Drupes black on ripening, 2-2.5 cm long, ovoid or oblong. Flowering time May-Oct. whereas fruiting time December-March. According to Ayurveda, fruits are hot, digestible, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, and useful in treatment of ascites, skin diseases, piles, dysentery, tumours, fevers, loss of appetite, urinary discharges, ulcers, insanity, asthma, dental troubles etc. The rind is oleaginous, acrid, stomachic, laxative and cures bronchitis, leprosy, inflammations etc. According to Unani system of medicine, sweet fruit of Bhelwa is carminative whereas leaves lessen inflammation, stomatitis, piles, fever, weakness. It expels bad humors from body. The oil is hot, dry, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, tonic, makes hair black, good for leucoderma, coryza, epilepsy, other nervous diseases, paralysis, superficial pains etc. It causes burns, ulcers and blebs.

The traditional healers use the oil extracted from Bhelwa very frequently in treatment of many common diseases. The oil is extracted with the help of 'Patal Yantra'. I have described the detailed method in my previous articles on herbal oils. The natives are also aware of this use. In general, they do not extract the oil. For oil, they are dependent on the healers. The healers use the oil both internally and externally. Externally it is used in treatment of boils, wounds and skin troubles, alone or in combination with other herbs. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, mix Kattha in Bhelwa oil and use it externally to suppress the boils. The oil is also used in treatment of ringworm. Many healers informed me that the oil at recommended quantities can be added in soap during manufacturing process without any problem. According to them, this herbal soap is a boon for the patients having the problem of skin troubles. This is good information and is of great use for the new entrepreneurs, planning to establish herb business particularly the processing units in Chhattisgarh. Bhelwa oil is also considered promising in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine) The healers use it in different ways. In general, few drops off oil is applied, under supervision of the traditional healers, on opposite eye, of painful head. For example, if the pain is right sided, then oil is applied in left eye and vice-versa. According to healers, initially the application of oil produces burning sensation and irritation, after this tear flow starts and very soon the patients feel relief from intense headache. To avoid the burning sensation and irritation, the healers suggest the patients to apply few drops of ghee into the eyes, just before the application of Bhelwa oil. I interviewed the patients getting this treatment. They were satisfied with this treatment. The healers informed that regular use of this oil upto specific period, root out the problem of Adhasisi forever. In case of earache, as first aid remedy, the healers use Bhelwa oil with butter internally. Butter is added to reduce the same harmful effect. Under their strict supervision the traditional healers use this oil to treat stomach disorders. It is also used with milk as carminative. Two small drops of Bhelwa oil is recommended for the common cough and cold of small children. As other promising alternatives are available, the healers use this oil less frequently. But from documentation point of view, it is an important information. According to Unani system of medicine, the oil causes burns, ulcers and blebs, the traditional healers, aware of these bad effects, use different herbal combination to eliminate these effects. In burns, ulcers and blebs caused by Bhelwa, the healers apply the aqueous paste of Til (Sesamum indicum) and black soil externally. Like ghee or butter, the milk is also used externally, for same purpose. Many healers suggest the use of fruit pulp of Bahera (Terminalia bellirica)to reduce or eliminate the bad effects of Bhelwa. The traditional healers specialized in treatment of bone fractures, use Bhelwa frequently. They prepare a special sweet dish by frying the Bhelwa in ghee and suggest the patients to take it regularly till complete setting and healing. In my previous articles, I have written about the use of Hadjod in same way. The healers prefer Hadjod in comparison to Bhelwa. Besides the use of oil, as carminative, the traditional healers also recommend Bhelwa fruit with curd or Imli (Tamarind). To make the immature boil, mature the natives apply Bhelwa externally with Chuna (Lime). The natives of Sarguja region, take the fruits of Bhelwa and burn it in fire. They collect the oil coming out from the seeds, and use it internally with milk in order to suppress the cough. During my surveys in Pendra region, I got an information on use of Bhelwa, in case of lead poisoning. This is an important information. The healers of this region use Bhelwa, mostly in form of decoction, to flush out the poison. In case of hydrocele, the healers use the combination of Bhelwa and Haldi externally an affected parts to reduce the pain. The healers also use it as female tonic and use it in popular herbal combinations as important ingredient.

The in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about Bhelwa in Chhattisgarh clearly supports the recommendation that this herb should be promoted as potential herb in Chhattisgarh by conducting detailed and systematic research on every aspect i.e. From collection to marketing. The traditional healers and natives using Bhelwa as medicinal herb are eager to share the valuable information with interested researchers. I am collecting more information on this herb and in near future, I will write more on various aspects.

Thank you very much for reading the article

Citation:

Oudhia, Pankaj (2013). Pankaj Oudhia’s Notes on Semecarpus anacardium, Linn. f. h.f.b.l,

ii. 30, Roxb. 268. [Kirtikar, Kanhoba Ranchoddas, and Baman Das Basu. "Indian Medicinal Plants." Indian Medicinal Plants. (1918)]. www.pankajoudhia.com