Traditional medicinal knowledge about Aspidiotus glomeratus (Hemiptera : Diaspididae) feeding on Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version

Traditional medicinal knowledge about Aspidiotus glomeratus (Hemiptera : Diaspididae) feeding on Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version

Pankaj Oudhia

Introduction

Entomophagy and Entomotherapy are well known in Asia since generations. Unfortunately not much work has been done to document valuable Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Insects. Pankaj Oudhia is documenting this knowledge since year 1990. The present note is updated version of his previously published online research document available through pankajoudhia.com.

Keywords: Entomophagy; Entomotherapy; Medicinal Insects; Ayurveda; Chhattisgarh;

According to the reference literatures, Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) is a perennial grass under cultivation in many parts of India. Its dried roots are made into aromatic scented mats, fans and ornamental baskets and are also woven into curtains which when moistened, cool and scent the air. An essential oil, obtained from roots, is used in perfumery, cosmetics, soaps and for flavouring Shurbuts. The oil is stimulant, diaphoretic and refrigerant. The grass is also used in manufacture of paper and board. In Chhattisgarh, this grass is also used in manufacture of paper and board. In Chhattisgarh, this grass is well known. The dense forests are rich in natural population of Khas. It grows as wasteland herb in many parts. The natives and traditional healers have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. Although the wild population of almost all parts of Chhattisgarh is infested with Aspidiotus but its infestation is remarkably higher in Pendra and Bilaspur region. The traditional healers of these regions use this bug as folk medicine. Through the Ethno-entomological surveys conducted in these regions, I have collected valuable information on different aspects of this medicinal insect. The full fed bugs are used as medicine both internally as well as externally. For externally use the full fed bugs are collected and after drying converted into powder. In combination with Multani Mitti (Fuller's clay) the bug powder is used in form of aqueous paste in treatment of Migraine (Adhasisi). The aqueous paste is applied on affected parts and after drying washed with the help of water. According to the traditional healers, its repeated use helps in reducing the intense headache effectively in very less time. In treatment of painful swellings, the same combination is used. In treatment of painful boils, in this combination, Sida acuta leaves are added. This application absorbs extra heat from boils and suppresses it. The traditional healers of Pendra region informed that this bug powder is a promising blood purifier, if used internally. As other promising herbal alternatives are available, it is used less commonly by the healers. These traditional medicinal uses are very popular among the healers. This popularity clearly indicates its efficacy. The healers are not aware of its other medicinal uses. Through the on-going Ethno-entomological surveys, I am trying my best to gather more information on this important aspect. 

[New comments added on April, 2014: Through recent surveys I have collected information about over 300 Formulations in which Aspidiotus collected from Khas plays vital role. Although this bug is used in Traditional Entomophagy but it is less popular among the natives of young generations. As medicine Aspidiotus is added as secondary ingredient in Vanda, Fumaria, Paspalum, Tridax, Madhuca and Diospyros based Formulations. These Formulations are used internally for treatment of different types of Allergies. The Healers of North Chhattisgarh use Neem and Tribulus based solution to purify the bugs before use. In Ventilago based Formulations used for Osteoarthritis Aspidiotus is added as nonary ingredient. These Formulations are popular among the expert Healers. Old patients with poor vitality are not suggested to take these Formulations. The use of fresh bugs and freshly prepared Formulations are preferred but many Healers store it in bulk for round the year use. In Calotropis based Formulations Aspidiotus is added Septenary ingredients. These Formulations are used externally for treatment old wounds. When host plant Khas is used for treatment of Bleeding Piles these bugs are added in the Formulations in order to make it stronger. For complete Formulations and dosage please visit pankajoudhia.com]

In reference literatures, these traditional medicinal uses have yet not been reported. I personally feel that there is a strong need to conduct a systematic research on these traditional uses so that these can be used for the patients around the world. 


Thank you very much for reading the article.

Related References

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Citation

Oudhia, Pankaj (2014). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Aspidiotus glomeratus (Hemiptera : Diaspididae) feeding on Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version. pankajoudhia.com