Some less known and unique uses of common herbs : Recent Interactions with the herb vendors of Chhattisgarh, India.
Some less known and unique uses of common herbs : Recent Interactions with the herb vendors of Chhattisgarh, India.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Related References
Please visit
The search for human pheromones are still in progress but the herb vendors informed that the combination of Asgandh roots (Withania somnifera) and Hartal (Please see previous article on Hartal for more details) converted into aqueous paste with the help of Kela (Banana) fruit juice, can be used to attract (or more clearly to hypnotize) the common people. This paste is applied externally on forehead. I am not aware about its efficacy but I have seen many vendors adopting this technique to attract the herb buyers. Is it attract the person of opposite sex? The herb vendors replied, it attracts all, irrespective to the sex. The natives having mental tension are advised by the vendors to wear a locket having Asgandh roots. In this locket, blue string is used. The vendors have specific day for this purpose. They do all such activities only on Thursday. I have written a lot on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal combinations used by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, in treatment of Alopecia, in my previous articles. The herb vendors informed about the new but promising herb. In blank (Hairless) spots, they suggested the use of Anar leaf juice. This juice must be applied twice a day. They claimed that in majority of cases, you will find the new growth of hairs. Anar (Punica granatum) is common herb in Chhattisgarh having medicinal and religious importance. The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh never miss the chance to visit the Bar (Ficus benghalensis) tree rich areas on Wednesday. They observe the prop roots minutely and mark the roots approaching the ground on next day (Thursday). On next day, early morning they visit the same place again and after little worship collect the roots. The rich natives give good price for these roots. It is common belief among them that the presence of the roots in Tijori (Cash box) increases the incoming wealth many folds. There is no test that can differentiate the roots collected on Thursday, with the roots collected on other days. The rich natives have deep faith on herb vendors and the presence of herb vendors around Bar rich areas in Wednesday is a proof of their sincerity. I have mentioned in previous articles about the use of Bhengra (Eclipta alba) to dye the hair black, by the natives of Chhattisgarh. The herb vendors informed about the Bhengra based new formulation to increase the effective period of hair colouration. They suggest to prepare a solution by mixing immature Ama (Mango) fruits, Til (Sesame) Oil and Bhengra herb, keep this solution in earthen pot and after covering its mouth, burry it inside the soil for 6 months. After this duration, it is applied on hair to get more permanent results. The herb vendors showed me the Neem bark in their herb stock and informed that the aqueous paste prepare from this bark is a boon for the patients having the problem of joint pains. The inner bark of Neem tree is used for this purpose. According to them, it reduces the pain immediately and its regular application root out the trouble. The herb vendors further informed that they mix the Masoor seeds (Lentil) and Neem leaves in 1:2 ratio and consume this combination upto one month in any part of the year. They claimed that this combination acts as repellent to snake and in rare cases of snake bite, protect life by nullifying the effect of poison.
In treatment of Diabetes, the herb vendors suggest the patients to try the combination of Mehndi (Lawsonia alba) leaves and cow milk. The juice and milk are added in 2:1 ratio and taken internally twice a day. For issueless couples, the herb vendors keep the dry pods of Dhanbaher (Cassia fistula). The pods are burnt and ash is collected. The patients are advised to take the ash with cow milk for promising results. In previous articles, I have mentioned the platters (Pattals) prepared by Pipal (Ficus religiosa) leaves, are a boon for the patients having mental troubles. The hot rice is served in these platters and patients are advised to consume the rice having the effects of Pipal platters. The herb vendors suggest the natives having poor vitality to use the platters of Parsa (Butea monosperma) leaves in same manner. According to them, its regular use develops natural resistance inside the body.
You can not imagine the treasure of traditional knowledge, the herb vendors of Chhattisgarh are having, by seeing them in one look. Like the senior natives, traditional healers, and herb collectors, they are true Heroes. Their presence in natural forests and in our society ensures us that we are safe.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
Comments