Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Kondagaon region.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases, in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Kondagaon region.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Through the recent interactions with the traditional healers of Kondagaon region, I have collected many valuable information on traditional uses of common herbs. I am giving the details in present article.
The healers informed about the use of common herb Van Nil (Indigofera species) in treatment of Bavasir (Piles). The healers prepare a herbal oil by boiling leaves in base oil. As base oil Til (Sesamum seed) oil is used. The leaves are boiled in base boil and when all watery content evaporates, boiling is stopped and oil is stored for future use. The patients having the problem of Bavasir are suggested by the healers to apply the oil twice a day on anus. It is considered as one of the promising treatments and within a week the patients feel great relief. The healers of this region have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Diarrhoea. The healers use the Supari (Betel nut) in combination with Dahi (Curd) in treatment. The combination is given internally and its use is continued till complete cure. In normal cases, they use the leaves of Anar (Punica granatum). The juice is extracted from young leaves and given internally as treatment. Anar is well known herb in this part of Chhattisgarh. It is planted in home gardens for its delicious fruits having great medicinal properties. The healers are also aware of use of Lasora (Cordia dichotoma) leaves in treatment. The leaves are crushed with the help of stone and by adding water, an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is converted into small globules. These globules are used at initial stages. In complicated cases, they use the leaves of Boir (Zizyphus species) in combination with Zeera (Cumin). The combination is used in form of small globules. The healers suggest the patients having poor digestion and a problem of Diarrhoea round the year, to use a special herbal combination. In this combination, they mix Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) seeds, Kattha (Acacia catechu), and Bael (Aegle marmelos) fruit pulp in equal proportion. According to the healers, its long term use root out the trouble for ever. All ingredients are commonly available in nearby forests. In general, the healers do not disclose this formulation to the patients. The healers use the seeds of vegetable crop Mooli (Radish) in treatment of Diarrhoea. The seeds are roasted and converted into powder. The combination of powder and Shahad (Honey) is given internally as treatment. It is given at initial stages. It is common observation that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also keep the fruit stones of many herbs in bulk with them. They use these stones during off-season in different herbal combinations. The traditional healers of Kondagaon region informed that like the old rice, wine and Gud (Jaggery), the old fruit stones of Ama (Mangifera indica) and Chirai Jam (Syzygium cumini) are also very valuable. They use the fruit stones of these medicinal trees in combination with other herbs in treatment of complicated cases of Diarrhoea.
In treatment of Joint pains, the traditional healers of this region use the leaves of Munga externally. The leaves are boiled in water and lukewarm and softened leaves are applied on painful parts as treatment. I have mentioned in previous articles that the healers of many parts of Chhattisgarh use the leaves of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) in same manner. Munga (Moringa oleifera) is well known tree in Chhattisgarh. The healers are also aware of use of Maida wood powder in treatment of Joint pains. The powder is boiled in water and thick decoction is applied externally on painful joints. Maida (Litsea sp.) Is a rare but valuable medicinal tree in this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers informed about the use of Jhau bark (Tamarix aphylla) as birth control measure. They suggest the natives to drink the decoction of Jhau bark with Gud, before intercourse. This use is popular among the healers.
I have got more information than a routine survey, through these informal interactions. No matter, whatever the methodology was, the great thing is that I have collected many valuable information for documentation.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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