Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Dondi-Lohara region.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Dondi-Lohara region.
Pankaj
Oudhia
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© Pankaj Oudhia
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The traditional healers of Dondi-Lohara region use the seeds of Amli (Tamarind) in treatment of Gonorrhoea (Sujak). The seeds are collected and dipped in water upto four days. After this duration, the seed coat is removed from the softened seeds and seeds are converted into aqueous paste. Sugar is added in this paste. This combination is given a shape of small globules. The healers keep these globules with them for future use. When the patients having the problem of Gonorrhoea approach to them, they give these globules. The healers use these globules as supplement treatment to main treatment. In general, two globules are given twice a day. Amli is a common medicinal tree in this part in Chhattisgarh. The herb collectors collect different plant parts of Amli in bulk to supply it to the traders. The healers of this region use many herbs and herbal combination in treatment of Safed Dag (Leucoderma) both internally as well as externally. Through the recent interactions I got new information. The healers prepared a herbal combination by mixing Kurru Gond (Sterculia urens) and Shahad (Honey) and apply this combination externally on white spots. It is considered as promising treatment. The healers of this region have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs recommended for the childless couples. They suggest such couples to use the flowers of Black Dhatra (Datura sp.) The flowers are given internally in combination with Shahad and Cow ghee. The female patients are advised take a fruit pulp of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) and mix it with own milk. Keep the combination inside the vagina to serve the purpose. The healers also suggest the couples to consume a of fistful of Ajwain (Carum copticum) seeds daily for this purpose. I have got opportunity to interact with the successful couples. Now they are fan to both herbs and the traditional healers. To hasten the process of delivery, the healers of this region use the fruit pulp of Karanj externally. The pulp is applied on ankles and washed immediately after the safe delivery. Karanj is a well known medicinal tree in this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers also suggest pregnant woman to eat Hing (Asafoetida) in little quantities and burn the human hairs and inhale to fumes coming from it, in order to get quick and safe delivery. For abortion, the healers of Dondi-Lohara use the seeds of Gajar (Carrot) and Methi (Fenugreek). Both seeds are converted into powder and mixed in equal proportion. The mixture is boiled in water and when half quantity (of initial quantity) water remains the boiling is stopped and decoction is given internally. According to the healers, its regular use upto two weeks serve the purpose efficiently.
The healers prepare a special decoction by boiling the seeds of Saunf (Fennel) and Ajwain in water. This decoction is considered as a boon to the patients suffering from Ascites. The Saunf and Ajwain seeds are mixed in equal proportions. In treatment of Enuresis, a common trouble in small children, the healers use the ash of Goat horn in combination with Shahad (Honey) internally. According to them, the patients get rid from this trouble in two-three doses.
I have yet not surveyed this part of Chhattisgarh extensively. The valuable information's are motivating me for the detailed surveys. I will write more after these proposed surveys.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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