Traditional medicinal knowledge about Atis (Aconitum atees) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about Atis (Aconitum atees) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
As a student of Homoeopathy, I am aware of promising medicinal properties of Aconite napellus as Homoeopathic drug. I am also aware that Atis is not found in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. It is Himalayan herb. But during the discussion with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh when the word Atis came, I got surprising information that many traditional healers of the state are not only aware of its medicinal properties and uses but also using it in their routine practice. Later, I found this herb with herb vendors and at local herb shops. Surprisingly, the traditional healers are using Atis in combination with local medicinal herbs. And according to them, the combinations of Himalayan and Chhattisgarh herbs are not their discovery. They are just practicing the traditional knowledge. The herb vendors and the owners of local herb shops confirmed that, the herb Atis is in their list since time immemorial. Through the interactions with these healers, I have collected some rare uses of Atis in Chhattisgarh. I am giving the details in present article.
The traditional healers purchase the dry roots from shops in the name of Atis. They use it in powder form. They are aware of the fact that overdoes can cause great problems. The traditional healers use Atis in complicated cases of Diarrhoea. They use it in combination with Sonth (Dried Ginger) and Gondla (Cyperus sp.). All ingredients are mixed and by boiling it in water, decoction is prepared. This decoction is given internally to the patients. The treatment is continued till complete cure. The healers informed me that in this combination, Sonth and Gondla roots also play an important role. The traditional healers of Mudpar village informed me about the use of Atis in combination with Kutki (Holarrhena antidysenterica) and Indrajau (Wrightia tinctoria). The bark of Kutki and Indrajau are used. This combination is a boon for the patients having liver related troubles. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region informed that Atis powder in combination with Shahad (Honey) is promising in treatment of respiratory troubles but as other promising and cheap herbs are available, they use this combination less frequently. They are also aware of use of decoction prepared by boiling Atis, Giloi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Sonth (Dried Ginger) in water. The decoction is used in treatment of troubles related to digestive system.
The traditional healers are aware of adulteration in Atis available in local markets. But they have no other option. Like the testing of other herbs, unfortunately they have no indigenous method of testing its purity. The delayed action of Atis based herbs clearly indicates the adulteration, the healers informed. Although the traditional healers of BhopalPatnam and Gandai-Salewara regions claim that Atis is present in natural forests but is occurrence is very rare. I have yet not seen it in natural forests. When I showed them its coloured picture, they replied with confidence, that this herb is present in forest. I am trying to confirm it at my level. I have seen this herb in home gardens of many Homoeopaths in Chhattisgarh. They have planted it just for show. Most of them, have brought it from Himalayan region. With the help of innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh, we have tried this herb through small level field trials but failed to get satisfactory growth.
I experience mix feelings when I document the traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs that are not native to Chhattisgarh. I have no doubt on the claims of healers that Atis is present in natural forests. It is a matter of time. If it is present in our forests, then it is good news for the traditional healers using it in their routine practice. Now, they can get pure material.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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