Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Western Chhattisgarh.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Western Chhattisgarh.
Pankaj
Oudhia
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Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
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The traditional healers of Western Chhattisgarh use Aonla fruits (Phyllanthus emblica) in simple but promising way in treatment of diarrhoea. The fruits are collected and dipped in water. Few hours later, the softened fruits are crushed and with the help of Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum), many small globules are prepared. These globules are given internally as treatment. Aonla fruits of both natural and cultivated origin are available in this region. The healers use only wild fruits for medicinal purposes. In complicated cases, they prepare a special herbal combination by mixing Sonth (Dried Ginger), Saunf (Fennel) and Elaichi (Cardamom) in equal proportions. In general, a fistful of combination is given twice a day as treatment. In complicated cases, the healers also use a secret herbal combination in which Anar (Punica granatum) flowers, Kali Haldi (Curcuma caesia), Afeem (Opium), Neem bark, Haldi (Turmeric), Zeera (Cumin) etc. are added with fresh leaf juice of Bakain (Melia azadirach). This combination is very popular among the healers but healers do not disclose the complete formulation. They also prepare another herbal combination using Dhawai flower (Woodfordia fruticosa), Khair bark (Albizia lebbeck), Gondla (Cyperus rotundus), Bael fruit pulp (Aegle marmelos), Sonth etc. I am documenting these incomplete formulations with hope that in next visits, I will be able to win the confidence of these healers. One of the healers informed me about less known herbal formulation. In this formulation Dhania (Coriander), Gondla, Urai roots (Vetiveria zizinoides), Sonth and Bael fruit pulp are mixed in equal proportions. This mixture is boiled in water to prepare the decoction. This decoction is used internally in order to get rid from diarrhoea. The healers recommend the use of fresh decoction always.
In treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine), the traditional healers prepare a special combination by mixing Harra (Terminalia chebula) fruit stone, Gomchi (Abrus precatorius) seeds, Kali Mirch and Namak in equal proportions. The mixture is converted into powder and the patients having the intense headache are advised to inhale the smell coming from this combination. According to the healers, this treatment gives immediate relief. The senior natives of this region are also aware of this combination. This combination is used both curatively as well as preventive. During interactions, I got an information on unique herbal combination useful in treatment of Asthma. The healers collect the fresh latex of common wasteland herb Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) and dip, Wheat (Gahun) grains in it. The combination is kept as such for four days. After this duration, the seeds are dried in shade and put on fire. The ash is collected. This ash is given in combination with Gud (Jaggery) internally to the patients. The healers use it as both curative and preventive. According to them, any type of Asthma can be treated successfully with this combination. It is not wrong to name it as poor man's formulation. The healers consider the juice of Shaljam (Turnip), a boon for the patients having the problem of Chronic Cough. Sugar can be added in juice for taste. Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers of this region are also aware of medicinal uses of common soil. In treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy), they use Kali Mitti or Kanhar (Clay soil). The soil is soaked with Rose water (Gulab Jal) and patients are suggested to smell the soil. In treatment of Sujak (Gonorrhoea), the traditional healers prepare a special herbal combination. In this combination, Mehndi leaves (Lawsonia alba), Aonla, Zeera (Cumin), Dhania (Coriander) and Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) are mixed in equal proportions. The herbs are crushed into powder and the powder is mixed with water. This solution is kept as such over night. Next morning, decoction is prepared by boiling this solution. The decoction is given internally as treatment. The healers use the aqueous extract of Wheat seeds in same manner.
The rich traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs, the healers of this region have, is motivating me to visit this region more frequently. In my future visits, the secret formulations will not be the aim because I am aware that many healers who have transferred the knowledge to coming generation, never disclose the formulations to any other person.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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