Traditional medicinal knowledge about Multani Mitti (Fuller's earth) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about Multani Mitti (Fuller's earth) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Multani Mitti is not a native soil to Chhattisgarh, but the traditional healers and natives use this soil, both internally as well as externally in treatment of many common diseases. Some Experts say that it has introduced in Chhattisgarh with the Sindi community as this soil is popularly used by this community. But the traditional healers say that the traditional medicinal knowledge about Multani Mitti is very old in Chhattisgarh. The herb collectors and traders confirmed this by showing the old registers in which the details of their trade since the start of century are mentioned. Through the surveys among the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, I have collected many important information on traditional uses of Multani Mitti in Chhattisgarh. I am giving the details in present article. According to reference literatures, Multani Mitti is a non-plastic type of Kaolin, containing aluminium magnesium Silicate. Its chemical compostition is SiO2 55%, Al2O3 16 %, CaO 3.5%, MgO 2.0%, Fe2O3 6%, water 10%. Its another name is Floridin. The native of Chhattisgarh use Multani Mitti alone or in combination with other herbs, externally in face care. According to them it improves complexion and removes oiliness. Like Kali Mitti (Black Clay), the natives use Multani Mitti to wash the hairs in place of chemical based Shampoo but its regular use makes the hairs very dry and rough. According to the traditional healers, the addition of herbs reduces its harmful effects. During pregnancy, the women eat the raw soil with the belief that it will make the complexion of new borne fair. Although scientifically it is not proven but the deep faith of natives is enough to prove its usefulness. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the patients having skin troubles to apply the Multani Mitti on body and after drying wash it during bath. It is used in combination with Neem leaf juice.
Internally, the traditional healers use Multani Mitti very carefully because they are aware that its overdose may result in damage to intestines. According to them, its overdose produces swelling inside the intestines. The healers use it internally in treatment of Cholera. It is used as popular remedy to stop the vomiting. The healers of Southern Chhattisgarh informed me that is regular intake upto long time in small doses, develops natural resistance inside the body and specially beneficial for respiratory troubles.
Through the on-going surveys I am trying my best to gather more information on traditional uses of this soil in Chhattisgarh. I will write the results in future articles.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
Related References
Please visit
Comments