Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Dalli-Rajhara region.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Dalli-Rajhara region.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Through the recent interactions with the traditional healers of Dalli-Rajhara region of Chhattisgarh, I have collected a lot of new information on traditional medicinal uses of common herbs used in treatment of many diseases. I am thankful to Shri Jitendra Yadav for his great support during the visits. I am giving the details in present article.
In treatment of Lumbago, the traditional healers of this region use a specially prepared herbal combination. In this herbal combination Ajwain (Carum copticum), Methi (Fenugreek) and Karayl (Nigella sativa) seeds are used. All ingredients are crushed into powder and mixed in equal proportions. This combination is kept for future use. As treatment a pinch of combination is given internally twice in a day. The use is continued till complete cure. It is considered as one of the simple but promising treatments. All ingredients used in this combination are easily available. The healers further informed me that in case of complications they add more herbs in this combination to make it more promising. In winter season, due to dry air, when cracks occur on lips, the traditional healers suggest many remedies to get rid from it. The external use of cow ghee is most common recommendation. The healers also suggest the patients to use the aqueous extract of medicinal herb Baibirang (Embelia ribes) externally for the same purpose. The healers are also aware of use of Lauki (Lagenaria siceraria) fruit pulp in same manner. The treatment of throat related troubles, the traditional healers of this region prepare a special sherbet using sour juice of Shahtoot (Morus alba). The juice is extracted and mixed in Chashni (Syrup) to prepare the Sherbet. This Sherbet is very popular among the traditional healers. Although Mulethi is not a native to Chhattisgarh but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are well aware of its medicinal properties and uses. The healers of Dalli-Rajhara region, use Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in combination with Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) in treatment of Chronic cough. By mixing both herb parts, small globules are prepared. The patients are advised to take these globules twice a day in order to get rid from this trouble. In treatment of Dyspepsia, the healers of this region use many herbal combinations. Harra (Terminalia chebula) is used as main ingredient in these herbal combinations. In simple cases, the healers prepare a combination of Harra fruit and Namak (Salt) in 3:1 ratio and give it internally as treatment. They also prepare a herbal combination having Laung (Syzygium aromaticum), rock salt, Pipal (Piper longum) Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum), Sonth (Dried Ginger), and Gulab Phool (Rose flower) and use it for the same purpose. In treatment of Stomachache, they prepare a herbal combination by mixing Balck Til (Sesame seeds), Ajwain, Harra and Namak. This mixture is converted into an aqueous paste with the help of Sirka (Vinegar). This aqueous paste is applied externally around the umbilicus to get rid from the intense pain. The senior natives of this region are also aware of this use.
The traditional healers informed about the use of many common herbs in treatment of Leprosy. They use different parts of Neem in different ways. I got information on use of different parts of Neem in unique way. The healers collect the Neem flower, Fruit and bark and mix it in equal proportion. Equal amount of Gud (Jaggery) is also added. The mixture is mixed in water in 1:25 ratio. The solution is kept in earthen pot and after covering its mouth, the pot is buried inside the soil upto two months. The pot is buried under the Neem tree. After this duration, the solution is filtered and in little doses given internally in treatment of Kodh (Leprosy). Very few healers are aware of this unique use. They are known as expert in treatment of Leprosy. The healers also consider the decoction of Jhau (Tamarix aphylla) roots promising in treatment of Leprosy. It is considered a boon for the patients having Leucoderma. In normal cases, the healers of this region use Mehndi leaves (Lawsonia alba). The leaves are boiled in water to prepare the decoction. The decoction is given with Shahad (Honey) as treatment.
A new lot of information on traditional medicinal uses, is encouraging. I have noted that the informal surveys not only saves the expenses but also saves time.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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