Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Bilaspur region.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India : Recent interactions with the traditional healers of Bilaspur region.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
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In treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine), the healers of this region use many herbs and herbal combinations both internally as well as externally. The healers mix the Piaz (Onion) juice and Mahua (Madhuca latifolia) seeds in equal proportion. The few drops of solution are applied into the nostrils. If the pain is in right side, the drops are applied in right nostrils and vice-versa. The healers use this solution during attack to provide relief from pain. The healers informed that in normal cases, they use the fine powder of Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) in combination with cow ghee for the same purpose. Externally many healers use the aqueous paste prepared by rubbing Binaula (Cotton seed) in stone with the help of water. The use of aqueous paste of Andi (Ricinus communis), Sonth (Dried Ginger), and Ajwain (Carum copticum), prepared by mixing all herbs in equal proportion, is also in practice. The paste is applied in same manner. In complicated cases, the healers mix the Kalounji or Karayal seeds (Nigella sativa) and Zeera (Cumin) in form of aqueous paste to reduce the intense pain. In general, the healers suggest the patients having the problem of Migraine, to take the combination of Mehndi seeds in combination with Shahad (Honey). Before mixing, the seeds are converted into fine powder. Mehndi (Lawsonia alba) is a common herb in this part of Chhattisgarh. For the treatment of excessive sleep, the healers use Kali Mirch in unique way. The fruits are crushed into fine powder and in combination with cow saliva (Lar), applied inside the eyes. Why the saliva of Cow? Why not the saliva of other animals? Unfortunately, they have no explanation. They also suggest the patients to smell Sirka (Vinegar) to get rid from this problem. The healers of this region suggest the patients having the problem of Lakwa (Paralysis) to take the combination of Sun seeds (Crotolaria juncea) and Shahad (Honey) upto 15 days in order to get early relief. This combination is given as supplement to main treatment i.e. massage through herbal oils. For the patients having the problem of poor digestion, the healers of this region prepare a herbal combination using Kala Namak (Black salt), Amari Bhaji (Rumex sp.) Ajwain (Carum copticum), Laung (Clove) and Kali Mirch. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and small globules are prepared. These globules are given twice a day as treatment. I have mentioned the use of Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) seeds as sex tonic in combination with other herbs and also cow milk. The healers of this region informed that the combination of Kevatch seeds and milk is a boon for the patients having Diabetes. They suggest the use of immature seeds to get the more promising results.
I have tested the efficacy of many of the above mentioned formulations and found it promising. Many of these uses have yet not been reported in reference literatures I am confident that my documentation work will help the scientists engaged in preparation of database regarding Indigenous knowledge.
Thank you very much for reading the article.
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