Pankaj Oudhia's Research Documents on Biodiversity and Traditional Healing. Part-13

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Bel or Bael (Aegle marmelos syn. Crataeva marmelos) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Bel is an important non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. The forests of all parts particularly the dense forests of southern part of Chhattisgarh are rich in natural population of Bel. As non-wood forest produce, all parts of Bel is collected and supplied to the traders at national and international drug markets. There is a fairly high demand of Bel fruits. Bel is an essential herb in home gardens. not under cultivation at commercial level as horticultural crop. Dhamtari, a city situated 70. kms. far from Raipur, is famous market for naturally collected Bel herb. During season, several truckloads of different parts of Bel herb are supplied to traders at Kolkata city every week. The traders at national and international drug markets are well aware of natural occurrence of Bel in Chhattisgarh. For the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh, Bel is a valuable herb. They use the Bel in different worship ceremonies as offering. The natives prefer to plant atleast one Bel tree in their homes because it is common belief among them that the presence of this tree in home gardens make them prosperous and healthy for ever. In order to root out the bad effects of other herbs in home gardens, the natives also plant this tree. In ancient Indian literatures it is mentioned that one should offer the Bel leaves to the Lord Sun (Surya Devta) to make him happy. It is also mentioned that the Lord Sun likes the flowers of Kaner (Nerium sp.) but one Bel leaf is having more potential as compared to thousand Kaner flower. The natives are aware of this information. The natives having financial problem, perform special worship. In this special worship, the Bel leaves are offered to the fire, with uttering of mantras. Common names of Bel Languages / regions Names 1. Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese Bael 2. Gujarati Bili, Bel 3. Kanarese Bilva, Belpatra, Malura 4. Sanskrit Bilva, Shivadruma, 5. Malayalam Maaredy 6. Oriya Belo 7. Tamil Vilvam 8. Urdu Bel 9. English Bael Tree, Bengal Quince. The natives always keep the roots (collected on special occasion) with them during travel. In this article, at first I will describe its botany and reported medicinal uses and after this description, I will write on traditional medicinal knowledge about Bel in Chhattisgarh. According to reference literatures, bell is a slender, aromatic tree having height upto ten meters; stem somewhat fluted bole of 3.0-4.5 meters, branches armed with straight, sharp, axillary, 2.5-3.0 cm long thorns; Bark soft, corky, light grey or grayish yellow, aromatic, exfoliating in irregular flakes; Leaf trifoliate, oftenly digitately five-foliolate; leaflets ovate or ovate-lanceolate, lateral sessile, terminal long petioled; Flower large, greenish white, sweet scented, in short axillary panicles, more or less smooth Fruit globose, grey or yellowish, about twenty cm in diameter, rind woody; Seed numerous, oblong, compressed, embedded in sac with orange coloured, sweet pulp. As medicinal herb, Bel holds a reputed position in all system of medicine in India. As medicine, roots, root barks, leaves, flowers and fruits are used. According to Ayurveda, root cures fevers, abdominal pain, heart palpitation urinary troubles, hybochondriasis, melancholia whereas leaves are astringent, digestive, laxative and febrifuge. Leaves are useful in treatment of ophthalmia, deafness and inflammations; Flowers allay thirst and vomiting. Unripe fruits are oily and cures pain and dysentery whereas ripe fruits are acrid, appetiser, binding, tonic, febrifuge and useful in many common diseases. According to Unani system of medicine, ripe Bel fruit is hot, dry, tonic, restorative, astringent and laxative. It is good for lung, heart and brain. Like Herbal glasses for diabetes and heart troubles, the traditional healers also prepare the herbal glass using Bel wood. The knowledge of Bel wood to prepare herbal glasses is restricted to very limited traditional healers and this unique knowledge is not transferred to new generations. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the herbal glass prepared from Bel wood is useful in treatment of stomach related troubles. It is recommended for persons of all age groups. For children, the small glass is prepared. The use of Bel Herbal glass is not reported in available literatures and this article is a first written document describing this use in detail. Two types of Bel herbal glasses are available in Chhattisgarh. Many natives aware of this use, purchase the Bel wood, give it to local carpenters and with the help of lath machine they carve the wood in shape of glass. The natives fill water in this glass at night and next morning drink the leachate empty stomach. In general, they use this glass during rainy season when stomach troubles are common. The carpenters of the state are aware of these glasses and they take very less charge for preparation of glasses. A small survey was conducted to find out the popularity of different herbal glasses among natives. My NGO, SOPAM (Society for Parthenium Management) conducted this survey in all district of Chhattisgarh. The survey revealed that the natives use the glasses made up for diabetes and heart troubles very frequently. According to the carpenters of Chhattisgarh, they prepare hardly ten to twelve Bel herbal glasses per month. Many Ayurveda experts from Amarkantak Hills are also engaged in manufacturing of Bel Herbal Glasses. As expert when I discussed the use of Bel Herbal Glasses at State Bio-diversity Action Plan Committee, the members were surprised to know the unique traditional medicinal knowledge about Bel in Chhattisgarh. We discussed on the possibilities of establishing small cottage industries based on these herbal glasses in area, rich in natural population of these herbs. Few months back, I got an opportunity to visit Kolkata city. During interaction with my trader friend, he informed me about special herbal glasses for the problem of constipation. When I saw it, it was Bel Herbal Glass and according to him, he is purchasing these glasses from Chhattisgarh (3-4 thousand glasses per month). I was shocked. The traders are already aware of miracle effects of Bel herbal glasses and they have even commercialized it. The state authorities are still not aware of this fact. The traders inform me that they are purchasing these glasses from the supplier of Raipur city. After coming back, I met that supplier. With him, I visited the factory. This was very sad to see that the Bel woods were dumped under open sky and in case of shortage, they were using other woods as adulteration. Unfortunately, the supplier is not aware of specifications and other details. As I described earlier that there are two types of glasses. The second type of glasses are prepared by the traditional healers themselves. They don’t rely on carpenters. They select 15-20 years old Bel tree for glasses. Like other healers, they worship the Bel tree by adding Black Til Seed (Sesamum indicum) in roots and apply water in roots, one day prior to harvesting. Although they have no scientific explanations for the use of Til seeds in roots but I personally feel that there must be some relationship between the application of Til seeds and medicinal properties of Bel. With the help of allelopathic studies, one can explain it in detail and with proof. After harvesting the wood, the healers dip the wooden piece in specially prepared herbal combinations for two to three days. The healers never disclose the ingredients of this ial herbal combination. After this specific duration, they prepare wooden glasses at their homes. Although from market point view, these glasses are not attractive but they are having rich medicinal properties. For different age groups, the healers prepare different sizes of glasses. The pregnant women are not advised to use these glasses. This is very important information. In the labels of glasses ready for sale in Kolkata city, this important information was not there. Possibly they are not aware of this important information. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not in favour of its commercialization. Secret herbal combinations are main constraints. The healers suggest the patients to use these glasses till cracks occur. In general, within one month the cracks appear on surface. The healers replace the glass with new one. It is not a costly affair for the natives because most of the healers do not charge any money for these valuable glasses and others charge the cost of manufacturing, that is very low. According to the traditional healers, there is no common recommendation for every one. After observing the patients carefully and thoroughly, the healers recommend use. For different patients, different time durations are recommended. The healers also warn that one must not use this glasses without consulting the healers. The round the year use is also not recommended. In complicated cases, the healers give herbal combination to the patients and instruct them to add this combination in Bel herbal glass before adding the water. During interactions with the traditional healers specialised in use of Bel Herbal Glasses, I realized that several Ph.D.s are even not enough to document this in depth knowledge. Although the information provided in this article is looking complete but it is just a result of surface investigations. I am studying the traditional knowledge and science sincerely and will write more on these unique aspects in future articles. The natives use different parts of Bel herb as medicine. Here I am describing some unique traditional medicinal knowledge. The uses of Bel fruits in different forms have already been described by early workers in detail. In order to purify the environment of home and to repel away the evil spirits, they natives burn the dried roots of Bel and Priyangu every evening particularly in rainy season. Equal proportion of roots are used for this purpose. I am not sure what there fumes do with the evil spirits but I have found these fumes very much effective against mosquitoes and houseflies, that behaves like evil-spirits in rainy season. With the help of innovative herb growers, I am evaluating the efficacies of aqueous extract and leachate of this root combination on selected medicinal crops including Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). As the name of Priyangu is coming for the first time in my articles, I am describing its botany. The scientific name of Priyangu is Aglaia elaeagnoides (Syn. A. roxburghiana; family : Meliaceae). According to reference literatures, it is tree with leaflets oblong - lanceolate; 7.5-10.0 x 2.0-3.5 cm, rounded at base, drying brown beneath, Inflorescence rufous scaly; Calyx scaly; Petals erect, oblong; Berry globose to sub-globose, ferruginous; Seeds ex-arillate. Flowering and fruit time December to February in Chhattisgarh conditions. The natives give the trifoliate leaves of Bel to woman having desire to become mother. They suggest the woman to take trifoliate leaf with the milk of black cow on specific occasions. The natives particularly the young natives use the juice of Bel leaves as natural herbal deodorant. They apply the fresh juice in sweating spots in order to remove the odd smell. During field works or visit to forest, when natives get injuries they use Bel leaves in different ways. It is good styptic and wound healer. To remove the thorn, the natives apply the leaf juice on affected part to dissolve it. I have already written about the uses of Fudhar leaf latex (Calotropis gigantea ) and Dhikuar gel (Aloe vera) in my previous articles. In case of burns, the healer apply the leaf juice of Bel as first aid measures. I have experienced the miracle healing effects of the juice. According to the natives, it is also effective in case of bites by angry bees. The application reduces the pain immediately. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, there are two distinctive types of Bel tree. One from natural forest and another from cultivated origin. The natural form possess more thorns whereas the cultivated ones are thornless or having relative less thorns. The healers prefer the natural thorny tree parts to prepare the medicine. According to them, the domestication, genetic improvement and advanced agronomical practices have increased the size of fruits but decreased its valuable medicinal properties. In this article, I am describing some unique uses, as informed by the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, India, during my Ethnobotanical surveys. According to the healers specialised in treatment of diabetes, the use of Bel leaves with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) is beneficial for pancreas and one can use it as supplement with other routine treatments. The traditional healers of Bastar region, prepare a special herbal oil by adding the cow urine in the sweet pulp of Bel and base oil. This oil is stored for future use. It is considered promising against ear related troubles. In case of earache, as first step the healers apply one or two drops of this oil and in most of the cases the pain alleviate by this small treatment. In reference literatures, the use of Bel as brain tonic is mentioned. The traditional healers use the decoction of Bel roots as brain tonic. According to them it is also beneficial for the patients having heart troubles, insomnia and even insanity. According to the traditional healers of Nagri-Sihawa region, this decoction is useful in malarial fever also. The fresh leaf juice of Bel is also used in case of heart troubles. In case of eye troubles, the healers collect the leaves and fry it with ghee. This combination is kept on the eyelids, for treatment. A lot have been written on other uses of Bel, I am not repeating it. As I always write, this is not a complete detail about traditional medicinal knowledge, as my Ethnobotanical surveys are in progress. Thank yo very much for reading the article. Major Cassia species of Chhattisgarh, India : Natural Occurrence, Traditional Medicinal Knowledge and Trade Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Although during rainy season, the qualified medical practitioners of Chhattisgarh publish a notice in local news paper stating that do not eat the Charota herb as potherb as it can cause great harms to the body but the natives always ignore this notice and use the young, newly emerged (Balak Patti) leaves of Charota as vegetable. They collect the young leaves and prepare the vegetable using Sarson Ka Tel (Mustard oil). It is one of the most preferred pot herbs of Chhattisgarh. The natives of all age group eat it because they love its specific taste. They are aware of this fact that over dose may cause diarrhea. It is poor man’s vegetable, but it is equally popular among rich natives. Charota occurs as wasteland weed in Chhattisgarh. No one cultivate it as vegetable. In urban areas, the natives purchase this herb from local markets. It is a source of income for the villagers who collect and sell it in urban markets. The natives eat it because of its specific taste and they are not aware of its unique medicinal properties and uses. For the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Charota is a valuable medicinal herb and according to them, its use as potherb have specific health benefits. Its use as potherbs is beneficial for the patients suffering from rheumatism and gout. The healers use this potherb as preventive to rheumatism and gout. For the natives, living in forest areas, it is more useful and revenue generating herb. Charota is one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. According to the traders dealing in Charota, there is a heavy and routing demand of Charota in national and international drug markets. The natives collect the useful seeds of Charota after ripening and sell it to the village level traders. After many channels it reaches to the Dhamtari market situated 70kms far from capital of Chhattisgarh state, Raipur. Form this market, the traders supply it to national markets. You will be surprised to know that the first collector of these seeds get equal weight of common salt in exchange of Charota seeds. The ancient Barter system is still in practice in different interior parts of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh plains, the natives take more salt (double to the weight of seeds). Common and popular names of Charota (Cassia tora) around the world. Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Didjer-el-akbar, Gurgul, Kolkol, Sunsub. 2) Bengali Chakunda, Kalkasham, Panwar. 3) Myanmar Dangwe, Dangywe, Kujne. 4) Kanarese Chagarche, Chogache, Chogata, Tagache 5) Srilanka Vaddatakarai, Vaddutakarai, Panditakarai 6) Chinese Chuck Ming, Tsao Chueh 7) English Fanlupa seed, Foetid Cassia, Metal seed. 8) French Petite casse puante 9) Gujarati Kawaria, Ponvadi, Kuvadio 10) Hindi Chakavi, Chakunda, Pamad, Panavar 11) Malayam Chakramandartam, Takara 12) Marathi Takala, Takla, Tankil, Tarota 13) Persian Sangsaboyah 14) Punjab Chakunda, Panwar, Pawar, Pawas 15) Sanskrit Ayudham, Chakramarda, Chakramardaka, Prishnaparni, Taga 16) Tamil Senavu, Sirutagarai, Tagarai, Tagashai, Usittagurai, Vanamavaram, Vindu 17) Telugu Chakanda, Tagirise, Tagarishaku, Tantiyamu 18) Oriya Chakunda Ethnobotanical surveys revealed that the first collectors are not aware of its use. The is the reason they easily give this important NWFP in exchange of common salt. They have no other source of getting common salt. I have noted that from end collectors to e users, there seeds transfer through more than 20 middlemen (Kochia). In most of the cases, these middle men are also not aware of its end uses. Even the traders at Dhamtari market have different opinions about its end uses. According to them, at first the companies situated at Gujarat state purchase the seeds and after grading, they sell it to Japanese companies. The Japanese companies use these seeds as alternative to coffee beans. They are not aware of its actual use. The seeds yield tannins and red , blue and yellow dyes but the main use is related to the gum, Charota sees yield upto 8 percent gum which is good agent for suspending and binding. This is a matter of shame, that in Chhattisgarh not a single gum extracting unit is active. There is a tremendous scope in this field. The traders at national and international markets are aware of unique Charota seeds of Chhattisgarh and they prefer the seeds of Chhattisgarh origin. Many biochemists and herb researchers of the state, are helping and guiding the processors of other states in gum extraction but unfortunately no one have the time to take advantage of in depth knowledge of the qualified experts in Chhattisgarh. Most of the traders sell this important herb without grading. As a result, they get relatively less price. As herb researcher, I want to provide more benefit to the first collector. I feel that by establishing the advanced processing units in the state and by decreasing the unwanted population of middlemen in long channel, this is possible. The non-governmental organizations ve in rural and forest areas can play a vital role in this regard. I am not giving emphasis on governmental organization because they have their own limits and in the field of NWFP, we have seen many bad performances. The natives of Chhattisgarh, roast the collected seeds and use it as coffee bean. The traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different uses of Charota. I have written a lot on various aspects of Charota in my previous articles, as it is one of my favorite herbs. Although the traders at national and international levels are aware of medicinal properties of its seeds only but the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh, use all parts alone or in combination as medicine. Its promising use in case of Daad (Ringworm) has given it a name Dadmari (Mari means to kill). The natives of all parts of Chhattisgarh collect the Charota seeds for sell. As seeds are so small in size, it is tedious and time taking job to collect the seeds from plant. The natives have developed new method to solve this problem . During the Charota season, the natives cut the whole plant and spread it on the busy highways and roads. By the pressure imposed by passing heavy vehicles, the seeds automatically came out from the pods. or Cassia species of Chhattisgarh and the botanical differences among them. Characteristics Cassia Cassia Cassia Cassia Cassia auriculata fistula occidentalis senna tora 1) Habit A profusely branched, tall, fast growing, evergreen shrub having height upto 6 meters A deciduous, medium sized tree, upto 24 meters. An erect, foetid, annual herb, or under shrub, 60-150 cm. A variable, branching, errect shrub upto 1.8 meters. A foetid, annual herb or undershrub, upto 1.2 meter. 2) Bark Reddish brown, smooth Grey smooth, exfoliating in small, woody scales, upto 1.5 cm thick. -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- 3) Leaf 7-10 cm long with large, auricled or rotundate reniform, foliaceous stipules, leaflets 7-9 pairs, oblong-obovate, obtuse or emarginate 20-40 cm, glandless; leaflets 4-8 pairs, distinctly stalked, 5-15 cm long, oblong or ovate, clothed with silvery pubescent 10-20 cm long with cauducous stipules and a black gland near base secreting nectar, penduncled racemes. Pinnate, pubescent, leaflets pale green to bluish green, 3-9 pairs, lanceolate or elliptic, varying on the same plant 6.0-12.5 cm long, leaflets 3 pairs, membranous, ovate oblong with glands in the last two pairs, showing sleeping movements. 4) Flower Yellow, 5 cm diameter, in terminal compund, corymbose- raceme; October-June Bright yellow, in axillaty, pendulous, lax recemes, AprilJuly Yellow in short, peduncled racemes. Brilliant yellow, in erect, terminal racemes. Bright yellow, usually in pairs in very short, axillary peduncles. 5) Fruit Pale brown, oblong, flat, papery, flexible, crumpled, 6-12 seeded pod, January-June from first year onward. Cylindric, pendulous, smooth, hard dark brown or black 40-100 seeded, December-April Recurved, glabrous, compressed pod Fruit greenish when young to dark brown or black when mature, flat, thin, oblong, pubescent, 5-7 seeded Stout pod, 15-25 cm long. 6) Seed Compressed, tapering towards base Light brown, hard, smooth, shiny, biconcave, embedded in sweetish pulp. Dark, olive-green, ovoid, 20-30, smooth, shining Dark brown, obovateoblong Green, 25-30 During my visit to Oodlabari region of West Bengal, I observed the same practice in case of paddy. As researcher of Allelopathy, I have found different parts of Charota herb having great allelopathic potential. It is one of the promising herbs that can suppress the natural population of obnoxious exotic weed Parthenium hysterophorus, a real curse for bio-diversity. Many researchers from different parts of India have reported positive (inhibitory) allelopathic effects of different parts of Charota on germination and growth of this obnoxious weed. The scientists of National Research Center for Weed Sciences have done a great job on this aspect. The scientific name of Charota is Cassia tora (Foetid Cassia, the Sickle Senna, Wild Senna; family: Leguminoaseae). An eminent Parthenium scientist Prof. M . Mahadevappa has identified another close relative of Cassia tora, Cassia sericea (Syn. Cassia uniflora) as herb having more smothering potential. In his book titled ‘’Parthenium and its management’, he has written that ‘During the visit to Dharwad in October 1982 and 1983, the author observed in and around the city that Cassia sp. was gradually replacing Partheni plants in small pockets. During 1983, replacement of Parthenium by Cassia sp. had taken place to a larger extent compared to the previous year. Since the observation was of much interest, the observed Cassia species was got identified as Cassia sericea (Synonym uniflora) and a research project proposed was approved by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore forming a team for studying different aspects in the subject of Parthenium control;" Seeing the success of Cassia sericea against Parthenium, with the help of Karnataka Government, Dr. Mahadevappa is now distributing several tones of Cassia sericea seeds to the farmers. The weed scientists of Chhattisgarh have introduced this new species in Chhattisgarh without taking permission of authorities active in the field of bio-diversity (in fact there is still no such authority active in the state). Natural occurrence of Cassia sericea is not reported in Chhattisgarh. As once it has reached in fertile soil of Chhattisgarh, it is spreading very rapidly in wastelands. As herb expert, I am not in favour of utilizing less harmful species in management of more harmful species. The rapid spread of this newly introduced species will become a threat to other native and useful herbs of Chhattisgarh. The weed scientists who have introduced this new species are not monitoring its spread as their projects are now over and they are now working on other weeds. It is hard to say that how efficiently Cassia sericea is suppressing the Parthenium population in Chhattisgarh. Before describing other Cassia sp. I am describing the botany and reported medicinal uses of Charota (Cassia tora), I have noted from the reference literatures. Botanically it is erect foetid annual herb having height upto 1.2 meters; Leaves 5-10 cm long; stipules 8-15 x 1mm, linear, hairy, acute; leaflets 3 pairs, obovate or obovate – oblong, mucronate, base unequal, with two subulate glands between two lower pairs of leaflets; Flowers yellow, paired on short axillary peduncles; sepals ovate, petals 8-10 mm long, unequal, stamens 7, perfect, unequal; pods subterete or sub tetragonal, slightly falcate, 10-20 cm long; seeds 20-30 rhomboid with areole on both sides, 1.5-2.5 mm wide. Flowering and Fruiting time August to April in Chhattisgarh conditions. Charota holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, herb is purgative, anthelmintic and antibacterial whereas leaves are useful in treatment of ringworm, skin diseases and ulcers. Seeds are tonic and stomachic and useful in treatment of ringworm and other complaints of skin, liver, eye and ear. Common and popular names of Cassia alata around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Bengal Dadmari, Dadumardan 2) Myanmar Maizali-gi, Simbo maizali 3) Cambodia Danghet 4) Kanarese Doddasagate, Simyagase 5) SriLanka Pannan, Takarai 6) French Bois puant, Dartrier 7) Hindi Dadmurdan, Vilayatiagati 8) Chinese Dang hoet, Muon trau, Tang hot 9) Malyalam Elakajam, Simayakatti 10) Mauritius Catepen, Seirme agathi 11) Mexico Tarotana 12) Philippines Acapulco, Capulao, Ganot sa buni 13) Pordu Rico Talantala 14) Sinhalese Attora, Ettore, Ratatora 15) Tamil Anjali, Simaiyagatti, Vandugolli 16) Telugu Mettatamara, Simayavisa 17) Uriya Dadumorddon, Jadumari anbaher or Amaltas (Cassia fistula) is also a common Cassia species found naturally in Chhattisgarh. It is also planted as ornamental tree in front of home. It is common belief among natives that the presence of this tree in front of home, is sign of good luck and good fortune. The traditional healers and natives use different parts of Dhanbaher as medicine in order to treat many common diseases. They have rich traditional medicinal knowledge. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicin India, Dhanbaher holds a reputed position. According to Ayurveda, root is useful in skin diseases, leprosy, tuberculous glands, syphilis whereas leaves are antiperiodic and useful in treatment of rheumatism and erysipelas. Flowers improve taste and it is laxative and antipyretic. Fruits are digestible, cooling, purgative and useful in treatment of heart and abdominal pains. Seeds are oily, carminative and improves appetite. According to Unani system of medicine, leaves are useful in case of inflammations, flowers are purgative whereas fruits are demulcent, abortifacient and antipyretic. I have listed out the traditional uses of Dhanbaher in treatment of over 50 common diseases. Its use as purgative is very common in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers use it alone or in combination with other herbs. As purgative, the fruit pulp is used very frequently. According to the traditional healers, one should use fresh pulp only for the preparation of any herbal combination because stored pulp looses the medicinal properties in very short time. The traditional healers of Bastar region prepare a special herbal oil using the roots of Dhanbaher in combination with other herbs. This special herbal oil acts as hair remover. In order to get rid from unwanted hairs the traditional healers instruct the person to apply it externally. They also prepare another oil for skin troubles. In this oil, leaves of two Cassia species i.e. Cassia tora and Cassia fistula are mixed in equal proportion and boiled in base oil. As base oil mustard oil is used In order to treat Safed Dag (Leucoderma) the traditional healers of Gandai region prepare a herbal oil using roots of Dhanbaher, Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and Ratti (Abrus precatorius) . All herbs are mixed and boiled in Sesamum oil. After evaporation of watery content, the healers add Pen herb (Celastrus paniculatus) and boil it again. This special oil is applied externally on white spots. For the treatment of spleen and liver related troubles, the healers use the fresh flowers very frequently. Tonsillitis is a common problem in Chhattisgarh but there are very few herbs that can root out this trouble. Dhanbaher is one of these herbs. The natives collect the bark of Dhanbaher and prepare a decoction. The patients are advised to gargle with this decoction for quick relief. I have tested this decoction successfully. The natives use aqueous paste prepared from fresh leaves in order to manage the skin diseases common in rainy season. The paste is applie externally. They also use Sirsa flowers (Albizia species), Lisora bark (Cordia obliqua) and Makoi, whole herb (Solanum nigrum) in this paste. According to them, alone Dhanbaher leaves are capable of treating common problems. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains add Haldi (Turmeric) powder in this aqueous paste and use it in treatment of Nasur (Carbuncle). The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh always keep the seeds with them. According to them, the Dhanbaher seed possess anti venom properties. It is usef scorpion bites. They simply rub the seeds in stone and press it in affected spot. The vendors informed me that the seeds suck the poison from spot automatically. The fruit pulp is popularly used for treatment of diabetes. I have written a lot on various aspect of this herb also. For more details, I suggest you to read the previous articles. Before describing other Cassia species, I am describing its botany in brief. According to reference literatures, it is a deciduous medium sized tree having height upto 30 meters; stemstraight bole; Bark- gray, smooth, exfoliating in small, woody scales, upto 1.5cm thick; Leaves 20-40 cm, gland less, leaflets 4- pairs, pubescence; Flowers – bright yellow (its English name is Golden shower because of these bright yellow flowers; in Chhattisgarh, the name Dhanbaher is coined because the colour of flower resemble to the gold), in axillary, pendulous, lax racemes; Cylinderic, pendulous, smooth, hard, dark brown or black, 40-100 seeded, seeds-light brown, hard, smooth, shiny, biconcave, embedded in sweetish pulp (that is medicinally very important). Dhanbaher is in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. There is a routine demand of this NWFP in national and international drug markets. It is not under cultivation as commercial crop in hattisgarh. Common and popular names of Dhanbaher (Cassia Fistula) around the world. Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Bukbur, Chiar schambar, Katha-ul-Hind 2) Assam Honalu, Honaru, Sonari, Sonaru, Sunaru 3) Bengal Amultas, Bandarlati, Sonali, Sondala, Sundali 4) Brazil Canna-fistula, Chuva de ouco 5) Myanmar Gnookye, Hnooshway, Gnu 6) Kanarese Aragina, Arerata, Kaki, Kakkai 7) Cambodia Reach chhpus 8) Chienese A Po Le, Koui Hou Ts in 9) Egypt Chiar schambar 10) English Cassia, Golden Shower, Indian Laburnum, Pudding-Pipe, Pudding-Stick, Purging Cassia 11) French Canefice, Caneficier, Cassier. 12) German Fistel Kassie, Purgirkassie, Rohrkarrie 13) Greek Glykokolamon, Melaina kassia 14) Gujarati Balla, Garmala, Garmalo, Girmala indi Amaltas, Girmalah, Khyar, Sundaraj 16) Hawaii Golden shower 17) Italian Cassia, 18) Malyalam Konna, Konnai, Svarnnakam, Kritamalam 19) Marathi Bahava, Bawa, Boya, Chimkani, Girmala 20) Mexico Cuauhnacazfli, Honxin 21) Nepal Rajbirij, Rajbriksha 22) Philippines Canapistola 23) Potuguese Canna fistula 24) Sanskrit Aragvadha, Arevata, Arogyashimbi, Aruja, Chakra parivyadha, Dirghaphala, Drumotpala, Nripadruma, Svarnabhushana, Himapushpa 25) Sinhalese Ahalla, Ahilla, Ehela 26) Tamil Appai, Ar, Aragoram, Isandur, Idali 27) Telugu Aragavadhamu, Kolaponna, Rola, Reylu 28) Urdu Amaltas 29) Uriya Sandari, Sonari, Sunari, Soturongulo The natural occurrence of Cassia senna (syn. Cassia angustifolia, C. acutifolia, C. obovata) is not reported in Chhattisgarh. It is introduced as medicinal crop few years back. As medicinal crop it is limited to isolated patches. Due to many constraints the herb growers are not adopting this high value crop. One of the major problems is the seed germination. In field conditions, we have observed hardly 10-20 percent germination. In order to root out this trouble we have developed many organic seed treatment solutions using herbal extracts and leachates. The hot summer is very much suitable for its growth but heavy rainfall at flowering stage damage this crop to great extent. The failure of our field demonstrations in different parts of Chhattisgarh discouraged the herb growers to adopt this new crop. Although it is not a native of Chhattisgarh but the traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different parts of Sanai in Chhattisgarh. They use Sanai alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of over 70 common and complicated diseases. For details, I suggest you to refer previous articles. In Rajasthan, Gujarat and states of South India, it is under cultivation in commercial scale. I personally feel that there is a need to develop complete package of practices for commercial cultivation of Sanai in Chhattisgarh. Botanically, it is a variable , branching, erect shrub having height upto two meters; Taproot upto one meter long; Leaf pinnate, pubescent; leaflets pale green to bluish-green, 3-9 pairs, lanceolate or elliptic, varying on the same plant; Flower brilliant yellow, in erect terminal racemes; Fruit greenish when young to dark brown or black when mature, flat, thin, oblong, pubescent, 5-7 seeded; Seed dark brown, obovate oblong, 14,000-35000 per kg. Common and popular names of Senna (Cassia angustifolia) around the world nguages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Sanaehindi, Sonna 2) Bengal Sannamakki, Shonpat, Sonpat 3) Myanmar Puvekainyoe 4) Kanarese Nelavare, Nelavarike, Sonamukhi 5) Chinese Fan Hsieh Yeh, Ta Hwai Yeh 6) English Bombay Senna, Indian Senna, Lotus Senna, Medicinal Senna, Tinnervelly Senna. 7) Gujarati Middiawal, Sonamakhi 8) Hindi Hindisana, Sanay, Sonai, Sonamukhi 9) Marathi Bhuitarvada, Mulkacha, Shonamukhi 10) Malyalam Nilavaka 11) Persian Sanaehindi 12) Sanskrit Bhumiari, Bhupadma, Svarnamukhi, Svarnapatri, Pitapushpi 13) Sinhalese Nelavari, Nilavari, Sanakola 14) Tamil Kattunilaviraj, Nilavagai 15) Telugu Nelaponna, Nelatangedu 16) Uriya Shonamukhi In India forty species of Cassia are reported. In Chhattisgarh 18 species occur naturally. These species are C. absus, C. alata, C. auriculata, C. fistula, C. glauca, C. javanica, C. marginata, C. mimosoides, C. obtusifolia, C. occidentalis, C. pumila, C.renigera , C. roxburghii, C. siamea, C. sophera, C. surattensis, C. tora and C. tora sensu. The species like Cassia sericea and Cassia senna are among introduced species. Kasunda (Cassia occidentalis) and Kasuandi (Cassia sophera) are another Cassia species of great importance in Chhattisgarh. Both species are used as alternative to each other. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about these Herbs. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region use the roasted seeds to prepare strong coffee. The English name of Cassia occidentalis, is Coffee Senna. It clearly indicates its utility as substitute to coffee. The healers of Bilaspur region use this coffee as medicine. It is specially recommended for the patients having poor vitality. It is considered as good tonic. In case of acute asthma attack or after the attack of hysteria, the patients are advised to take this coffee like drink as medicine. It is more strong in effect as compared to Cassia tora seeds. The common names Kasuda, Kasaundi or Kasmard clearly indicates its utility in treatment of Kas (cough). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh prepare a herbal decoction using the leaves of these species and give it to the patients suffering from chronic cough. In case of whooping cough, the fresh juice of leaves is given with pure honey. The natives use these species for special bath also. The fresh juice of these species is added in water and child patients suffering from Sukhundi (Marasmus) are advised to take bath with this medicated water. For the patients having skin troubles, the healers prepare a decoction using all plant parts of Kasunda and Kasaundi and instruct the patients to take bath regularly using this decoction. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region use the leaf juice in treatment of eye diseases. They also instruct the patients suffering from Rataundhi (Night blindness) to prepare Roti (Chapati) using the powdered leaves and seeds of Kasaundi with wheat flour and after preparation, smear Til oil (Sesamum oil) in place of ghee and eat it regularly in lunch. The traditional healers specialised in treatment of Sujak (Gonorhhoea) and Garmi (Syphilis) frequently use these herbs in their routine practice in combination with other herbs. According to them it is one of the promising remedies at initial stage of attack. They use the decoction of whole herb to wash the genitals also. In treatment of Jaundice (Pelia) the natives use the leaves with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). According to healers it is good supplement to main treatment. Like other Cassia species, it is also a good purgative. It is also used as carminative. The traditional healers prepare a decoction by using roots. This decoction is used in many ways. For the female patients having problem of hysteria it is very useful. It is also used in treatment of Hathi Pav ( Filaria). In case of poisonous insect bites, the natives use this herb very frequently as first aid measure during their field work. They simply crush the leaves and apply the juice in affected portion for immediate relief from intense pain. I am describing the botany of both Cassia occidentalis and Cassia sophera, I have noted from reference literatures. Cassia occidentalis is an erect, foetid, annual herb or under shrub having height upto 150cm long, with caducous stipules and a black gland near base secreting nectar; leaflets ovate or lanceolate, membranous; Flower yellow, in short peduncled racemes; Fruit recurved, glabrous, compressed pod; Seed hard, olive-green, ovoid , 20-30 smooth and shining. Botanically Cassia sophera is a shrub having height upto five meters ; Leaves 18-23 cm long; rachis grooved, with a solitary conical gland near the base; leaflets 6-10 pairs, opposite, lanceolate, base rounded; Flowers in axillary few flowered corymbose racemes; Corolla petals five, ovate, obtuse, yellow; fruit pos, slightly recurve, turgid, septate between the seeds. Seeds 40 broadly ovoid, dark brown; Flowering time November to July in Chhattisgarh conditions. Both species are in list of non woo forest produces of the state but there is less demand as compared to Cassia tora. rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different Cassia species clearly indicates that there is a tremendous scope for research on these species and for herb processors and pharmaceutical companies, Chhattisgarh is gold mine both in terms of traditional knowledge and natural raw material. Village names based on common herbs : A promising indicator of Bio-diversity and Indigenous Knowledge zone Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Chhattisgarh, a newly borne state of India, is rich in biodiversity. Many valuable and rare medicinal flora and fauna have been reported in Chhattisgarh, like Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kali Musli (Curculigo orchoides), Dasmool (Asparagus racemosus), Bach (Acorus calamus), Dhikuar (Aloe vera), Keukand (Costus speciosus) etc. [1]. T natives and traditional healers have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs, insects and mites. The natives still have deep faith in traditional practices of healing [2]. Over 3000 species of medicinal herbs have been reported in dense forests of Chhattisgarh and over 5000 traditional healers are engaged in practising the traditional medicinal knowledge [3]. The early studies Ethnobotanical surveys conducted by the author revealed that the natives and traditional healers have rich traditional knowledge about medicinal uses of common soils and disease and insect infested herbs, along with healthy herbs. The "Tree Shade Therapy gift of these healers to the world. The state is also well known for its non-wood forest produces (NWFP) business. Due to increasing demand of these produces in national and international markets, the availability of natural flora and fauna is decreasing and in this unscientific exploitation process, many species are becoming endangered [4]. Also due to increasing spread and infestation of obnoxious weeds like Gajar ghas (Parthenium hysterophorus), Gotiphool (Lantana camara) etc. the natural flora is under great threat. These weeds are becoming a real curse for the unique bio-diversity [5]. Many surveys and studies conducted by the early workers and author suggested that there is a strong need of inventorisation and documentation of existing flora and fauna and also the indigenous knowledge [6]. Very less efforts have been done on both of these aspects. In Chhattisgarh, it is common observation that many villages are named on the basis of specific herbs found in abundance in that particular villages. According to natives, these names were coined many generations back. Many of such villages based on herb names are now devoid of that particular herbs. In order to list out the villages based on herb names, and document the existing traditional medicinal knowledge, a detailed Ethnobotanical survey was conducted from 1995-2002 by non-governmental organization SOPAM (Society for Parthenium Management), Raipur, India. The survey was focused on three major districts of Chhattisgarh plains i.e. Raipur, Dhamtari and Mahasamund. On the basis of authenticated official record the names of over 3500 villages gathered and with the help of local language experts, the villages having names based on herbs were sorted out. Out of 3776 villages, 293 village names based on herbs were identified. For visits, the five villages representing particular herb were selected randomly for each species. Through intensive visits the status of indigenous knowledge was studied. The survey revealed that the 293 village names are based on sixty five species of herbs. The village names based on Parsa (Butea monosperma), Khair (Acacia catechu) Koha (Terminalia arjuna), Mauha (Madhuca latifolia), Sarai (Shorea robusta), Aam (Mangifera indica), Piper (Ficus religiosa), Semar (Bombax ceiba ) are most common. The details are given in Table 1 (with land record no). Many villages are named on the basis of heavy infestation of particular weeds like Sarkanda (Saccharum spontaneum), Siliyari (Celosia argentea), Sarphonk (Tephrosia purpurea), Raksi (Abutilon indicum), Belonda (Caesulia axillaris), Gondla (Cyperus rotundus) etc. The intensive visits to these villages revealed that in most of the villages, the availability and natural population of specific herbs are decreasing. It was also noted that the traditional healers as well as the natives are having rich traditional knowledge about almost all parts of specific herb in these villages. For example in villages named on Parsa (Butea monosperma), the traditional healers and natives use this herb as Dataun (herbal tooth brush) in the beginning on the day and as soporific in order to get sound sleep at the end of the day, they use it in the treatment of insomnia In different religious ceremonies, they prefer Parsa herb. Due to modernization and decreasing natural population, the younger generation is showing less interest in different uses of these specific herbs. For example, now a days the young generation uses plastic tooth brushes in place of Dataun (herbal tooth brush) . The survey suggested that there is a strong need to document the existing traditional medicinal knowledge in these villages before further loss knowledge. Many of these villages, particularly those situated far from big cities, still have rich population of specific herbs. These villages can play a vital role in under standing the behaviour of specific herb in natural conditions and its interactions with associated herbs. In these villages, the traditional healing practices are still in good progress. There is a need to take strong and immediate step to save the natural population of herbs in these villages. On the basis of these villages, the population and diversity herbs present in past, can be estimated. As mentioned earlier many villages are named on the basis of heavy infestation of particular weeds, survey revealed that these villages can help the weed scientists to study the climatic, edaphic and other related factors responsible for heavy infestation of particular weeds. The present survey was focused on Chhattisgarh plains where less dense forest exist. The surveys in southern plateau and Northern hills (over 10,000 villages) are in progress and these survey would provide more information of villages name on the basis of common herbs. Table 1 Village names based on common herbs : A promising indicator of Bio-diversity and Indigenous Knowledge Scientific Name of Herbs Local name Name of Villages ( with land record Number) Family Acacia catechu Khair Khairkhut (2), Khairvas (9/69), Khairpardih (14/78) Khaida (Khaira ; 52/108) Khaira (51/106, 109, 139,128,145,19/37,33 142), Khairi (107, 21/39, 10/42), Khairjhinti (4,73,8), Khair Khunta (31), Khairghitki (47), Leguminoaseae Khairghut (12), Khairvari (28), Khairjhudi (36), Khairmal (42), Khairbheri (FV), Khairkabheri (FV) Curcuma longa Hardi Hardi (52/102, 17,27, FV, 19,77,20,5), Hardi bhatha 33, Hardidih 50 Zingiberaceae Dendrocalamus strictus Bans Banskata (24,101), Bansbinari (108), Bansurkuli (8), Banskuda (5) Gramineae Bauhinia sp. Mahul Mahuldih (372) Mahulkot (6) Leguminaseae Feronia limonia Kaitha Kaitha (4) Rutaceae Emblica officinalis Aonla Aonlapani (50) Euphorbiaceae Abutilon indicum Raksi Raksi (14) Raksa (49) Malvaceae Tephrosia purpurea Sarphonka Sarphonva (18) Leuminoseae Ficus benghalensis Bur Burdih (25), Burbahara (20) Moraceae Diospyros melanoxylon tendu Tendukona (121,54), Tendu Bhatha (23,81), Tendubaya (17), Tendulodha (118), Tenduwahi (4,10), Tendudarha (25), Tendumudi(5) Cassia sophera Kasaundi Kasaundi (12) Leguminoaseae Saccharum spontaneum Kans or sarkanda Sarkanda (9,16,21) Gramineae Curcurbita pepo Kumhda Kumhda (3), Kumhdakoh (6) Cucurbitaceae Ficus religiosa Pipal or Pipar Piprahi (15.67,4), Piperduha (22), Piperdih(27), Piperchedi (129, 41,2,43), Pipal Khunta (11,36), Piperchedi Khurd (17), Piper Khedi (11), Piper Kanhar(17), Piperdhivna (16), Piperbhovan (25), Piproud (82), Piperhatta (3,66), Terminalia bellirica Bahera Baherabhatha (112), Baherabua (21), Baheradih (32) Combreteaceae Bombax ceiba Semra or Semar Semra (153, 154,31,26,10,14,16) , Semaria (67/99, 122,16,31,2/27, 9/45, 80, 52), Semharadih (15/67, 59, 13/30), Semaradih (59/89, Bombaceae 6,11), Semalia (33), Semhra (29), Semhardhap (28) Semecarpus anacardium Bhelwa Bhelwadih (139) Anacardiaceae Asteracantha longifolia Mokhla Mokhla (145) Acanthaceae Santalum indicum Chandan Chandan bahara (Fv) Santalaceae Cyperus rotundus Gondla Gondlabahara (2) Mothadih (35) Cyperaceae Tectona grandis Sagon Sagonbhadi(11) Verbinaceae Psidium guajava Jam Jamgaon (156,9,109), Jamgaon (4) Jampali (13,45) Myrtaceae Diospyros exsculpta Kendu Kenduban (12), Kendumudi(28), Kendupathi(41) Ebenaceae Bauhinia purpurea Koliar Koliyari (155,51,58,9,FV) Leguminoseae Hymenodictyon excelsum Bohar Bohardih (55,124,125) Lepidium sativum Chandrashoor Chandrasoor (75) Cruciferae Zingiber officinalis (dried) Sonth Sonth 9(160) Zingiberaceae Caesulia axillaris Belonda Belondi (77) Compositeae Physalis minima Kapalphodia Kapalphodi (80) Solonaceae Madhuca latifolia Mauha Mahuagaon (85), Mahuabhata (17), Hat Mahua (17), Mauhadih (2) Sapotaceae Jasminum sambac Mongra Mongra (132, 33), Mongrapali(100,121), Mongri (62) Oleaceae Psoralea corylifolia Bemchi Bemcha (141) Leguminoaseae. Aegle marmelos Belonda Belbhatha (130), Belmudi(5), Beltekri(12), Beladula (25), Beltukri (137, 38), Beltikri(52,18) Rutaceae Boswellia serrata Saliha Saliha (9), Salihabhatha (10,142), Salihaghat (13) Burseraceae Terminalia arjuna Arjuna or Kauha Arjuni (9/89, 8, 46,6), Kovadih (120,81), Kauha junwani (146), Kohabahara (FV), Kohapani (FV), Kohakuda (142, 23), Koha buda (120), Kovajhar(5) Combretaceae Woodfordia fruticosa Dhawai Dhawai (1/73) Lythraceae Sida acuta Bariyara Baliyara (44) Malvaceae Azardirachta indica Neem or Nimora (Neem Seeds) Nimora (100, 136) Meliaceae Glycrrhiza glabra Murethi Murethi (90) Leguminoaseae Allium sativum Lasun Lasunvahi (FV) Liliaceae Paspalum scrobiculatum Kodo Kodwa (30,22,14/31), Kodopali (25, 4,14,17), Kodoguda (47), Kodobeda (13), Kodobhatha (13,33,35), Kodobattar(21), Kodohardi(27), Kodomali(32) Gramineae Ocimum sanctum Tulsi Tulsi (111, 1,35,52), Tulsimakhpur (18), Tulsidevra (7) Labiateae Coccinia grandis Kundru Kundru (11) Cucurbitaceae Celosia argentea Siliyari Siliyari(85) Amarantaceae Colocasia esculenta Kochai Kochaimuda (17) Araceae Calotropis gigantea Fudhar Fudhar (117), Fudhardih (33), Labiateae Ocimum canum Memri Memra (31) Labiateae Phoenix dactylifera Khajura Khajuri (2/74), Khajurpadar (44) Palmae Mangifera indica Aam Amakachhar (100 , Aamajhola (fV), Aamipali (38), Amapali (50, Ama Chani (80), Aamjhar (20), Aamda (32), Amokhoha (141), Aamgaon (FV), Aamabhauna (3), Aamaroda (28) Phoenix sp. (wild) Chind Chindpali (41) Palmae Ficus benjamina Kamraj Kamraj(12) Moringa oliefera Munga Mungasher(14), Mungaser(102), Mungadih(18), Mungapadar (39) Shorea robusta Sarai or Sal Saldih(43), Saraipali (FV,24,121,111,1), Saldabri (102), Saraibhadar (83), Saraitola (fV), Sarai Patera (1), Sarai rukh(FV), Pholsarai(34), Saraipani (41) Bridelia squamosa Kashi or Kassi Kashi (31), Kashibahara (5) Euphorbiaceae Albizia species Siris or Sirsa Sirsahi (92) Leguminoaseae Ricinus communis Arand Arand (23,128) Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philippensis Rohini Rohina (16) Butea monosperma Parsa Parastarai (90), Parsadih(64/97, 65,4,23/44,4), Paraspati (52/102), Paraspali(9,22), Parsapali (22), Parsabuda (81), Parsapani(8,14), Parsabhader (10/70), Parsapali (8) Leguminoaseae Ziziphus jujuba Boir Boirjhinti (17), Boirdih(2/74,15/87,58,110,25, 39), Boirlami (28), Boirgaon (117,111,FV, 7, 32,FV) Rhamnaceae Leucas aspera Guma Guma (54, 64) Trapaceae Trapa natans Singhara Singhora (52) Trapaceae Buchanania lanzan Char Charbhatha (19,50,100,26,81,32,79), Charpali (10), Chargaon (FV) Anacardiaceae Terminalia chebula Harra Harrratar (35) Combretaceae Sphaeranthus indicus Gudru or Guduria Gudrudih (4) Compositeae Desmostachya bipinnata Kunsh Kushkona (8) Kushpali (104) Gramineae Note : FV = Forest Village References 1. Oudhia, P. And Tripathi, R.S. (1999). Scope of cultivation of important medicinal plants in Chhattisgarh plains In : Proc. National conference on health care and Development of Herbal Medicines, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India, 29-30 Aug. 1997 : 215-222. 2. Oudhia, P. And Tripathi, R.S. (2002. Identification, cultivation and export of important medicinal plants In : Proc. National Seminar on Horticulture Development in Chhattisgarh : Vision and Vistas, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India, 21-23 Jan 2002 85. 3. Oudhia, P. And Tripathi, R. S. (2002). Prospects of cultivation of medicinal plants in Chhattisgarh, India. Vol 5. Crop Improvement, Production Technology, Trade and Commerce, SCI TECH PUB, USA : 211-236. 4. Oudhia, P. (2001). Improved cultivation practices for medicinal crops : Glimpses of research at farmer’s fields in Chhattisgarh (India). In Souvenir cum Abstracts. National Research Seminar of Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh " The Herbal State" Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI) and Chhattisgarh M forest Produce (Trading and Dev.) Co-operative Federation Ltd., Raipur (India), 13-14 December 2001 : 44. 5. Oudhia, P. And Tiwari, J. P. (2001). Marketing of Indian Medicinal and aromatic crops : Expectations of International Buyers. In Abstract, National Seminar on Commercial Cultivations Processing and Marketing of Medicinal and Aromatic plants, Department of Plant Physiology, Jawarharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur (India), November 27-29, 2001, 15-16. 6. Vyas, S. And Oudhia, P. (1999). Parthenium hysterophorus : A potential threat to the public health, crop productivity and bio diversity of Chhattisgarh. In : Abstract. National Seminar on Geography with special Emphasis on Environment, Durga College, Raipur, India March 6-7. My Experiences and Experiments with the wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved I am fortunate that as a native to Chhattisgarh, I got opportunities to work on different aspects of wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is the only state in the world where this wonder crop is under cultivation in largest area. The natural forests of the state are full of different wild species of Safed Musli and since time immemorial the traditional healers and natives are collecting and utilizing these valuable species in treatment of many common diseases. Its use as odisiac and sex tonic is most common and popular. The commercial cultivation of Safed Musli was first started in 1994 in Chhattisgarh. The innovative herb growers of the state bought the planting material from neighbouring Maharashtra state in small quantity. They were not aware of scientific package of practices for its commercial cultivation. In fact, at that time, the Safed Mu as medicinal crop was very new to the farmers and experts around the globe. Before this introduction, for me Safed Musli was just natural herb that can be seen in every forest during rainy season. From beginning, the innovative herb growers have given me chance to conduct the detailed experiments in their fields in order to search the methods to increase both quality and production. I was associated with them as expert for technical guidance. As mentioned earlier, at that time no details were there, I tried to adopt the principles of root crop Agronomy. In order to learn from mother nature’s experiments, I decided to visit nearby forests, rich in natural population of different wild species of Safed Musli, very frequently. From nature’s experiments, I have got many valuable information on best soil , climate and other factors, that plays vital roles in converting the simple herb into herb with rich medicinal properties. With the help of innovative herb growers I replicated the nature’s micro environment (not perfectly, as no one can mimic the nature), in crop fields and as a result, we got best quality Safed Musli roots. From replicating nature’s experiments, we improved the quality, which goes down due to domestication and commercial cultivation but failed to achieve the target of production. In Nature’s experimental fields, there is no role for production particularly in the field of herb. This is the human being who want to get more and more production and this more production, affects the quality to the great extent. Now the researchers have proved the fact that the herbs collected from nature are many times superior as compared to cultivated ones (regardless to the claim that it is grown by adopting hi-fi technology) and in international drug markets, the herbs from wild origin fetches three times higher price, as compared to cultivated counterparts. From last two to three years, Indian research organizations have started research programmes to develop package of practices for this wonder crop. I got opportunities to visit many such organizations active in different corners of India. This is a bitter fact that most of researchers handling these programmes have focused their attentions on increasing the production. They are not aware about the fact that the Musli roots having no or less medicinal properties fetch very low or throw away prices and no one is ready to buy this material in national and international drug markets. In local markets where the buyers have no facility of advanced research laboratories, one can fool them at once only but when these buyers (mainly the mediators) will get harsh feedback from national buyers, no one will buy it again from you. This particular information is very valuable for the beginners that are planning to enter in attractive looking field of Safed Musli production and marketing. The researchers giving emphasis on increasing the production are not engaged in this field from very long time. Most of them were engaged in research on commercial crops like wheat, rice potato, maize etc, where increasing producti the main target. When I asked these researchers, what will happen to the quality, in cost of quantity ? They replied that they have tested the saponin content of produce and it is near to the produce collected from nature. How much? It is 3-4 percent, they replied. In natural Musli the percentage of Saponin varies between 2-17 percent. The high yielding Musli varieties having 3-4 percent saponin, is of no value, the traders at international market told me. Unfortunately, the researchers are not ready to accept this fact. And one should underline this sentence that Saponin is not the only natural chemical responsible for the medicinal properties of Safed Musli. To prove this, I conducted a small experiment with my biochemist friend. In this experiment, we isolated the saponin and tested the efficacies of remaining solution, with the help of traditional healers. Even without this natural chemical, the solution perform good as medicine. The scientists and researchers have no confirmation that whether alone saponin acts as medicine or in presence of other chemicals (present in Musli roots) it shows miracle medicinal effects. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers engaged in phytochemistry research, to focus their research on this important aspect. I am seeing the many recent publications on commercial cultivation of Safed Musli. This is very shocking (at least for me) that scientists and researchers are recommending the heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and other inorganic inputs in commercial cultivation. I would like to repeat this fact more and more times, the mother nature never use the synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals to produce best (No.1) quality of Musli. Why our researchers are not ready to realize this fact ? Although it is long process and requires a lot of patience, but by understanding the nature’s input, used for production of Musli in nature’s field, we can get best quality Musli. I am shocked that our direction of research is wrong and we are wasting our energy and money. Yes, I am criticizing the researchers, with hope that after reading this article, they will try to start thinking on this important aspect. To identify the best soil suitable for commercial production of best quality Safed Musli, we have conducted one more experiment. We selected the herb growers living nearer to forest, rich in natural population of wild species. For cultivation, we visited the forest and collected the soil in bulk from Musli herb area. At first, we grew Musli in small plot using this forest soil. Simultaneously, it is also cultivated using original soil (common in that region). We analyzed the produce in our laboratory and for real confirmation, we gave it to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialised in use of Safed Musli. The sources of these two samples were not disclosed to them. In our laboratory test, we got relatively higher saponin in produce obtained from Musli cultivated using forest soil. But the most reliable information came from the healers. They clearly declared the Musli cultivated in forest soil as the best. Some times when my farmers, suggest me to pressurize the governmental organization to establish an advanced research laboratory in Raipur. I reply to them, there is no authentic and promising substitute to our traditional healers and even advanced research labs can not deny the judgment of these healers. For international buyers, yes, it is necessary to provide analysis report because they may not rely on our living legends. Last year, I attended one day workshop organized by National Medicinal Plant Board in my home town. During interactions and discussions with the scientists from a reputed organization, when I got reply from them that the scientists know better than the traditional healers and the farmers should believe only on scientists not on the healers, I was shocked. This ‘ego’ of our scientific community is becoming a curse for our country. I am not agree with them. As an alternative to chemical inputs, with the help of innovative herb grower, I have developed many organic solutions. Before describing these, I am completing the details of experiments in which the forest soil is used. As it is not possible for every growers, to collect the soil from forest every year and in bulk, with the help of soil scientists, we are trying to analysis these medicated soil and we are already in process of developing a replica of this. We have found that the residues of leachates and extracts of herbs found in surroundings of Safed Musli herbs in natural conditions. These leachates and extracts, play a vital role in enriching the soil. We have evaluated the effects of these leachates and extracts on the growth and yield of Safed Musli crop cultivated in controlled conditions. If you have ever visited the Musli rich area in natural forest, you must have observed the nature’s specific arrangement of herbs in particular area. I am talking about this specific arrangement because this contributes a lot in making the soil rich. The innovative herb growers are convinced with me and this is really surprising that they try their best to collect the forest soil in small quantity and spread it in fields, prior to sowing of Safed Musli crop. As Agronomist, I am aware of same practice done in crop fields where farmers sow the pulse crop for the first time. They collect the soil from fields having engaged in cultivation of pulse crops and spread this beneficial nitrogen fixing bacteria rich soil in same manner. For cultivation, the Musli species Chlorophytum borivilianum is preferred. In Chhattisgarh, I have not seen its natural population. Naturally it occurs in Gir forest of Gujarat state. As herb expert, I have got opportunities to see and study all species of Safed Musli in different corners of India. As the socalled good species, is not found in natural forests of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use other common species like Chlorophytum tuberosum, Chlorophytum arundinaceum etc. They are using it as medicine since generations. When Chlorophytum borivilianum introduced for the first time in Chhattisgarh, I distributed some dried samples to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh in order to know their expert opinion. They were impressed by the colour and size of roots but in terms of medicinal properties they found it at par. I was not in favour of the introduction of Chlorophytum borivilianum in Chhattisgarh but the false dream of great returns motivated the farmers to start its commercial cultivation. As herb expert, I am confident that regional wild species can be commercialized in same manner after systematic research. The forest soil farmers are ng to increase the medicinal properties of Chlorophytum borivilianum, is collected nearer to the regional wild species. This is good to observe that one component of nature is supporting and enhancing the growth of other components originated in region far from regional wild species. I am in favour of organic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops. Through my experiments, I have found that with the help of organic cultivation, one can eliminate the harmful effects of commercial cultivation to the great extent. The Safed Musli growers of the state, particularly my farmers are growing this herb organically. With the help of Allelopathy, Agrohomoeopathy and ancient methods like cow urine therapy, we are using organic inputs to fulfill the nutrient requirement of crop. As you know, Chhattisgarh is well known for its hot summer. During hot summer, in general farmers do not cultivate any crop. In fallow lands, where we hav sow Safed Musli crop in coming season, we adopt soil solarization technique in order to destroy the dormant weed seeds, pathogens and eggs of insects present in soil. An eminent weed scientist Dr. N. T. Yaduraju has done a great work in this field. In general, the black coloured polythene sheets are spread on field during the noon of hot summer for three to four hours. The black coloured sheets absorb the heat and warm the soil enough to destroy the weed seeds and pests. We have found this method very effective in cas Safed Musli cultivation. The presence of weeds in Safed Musli fields cause great damage at its roots try to penetrate the Musli roots, that is having great economical value. In many cases, the cracks resulted from penetration of weed roots facilitates an entry point for the fungus and other harmful creatures. Weedicides may be promising alternatives but the use of weedicides is not permitted in organic farming. This is also a bare fact that not much work has been done on this important aspect, by the weed scientists of India. As organic input farm yard manure and Neem cake are used in abundance. Only well rotten manures are used as undecomposed manures serve as the source of termite infestation in Musli crop. In areas where the termites cause nuisance, the farmers prefer to kill the queen living in termite mounds. In my previous articles, I have written a lot on traditional medicinal uses of termite queen as medicine and as food. We have also observed that presence of many herb like Dhikuar (Aloe vera), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) repel away the harmful termites from main field. I always instruct the farmers, to plant Aloe vera herbs on mounds, in order to repel away the termites present inside the mounds. If you are beginner, please take enough precaution to restrict the entry of this harmful creatures in crop fields. I have seen complete crop failure and loss of lakhs rupees, due to heavy infestation of termites in Safed Musli fields in Chhattisgarh. In order to promote the growth and to repel away the harmful insects, my farmers are using Green Spray successfully. In this Green Spray, the mixture of cow urine and fresh cow dung are used. Through my allelopathic studies, I have identified many herbal extracts and leachates that can be added in Green Spray to make it more useful and strong. The Green spray at lower concentrations, promote the growth of Safed Musli. We have not observed its harmful effect on standing crop. During first two three years, we have not seen any diseases or insect attacking this costly crop but now many problems are coming. Last season, a new leaf spot disease attacked on the Musli crop for the first time .Fortunately, the regular and timely sprays of Green spray checked its further spread, but not we are aware that our war against harmful pests have started and we have to make ou arms stronger and stronger. It is general recommendation to spray the Green spray every week till maturity of crop. Through research on Homoeopathic drugs, prepared from common herbs, I have identified many useful drugs that can be sprayed on standi crop as growth promoter (without affecting its quality). Agrohomoeopathy is a new field and very few field trials have been conducted around the world so far. I personally believe that this new branch of science can be a boon for the farmers engaged in commercial cultivation of herbs particularly for those who engaged in organic cultivation. As guard crops, we are using many herbs to protect Safed Musli crop fields from uninvited guests. As guard crops, Genda (Tegetes sp.) Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh). Datura stramonium (Dhatura) etc. are promising. Few years back, I reported the infestation of Orange colored blister beetle Zonabris pustulata on Safed Musli crop. This beetle feeds on flowers. As the collection of seeds, is not important for the farmers, in general farmers ignore the presence of this beetle in Musli crop. As routine practice, the farmers cut away the flowers in order to transfer food material to developing roots. The blister beetles make this operation easy by eating away the flowers. Although many scientists are not agree that cutting of flowers is beneficial for roots but According to farmers, it is beneficial and this is the reason they are adopting this practice. During my work and research with Safed Musli, I have noted that one must not make compromise in selection of fields for the commercial cultivation. The sloppy lands should be used because water logging due to poor drainage can destroy the crop within no time. A reputed medical practitioner of Bilaspur region have experienced this in ten acres of land. Always prefer the sandy loam to sandy soil for cultivation. Last year, one of my farmers tried to cultivate it in clay soil. They faced losses both in terms of quality and production. This is a bitter fact that very few herb experts have practical information about commercial cultivation of this high values crop. The number of interested farmers is increasing very rapidly and in absence of experts, the middlemen are cheating the farmers. Safed Musli is a crop for future and there is a tremendous scope in this herb business. Hence, it is very necessary for the governmental and governmental organizations to focus their research programmes on this important medicinal crop. (obviously in right direction). Thank you very much for reading the article. Harvesting, Processing and Trading of wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) : My research and experience Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Although for the traders, the roots of Safed Musli are valuable part but for the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh, India, its leaves are also important. They use it as pot herb. Its use in form of vegetable is very common and popular in almost every part of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers and natives of different parts use the fresh leaves in different ways. The natives use the s as potherb because of its unique taste. According to the traditional healers, this potherb posses unique medicinal properti and in many cases, this is more useful as compared to roots. The use of Musli leaves as potherb is also popular in Musli belts of other parts of India, but its medicinal uses have not been reported. The healers informed me that for the treatment of specific diseases, they collect the leaves by adopting special worship ceremonies. I personally feel that there is a need for detailed scientific studies on this important aspect. The traditional healers and natives use both fresh and dry leaves of Musli. As this article is first written document having details of Musli leaves utilization, I am sure that this article will motivate the herb traders and collectors to earn additional income from this valuable herb. The traditional healers of Bastar region informed me that the use of Musli leaves in combination with other herbs, makes the human body enough resistant against the attack of sex related diseases. It is also used as medicine to delay the menopause, by the healers. Although the healers are aware of introduced species of Safed Musli in Chhattisgarh but they prefer the use of native species for the preparation of herbal combinations. The herb collectors collect the Musli roots from forest at very immature stage. We can not blame them for this premature collection. If you have ever seen the Musli plant, you must have observed that within three to four months after germination its life cycle complete and after fall or decaying of matured leaves, it is very difficult to locate the presence of Safed Musli herb inside the soil, from ground level. It is common belief among scientific community that it is mere impossible to locate the Musli roots after the maturity and disappearance of aerial parts in forest floor having covered with fallen leaves of trees, and according to them, this is the reason the collectors collect it prematurely when the leaves are still visible. I have read many scientific publications and heard speeches by many experts, explaining this observation confidently. I was also having the same opinion. But when I visited the dense forests with tribal, in search of Safed Musli, I learnt in depth knowledge of tribal. I observed that even from the heavily covered forest floor, the tribal were spotting the points easily having Musli roots inside and when we started digging, we got the roots. This was my eye-opening experience. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I got opportunities to interact with the traditional healers specialized in use of Safed Musli. When I asked them why the herb collectors harvest the immature roots, in stead of the fact that they can dig it out even after maturity. The healers asked me ‘ Who told you that mature Musli should only be used for preparation of Medicine? How you can say it is not a mature one? I replied, I have read it in science journals. I was aware that there is no meaning of quoting the references published in journals in front of them .The healers told me that in most of the cases they use, this so called immature Musli, for the treatment and according to them, they are using if since generations. They further told me that the properties of this immature Musli differ from the matured ones. The traditional healers of Sarguja region, added that the Musli roots dug out at the end of rainy season are dug out at this particular time because the nature has made it for its use in this specific time. According to them, they never store the Musli harvested at the end of rainy season, for future use. The farmers engaged in commercial cultivation of Safed Musli wait for three or four months after disappearance of aerial parts. The crop planted in May-June is harvested in February. From commercial angle, this root seasoning is essential , as growers say. For national and international markets, they have to peel off and dry the fresh roots. For peeling, the skin of roots should be hard enough. Otherwise the fleshy parts of roots will come out with peels and these will be the big loss in terms of wastage. When farmers try to peel off the roots harvested at immature stage, due to immaturity, it is very difficult to peel the skin out without damaging the fleshy inside part. This problem is solved after three months long seasoning inside the soil. From commercial angle, this practice looks good but most of the traditional healers oppose the peeling of Musli roots. According to them there is no necessity for this operation, as they use whole roots (without peeling) for preparations of drugs. Like the roots, its skin is also valuable as medicine. Many buyers at international level are also convinced with this but the buyers at national level are not ready to purchase the roots having skin. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers to conduct research on this aspect to confirm the findings of the healers of Chhattisgarh. Their research findings will encourage and motivate the national buyers to purchase the whole ts. Their findings will also help to cut the long duration of this crop and after overcoming the problem of dormancy, the farmers will be able to take two to three Musli crops in a year. From several websites based on this wonder crop available on net, the Safed Musli crop seems like a crop requiring heavy investment. The sincere and hard working innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh proved the fact that Safed Musli is "Poor man’s crop" and one can successfully cultivate it without much expenses. Unfortunately due to communication gap, most of the beginners are not aware of this fact and they are coming in grip of exploiters that are encouraging them to cultivate this crop using unscientific methods and as results, the growers are loosing money and getting Safed Musli roots of low market value. As herb experts, I always suggest the beginners to buy the planting material of Safed Musli from genuine farmers. As our farmers are not aware of true markets, many middlemen are active with attractive websites and company profiles and they are selling the cheaper roots at very high rates. This is a bitter fact that the governmental organizations working for the farmers, have no control on these middlemen. As mentioned earlier, the quality produce fetch good price in national and international markets, the beginners should have to be very careful in selection of planting material. As there is a heavy demand of Safed Musli planting material at initial years, the big growers want to take maximum advantage of this. To get more production, they are using chemical inputs in form of fertilizers and growth promoters,. Their planting materials are of poor quality. The beginners can take the help of advanced research laboratories or herb experts, in selection of planting material with high medicinal properties. Last year, I got a sample from South India. As test, I rubbed the Musli roots in stone and smelled it. I was shocked to get a smell of Monocrotophos, a popular insecticides in roots. I have visited the website of that particular organization. In the website, it was clearly mentioned that they grow the Safed Musli organically. This is very sad that many organizations are cheating the growers in name of organic farming. With the help of advanced analysis method, one can detect the residues of chemicals in Musli roots in very less time and expenses. In India, many organizations are claiming that they are selling tissue cultured Safed Musli plants for commercial cultivation. In the name of tissue culture, they are charging very higher rates from the growers. Be aware, and always consult the experts or scientists, before trying these things. Last year, one of my farmers, purchased small quantity of Safed Musli planting material from neighboring Maharashtra state. This farm is having a reputation of organic grower. Before planting when I gave the samples to my pathologist friend, he informed that the roots are severely infested with the harmful nematodes. These nematode were not reported earlier in Chhattisgarh. In order to stop its infestation, we decided to reject this material. We convinced the farmer and paid by our own pockets. We also informed the farm owner at Maharashtra but he told that he has already sold over 20 quin of material. Within two to three months, the reports on nematode infestation started coming from different corners of the India. At once we were successful to stop the entry of harmful nematode in our state but as the growers are increasing and we have no c over them, we are aware that this organism will became a menace in our state one day. The beginners can clearly distinguish the infested roots from healthy roots. I am emphasizing on chemical analysis of Musli roots because it will help you in many ways. After harvest of crop, when you will dry the produce for the market, one more analysis will help you to evaluate the farming practices, in terms of increase in saponin (and other chemicals) percentage. In metros, many such advanced laboratories are active. If you are cultivating Safed Musli for international markets, the chemical analysis is must. It is common observation that many growers contact the international buyers without having the detailed analysis report. When the buyers ask for it, they show ignorance. As herb expert, I suggest you to approach to the international buyers after completing home work sincerely. In general, the peeling is done with the help of sharp knife. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, particularly in Bilaspur region, the collectors use caustic soda for peeling. The use of chemical ease the process but damage the medicinal properties to the great extent. The collectors are aware of this fact but they are satisfied with the rates they are getting for their inferior produces. Ore must avoid the use of chemicals at any stage. Daily I receive hundreds of e-mail, letters and phone calls, regarding market of Safed Musli. I have noted that most of them are from beginners. At initial stages, I have given addresses to them and they started inquiring the buyers. When their tolerance level reached to maximum, they complained back to me and warned to give the address to the genuine growers engaged in commercial farming. To great extent, they are true from their side. The trade of Safed Musli is in existence since generations. There are herb collectors and buyers working silently without any problem. The crowd of new growers is now disturbing them. Through this article, I would like to request the new growers to start the commercial cultivation of this wonder crop after getting complete details from genuine growers, scientists, researchers and experts. The future of Safed Musli is bright and there is a tremendous scope in this field. Anantmul or Anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved According to the traders at metros, the herb collectors supply too types of Anantmool to them. One is Asli (genuine or true) and second is Nakli (false, impure). They give relatively very higher prices for Asli Anantmool. The herb collectors at Chhattisgarh are agree with these two types. According to them, they get pure Anantmool rarely and in most of the cases, the herb collectors at village level, supply other herbs in name of Anantmool. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have seen one more intermediate type. In this type, the collectors add the pure herb upto 60 percent and other herbs are added as adulterate in rest of 40 percent. During surveys I got one shocking news about this valuable herb. The old villagers living in Anantmool rich forest regions informed me that few decades back these regions were full of Anantmol herb but due to its heavy demand, the natural population is decreasing at alarming rates. The traditional healers specialised in use of Anantmool for treatment informed that one can understand the level of problem by the fact that the healers of many parts are now dependent on local herb shops for this herb as the herb has became extinct in these parts. This is really shocking and sad news for me. Unfortunately, the state authorities are not aware of this fact. The healers further informed that the decreasing natural population of Anantmool is becoming threat for associated species of herbs. As expert, I am aware about the importance of any component in specific eco-system. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers and state authorities to pay special attention on this problem. The traders informed that there is a routine demand of Anantmool from the state but the decreasing natural population of this herb is a sufficient proof of its heavy demand. I personally feel that there is a strong need to motivate the herb growers of Chhattisgarh, to start its commercial cultivation. This commercial cultivation can reduce the enormous pressure on natural population. And by supplying pure (Asli) Anantmool, we can make impression of our state good among herb traders at national and international drug markets. In order to get the equal or nearly equal quality from cultivated Anantmool herb, the cultivation programme should be started in farmer’s fields nearer to Anantmool rich forest regions. The traditional healers depend on local herb shops clearly identify the Anantmool roots by its typical smell. According to them it smells like Chandan (Sandal) and Kapur Kachri (Hedychium spicatum). As Kapur Kachri occurs as natural herb, it is used as adulterate in Anantmool. In big lots , it is very difficult to find out the adulteration through the specific smells. During my surveys, I have observed many variations in Anantmool herb. This is good information for researchers engaged in medicinal herb breeding programmes. Through this article, I would like to invite these researchers to visit Chhattisgarh for this specific collection and study as no one has ever done any work on this important aspect. The similar variations, I observed, during my visit to Roha city (Maharashtra). The hills surrounding this city are rich in natural bio-diversity of this important herb. As now farm house culture is spreading like anything in these hills, I am afraid that how long this diversity will exist, in this region. I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Anantmool is a perennial prostrate or twining shrub; root-stock woody; stems thickened at the nodes; Leaves very variable, dark green , after variegated with white above; Flowers in cymes in opposite axils; Corolla tubular, greenish outside, purplish inside; Fruits follicle cylindric, tapering; Seeds with silvery white coma. Flowering throughout the year in Chhattisgarh conditions. As medicine, Anantmool holds a reputed position in all systems of medicine in India. Its roots (Mainly), stems and leaves are used as medicine. According to Ayurveda, Anantmool root is cooling, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, alexiteric, antidiarrhoeal, astringent to bowels and useful in treatment of skin diseases, fevers, foul body odour, low appetite, asthma, bronchitis, blood disorders, leucorrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea, thirst, burning sensation, piles, eye troubles, epileptic fits, poisoning , rat bites etc. According to Unani system of medicine, root and stem are laxative, diaphoretic, diuretic and useful in treatment of syphilis and leucoderma. Alone roots are useful in hemicrania, joint pains and syphilis whereas stem is good in atment of brain, lever and kidney related diseases. It is also useful in treatment of gleet, urinary discharges, uterine complaints, paralysis, cough, asthma etc. The traditional healers of Southern parts of Chhattisgarh prepare a special Herbal Mala from the root pieces of Anantmool and Semal (Bombax ceiba). In this Mala, they use red coloured string. The root pieces are arranged alternatively in the Herbal mala. In general the healers use seven root pieces of each herbs. This Mala is used in treatment of Sukhandi (Marasmus) and healers advise the child patients to wear it around the neck as part of the treatment. The natives are also aware of this use. The use of herbal Mala prepared with Semal and Anantmool is not reported by the early workers. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, prepare a special herbal Chai (Tea) for treatment of patients having diseases due to impurities in blood. In this herbal tea, Anantmool is used as main ingredient. The traditional healers of Machkot region, explained the method to me. The healers take the bark of Anantmool and boil it in water. After 10-15 minutes, they add sugar and milk. They give this special tea twice a day to the patients. According to them, this special herbal tea is not recommended for every one and one must take advise from the healers, before starting its use. Based on the intensity of trouble the healers recommend its use for specific period. The traditional healers of Gandai region, are also aware of this special herbal tea. They add more herbs in this tea to make it more useful. Among these herbs, Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) is main. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, fry all ingredients i.e. Anantmool and Kevatch seeds in ghee and keep it with them for future use. For preparation of herbal tea, they use fried herb parts. They also add Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) in this combination. It is good to observe, the diversity in preparation methods. The traditional healers of Northern hilly parts of Chhattisgarh, informed that this special herbal tea is best for natives of all age group except children and pregnant women. I personally feel that the scientific research on this aspect would throw more lights. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I noted that the tional healers from all regions are aware of medicinal properties and uses of this valuable herb. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region, use the Anantmool roots as supplement, in main treatment of snakebite. They give the aqueous paste of Anantmool roots with rice water to the patients to increase the rate of healing process. The traditional healers of Raigarh region, use it in treatment of scorpion sting very frequently. For this purpose, the aqueous paste is used in same manner. As many other cheap and effective, alternatives are available, the healers use it less frequently in case of snake bite. The natives use the roots internally in treatment of premature graying of hairs. The patients are advised to take a tea spoonful of root powder with a glass of water. According to the healers, this is good hair tonic and within a week one can see its miracle effects. Its intake more than a month is not recommended by the healers. The natives also use Anantmool in treatment of Pelea (Jaundice). They use root bark with Kali Mirch (Black Piper) internally. The herbal combination is given with water. The traditional healers use all parts of Anantmool in treatment of eye related diseases. In general, they suggest to the patients having the problem of eyes, to apply one or two drops of fresh leaf juice every morning. It is also recommended for normal persons in order to prevent the attack of eye-diseases. Many healers suggest to add the dew drops collected from Doobi (Cynodon dactylon) in this fresh leaf juice. The use of aqueous extract of roots and leaf ash is also in use in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, prepare a special herbal decoction for the treatment of Lakwa (leprosy). In this decoction, Anantmool roots are used as main ingredient. They also add Giloi (Tinospora sp.), Pittpapda (Fumaria sp.), Jamun bark (Syzygium cumini), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Aam bark (Mangifera indica), Adusa (Adhatoda vasica), Bamboo, Jam (Guava), Arjun or Koha (Terminalia arjuna) bark and fresh leaves of Nimbu (Lemon tree). Two parts of Anantmool and one part of each herb are used to prepare this herbal decoction. During preparation of decoction, the patients are advised to expose the affected parts in fumes. After preparation, it is used internally. For the treatment of chronic fever, the healers prepare another decoction. In this decoction, they add Anantmool roots, Urai (Vetiver), Sonth (dried ginger), Nagarmotha or Gondla (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutki (Holarrhena antidysenterica) .According to them, this decoction increases appetite also, besides curing the chronic fevers. In order to remove extra heat from body, the traditional healers suggest the patients to use Anantmool root powder fried in ghee upto one month. In treatment of Pathri (Renal Calculi) its use with cow milk is also popular in Chhattisgarh. Most of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been documented earlier. I am not repeating the documented uses. The in depth traditional knowledge about Anantmool in Chhattisgarh, emphasizes the need of detailed Ethnobotanical surveys and systematic research. These days I am trying to develop the scientific cultivation practices for Anantmool. In order to learn from mother nature’s experiments, I am visiting the Anantmool rich forest regions of Chhattisgarh. As researcher, I welcome all interested herb lovers to work with me in this unique part of the world. Thank you very much for reading the article. Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Imli or Amli (Tamarindus indica; family Caesalpiniaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Since generations, we are listening the small story indicating the importance of herbs from our seniors. To explain the importance of medicinal herbs, the Master living in South India sent his student to Banaras, situated in North India and instructed him to always sleep beneath the Imli trees every night and in return journey, in place of Imli trees, use the Neem trees. In ancient time, over a month was required to cover this long distance. The student obeyed the order to his Master. When he reached to Banaras, due to bad effects of Imli trees where he has passed his nights, he got infected with several diseases, including asthmatic and skin troubles. When he returned back, he selected Neem trees, for sleep. When he came back to his Master, he was totally free from the side effects of Imli trees. Since childhood, I was very much afraid of this tree. Aa small children, the stories of ghosts living in Pipal and Imli trees were horrifying me. When I became herb expert, I have found both trees very useful. In reference literatures, related to different systems of medicine, a lot have been written on medicinal uses of Imli. My Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh revealed that although natives are aware of these stories but they use different parts of this herb very frequently in form of food material as well as medicine. Yesterday I got one Sanskrit name of Imli, Yamdootika (Yam is the god of death, and doot means representative). According to this reference book, one should avoid the use of Imli as medicine and if necessary, use it under strict supervision of traditional healers or medical practitioners. To some extent, this is true. For our state Chhattisgarh, Imli is a boon. It is one of the non-wood forest produces having heavy and routine demand in international and national drug markets. From collectors to traders, every one earn from this herb. All parts of Imli are used as medicine. It is collected and supplied for both industrial and medicinal uses. It is common tree in almost every part of Chhattisgarh but the southern part of Chhattisgarh is rich in its natural population. Imli is present in the state since generations. Common and popular names of Imli (Tamarindus indica) around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Amara, Dar-al-sida, Homer, Hommor, Humar 2) Assam Teteli, Tetuli 3) Bengal Ambli, Amli, Nuli, Tentul, Tentuli 4) Brazil Jubay, Tamarindo 5) Myanmar Magi, Magyi 6) Kanarese Amla, Amli, Amlike, Gotu, Huli 7) Chinese Ou Mei Dutch Tamarindenboom 9) Egypt Tammer hendi 10) English Tamarind Tree 11) German Tamarindenbaum 12) French Assam, Tamar indien 13) Gujarati Ambla, Amli 14) Mudagascar Kily, Madila, Madiro 15) Malyalam Amlam, Amlika, Madhurappuli 16) Marathi Ambali, Chicha, Chinch, Chitz 17) Maurititius Tamarin, Polli-Imli 18) Mexico Tamarindo 19) Persian Ambalah, Tamar-i-hindi 20) Philippines I-tumbi, Ma-tumbi 21) Portuguese Tamainda, Tamarindeiro 22) Sanskrit Amli, Amlika, Abdika, Amla, Gurupatra, Chukra, Chukrik, Sarvamda, Yamdutika 23) Sind Amri, Gidamri 24) Spanish Tomarindo, Tamarindo de la India 25) Tamil Ambilam, Amilam, Amilgai, Indam 26) Telugu Amlika, Chinta, Sinja, Sinta 27) Urdu Imli 28) Uriya Koina, Konya, Koya, Omlika, Tentuli, Telul The village names based on natural population of Imli (or Amli) viz. Amlipadar, Amlidih, Amlibhata etc., clearly confirms this fact. present article, at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, after this I will write on traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli (or Amli) in Chhattisgarh, India. Botanically it is a moderate size to large, evergreen ornamental tree with hand some, dense crown, having height upto 30 meters, stem short thick, seldom straight; Bark-brownish or dark gray, longitudinally and horizontally fissured; Leaf paripinnate, upto 15cm long; leaflets generally 10-20 pairs, sub sessile, oblong; Flower – small, yellowish with pink stripes or red-variegated, in few flowered, lax racemes, at the ends of the branchlets; Fruits grayish – brown-green, more or less constricted between seeds, slightly curved 3-12 seeded pod; Seed-obovate oblong or squarish compressed, with a shallow, oblong pit on each side of the flat or slightly raised faces, smooth, dark brown, shining, contained in loculi, enveloped by a tough, leathery membrane, the endocarp covered with light brownish red, sweetish, acidic, edible pulp, transversed by several-branched, ligneous stands; outermost covering fragile and easily separable. According to Ayurveda, leaves are useful in treatment of swellings, tumor, ring worm, blood disorders, small-pox, eye diseases, earache etc. Flowers are useful in treatment of urinary troubles. Fruits are sour, tasty, indigestible, astringent to bowels, laxative, heating, heart tonic, anthelmintic whereas seeds are useful in treatment of vaginal discharges and ulcers. According to the Unani systems of medicine, bark is astringent and tonic whereas fruits are sour, sweetish, laxative and useful in liver complaints, vomiting, thirst, scabies, sore-throat, stomatitis and blood disorders. Seeds are astringent and aphrodisiac. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Imli. They use this herb alone or in combinations with other herbs in treatment of over 50 common diseases. I am describing some traditional uses I have noted and observed during my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh always keep the seeds of Imli with them during traveling. In case of snake or scorpion bite, they cut the wound with the help of sharp knife and after rubbing the Imli seeds in stones, stick the seeds in contact with the affected portion. They informed me that the seeds are capable of absorbing the poison. When seeds soak all the poison, it drop automatically. In case of complication they apply, more seeds as seeds fall after saturation. In most of the cases, the patients get rid from the effect of poison by this simple treatment. The saturated seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The vendors are unable to give the explanation that why the seeds are buried near the Datura herb after use. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialised in treatment of Hydrocele frequently use Imli in treatment. For treatment leaves are preferred. They collect the leaves and put it in clay pot full of cow urine. After mixing, the pot is kept on fire. As cow urine evaporates they add more cow urine. The same process of repeated for five times. After last boiling the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. According to the healers, it is one of the most promising treatment. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, add the leaves of Andi (Castor) in this combination in order to make the combination more useful. The urine of black cow is preferred . The urine of bull and pregnant cow is not used by the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Gulgul village, use the Imli leaves in different ways. The leave are boiled in water and patients having the problem of Hydrocele are advised to expose the scrotum in fumes in order get rid from intense pain. After this application, the leaves are collected and applied on scrotum externally. I am really surprised to know the efficacies of both methods. In first method the healers use the cow urine and in second method in place of urine, water is used. Both combinations are in use and healers of both regions are aware of both methods, but they claim that their method is more effective. The systematic scientific research can answer this question. As natural deodorant the use of Imli fruit pulp and flowers are very popular among the natives. Both parts are converted into paste with the help of water and used to wash the body. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the seedless pods of Imli as appetizer. The pods are burnt and ash is collected. As medicine, it is given to the patients every night before sleep. For children half teaspoonful and for adults full teaspoonful of ash is recommended. After taking ash , the patients are advised to take lukewarm water. According to the healers, it is good stomach tonic and specially useful for the patients having constipation and related troubles. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village informed me that the Imli seeds can be used for the treatment of Pelea (Jaundice) successfully,. According to him, the seeds are splitted from center and each portion is burnt, the ash is given with goat’s urine internally as treatment. In general, one part of ash and four parts of goat’s urine is recommended. When I discussed this use with the traditional healers of Bastar region, they informed that it is good supplement to main treatment, but alone this use is not capable of curing the problem of Jaundice completely. The natives of Bastar region, prepare a special vegetable using the flowers of Imli and serve it with lunch. it with lunch. In this preparation, with Imli flowers Dahi (Curd) is used. The natives prepare it just for taste but according to the traditional healers this preparation possess unique medicinal properties. It is good for constipation and boon for the patients having the old problem of Bavasir (Piles). In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, this preparation is described. According to these references, more herbs like Dhania (Coriander), Sonth and Anar (Pomegranate) are added in combination but the natives of Chhattisgarh are not aware of these additional ingredients. From my grand father’s diary. I have noted the use of Imli bark in treatment of burns and scalds. According to this diary, the powdered bark should be applied with Nariyal oil (Coconut oil) externally on affected parts. As other promising alternatives are available, the natives use the Imli bark very rarely. The seeds of Imli are used as "Poor man’s sex tonic’ in Chhattisgarh. The method of its use is very simple and one can prepare this aphrodisiac at home. The Imli seeds are collected and dried in shade. Then it is boiled in cow milk. After boiling, the seed cover from softened seeds is removed and seeds are converted into paste with the help of clean stone. The paste is left for drying and after drying the powder is fried in cow’s ghee. For taste sugar is added and this preparation is kept for future use. A teaspoonful of this preparation with milk is given once in a day. According to the traditional healers, besides sex tonic, it is a good general tonic and its regular use protects the body from diseases. For persons having old age, this preparation is very useful. After addition of costly herbs like Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens), Badam (Almond) etc. this preparation become "Rich man’s sex tonic". The natives use germinating Imli seeds in treatment of eye diseases. The seeds are crushed with water to prepare the aqueous paste. This aqueous paste is applied externally on eye lids in case of conjunctivitis. Chhattisgarh is well known for its long hot summer and in these days, sunstroke is common complaint. The natives use Imli in different ways to treat the patients having sunstroke. They mix the ripe fruit in water and rinse the clothes of patients with it. They also spray the Imli water on the body. The solution prepared by dipping the sweet pulp in water, is massaged on soles of the patients to check the burning. They also apply this solution on head. All these uses make the patient normal in every less time. In case of Leucorrhoea (Safed Pani), the natives advise the patients to wash the vagina with powdered seeds mixed in pure honey, in order to check the bad smell. With the common herb Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia), many healers use the powdered Imli seeds in treatment of Leucoderma. This combination is applied externally on white spots. T natives also use different parts of Imli as veterinary medicine. I will write a separate article on this important aspect. The fresh juice of Imli leaves is applied on ring worm externally as treatments. With Til oil, the juice is used to treat earache. Many of the above mentioned traditional uses are not reported in reference literatures. My surveys have revealed that the traditional healers and natives have in depth knowledge about different medicinal uses of Imli. I personally feel that it is wrong to consider or declare Imli as harmful and useless herb. I am sure that my on going surveys will provide more information on traditional uses of Imli herb in Chhattisgarh, India. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Since generations, the natives of Chhattisgarh are using Nirgundi herb to prepare the earthen pots to store the grains. They are aware of insecticidal and repellent properties of this herb. According to them, in these earthen pots, one can store the grains for long time. In interior forest regions of Chhattisgarh, the natives are still using Nirgundi herb for this specific purpose. After experiencing and observing long term effects of Nirgundi herb, many Indian Scientists have published research papers and through slight modifications developed new grain storage structures. I have seen many such research papers in international journals but they have not mentioned that the base of their work, is from the traditional knowledge of Chhattisgarh natives. Like Neem leaves, for storage of grains, the natives use dried Nirgundi leaves. They mix the dried leaves with grain in order to repel away the harmful storage pest. The farmers of Chhattisgarh, are also well aware of unique insect repellent properties of Nirgundi. During interactions with the old villagers, I got information that in old days, it was common practice to burn the dried leaves of Nirgundi herb in rice fields, in order to repel away the harmful insects. As insecticides introduced in Chhattisgarh and the era of high yielding varieties came, this use lost i popularity among Farmers. I am proud to say that innovative the herb growers of Chhattisgarh have decided to use this unique valuable traditional knowledge again to protect their medicinal and aromatic crops. For the herb growers engaged in organic farming this herb has became a boon. The herb growers are planting Nirgundi in surrounding of their valuable crops as plant protection measure. They are getting encouraging results. I have written a lot about natural occurrence and existing uses of this valuable herb in my previous articles. In this article, I am giving details about some unique traditional medicinal knowledge, I have noted during my recent Ethnobotanical surveys but at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Nirgundi is a large, aromatic shrub or a small, slender tree, with quadrangular, densely whitish - tomentose branchlets, upto to 5.0 meters; Bark thin, grey; Leaf 3-5 foliolate; leaflets lanceolate, entire or rarely crenate; flower bluish - Purple, small in peduncled cymes, forming large, terminal often compound, pyramidal panicles, Fruit globose drupe, black when ripe, 5-6 mm diameter with persistent calyx. According to Ayurveda, the Nirgundi plant is acrid, bitter, heating, astringent, stomachic, cephalic, anthelmintic and useful in treatment of leucoderma, consumption, inflammations, eye diseases, spleen enlargement, bronchitis, asthma, biliousness, painful teething of children etc. The Indian names of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Assam Pasutica, Aaglachita 2) Bengal Niginda, Samalu, Nirgundi 3) English Chinese Chaste tree 4) Gujarati Nagoda, Nagaol 5) Hindi Nirgandi, Shambhalu, Nisinda 6) Kanarese Lakkigda, Nakkilu, Nekki 7) Kumaon Shiwali 8) Malyalam Vellanocchi 9) Marathi Nirgundi, Nisind, Nigudi 10) Tamil Vellanocchi, Venmochi, Nirukkundi 11) Telugu Tellavaavili, Vaavili 12) Oriya Begundiya, Nirgundi 13) Punjabi Banna The traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Nirgundi. The healers prepare special herbal oil from fresh leaves of Nirgundi and use in treatment of more than 70 common and complicated diseases. The healers of different use different base oil for preparation of this special oil. Sesamum (Til) and Mustard (Sarson) oils are used most commonly. The traditional healers of Southern Parts give more emphasis to Til Oil. Like other herbs, before collecting the leaves, the healers perform special worship ceremony and next day visit to same spot for the collection of leaves. The leaves are washed thoroughly with well water and used to prepare this Oil. When all watery contents evaporates from the mixture of base oil and Nirgundi leaves, the oil is collected and stored for future use. The healers use this oil in different ways. Its external uses in treatment of intense pains due to rheumatism, gout and sciatica are most common in Chhattisgarh. The body ache resulted from heavy physical exertion can be treated successfully with the help of this special oil. In tribal belts of Chhattisgarh, the drummers use this oil very frequently to get refreshed. The traditional healers of Mudpar village use Nirgundi oil in treatment of skin troubles. The oil is applied externally on diseased parts for early cure. According to him, this oil is a boon for the patients having the problem of Adhasisi (Migraine). He also add Nirgundi roots in this oil with leaves in order to make it more useful particularly in treatment of migraine. The use of roots in ation of oil is not reported in reference literatures. He informed me that he add roots in very less proportion but when oil dental care is prepared, the proportion of roots is increased. He advises his patients to use the oil as mouth wash before sleep to make the teeth healthy and disease free whole life. According to him, it is promising treatment for toothache. The traditional healers of Kanker region, add more herbs like Hing (Asafoetida) and Ajwain in herbal oil. The traditional healers of Ambikapur region, use this oil in treatment of earache. As mentioned earlier, these is no standardise method for preparation of oil and every healers have their own method and they are using it successfully. For young researchers, this is good opportunity to evaluate the efficacies of oils prepared by different healers. This is really sad that not a single pharmaceutical company at Chhattisgarh is engaged in preparing this multipurpose oil. There is a tremendous scope in this field. As Nirgundi occurs as wasteland plant in abundance, any company can utilize this raw material in development of herbal products particularly this useful herbal oil. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys, I have identified many Nirgundi rich areas and villages. In collection of Nirgundi herb from these region the natives can play a vital role. For them, this opportunity can provide employment. This is easy to write but hard to start , but I personally feel that the non governmental organizations active in this field in Chhattisgarh, can take a lead with the help of experts. Nirgundi is a valuable non wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh, but there is less demand in national and international drug markets. Its availability in other parts of India is one of the reasons. The neighbouring states are fulfilling the requirement of national and international traders. The use of Herbal shoes prepared from Nirgundi wood, effective in treatment of rheumatism is popular in northern parts of Chhattisgarh. For details, I suggest you to read my previous article on Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs useful in treatment of rheumatism in Chhattisgarh, India. For the treatment of carbuncle, the traditional healers suggest the patients to take fresh juice of Nirgundi leaves. I have seen the miracle curing effects of the leaf juice. As its nature (Tasir) is hot, in general, the healers take special precaution in its use and give the juice under their strict supervision only. The aqueous paste of leaves is also applied externally on boils. The natives give the leaf juice to woman just after delivery. In many parts, the natives prepare special vegetable using the leaves of Nirgundi and give it to the woman after delivery. In my allelopathic experiments, I have tried to evaluate the aqueous leachates and extracts of different parts of Nirgundi on common weeds. I have found it effective in suppressing the initial growth of obnoxious weed Lantana camara. The detailed studies are in progress. Like Nirgundi, there are many valuable herbs in Chhattisgarh needing scientific attention and detailed research. Through my articles, I am trying my best to introduce these valuable herbs to the world community. Thank you very much for reading the article. (Contd.)