Pankaj Oudhia's Research Documents on Biodiversity and Traditional Healing. Part-6

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Traditional Medicinal knowledge about excreta of different animals used to treat many common diseases in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved I got very first information on use of excreta of different animals used to treat many common diseases, when I was on training as a student of B.Sc. (Agriculture) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Ajirma (Distt. Sarguja). We have selected five farmers from different income groups to introduce them the new farming technologies developed by our university. Mr. Raghunath was one of my farmers. He was very old farmer ( I am not sure whether he is alive or not because that was the year 1994). He was having good knowledge about common herbs. He was known as puted traditional healer in that region. One day when I visited him for bench mark survey, I was having a small boil on my hand. The Homoeopathic drug Hepar sulph. was not showing good effect on this boil. Mr. Raghunath suggested the use of Bariyara (Sida acuta) leaves with the excreta of mouse in paste form for timely suppression of this boil. Bariyara is a common roadside weed so its collection was not a problem but from where I can get this Musua lendi (Musua - Rat; Lendi - Excreta). To solve my problem he showed me a bag full of rat excreta and gave me some fresh parts of rate excreta. I surprised to see his collection. When after the use of his combination my boil disappeared within 24 hours, I became curious to go in depth about his knowledge. But he refused to tell the facts. I was on training up to 6 months. After 3-4 months, when I became just like his family member, slowly - slowly he started to disclose the facts. You will be surprised to know that I have seen the excreta of wild bear, boar, sparrow, pigeon, peacock, crow , housefly and many other common animals, in his collection. Since that time my un-official survey to document the traditional medicinal knowledge about excreta of different animals have started and is still in progress and I am getting more and more information. I have searched many reference literatures, talked to traditional healers, and discussed with the scientists but they are not much aware of this knowledge. For common people particularly the patients, it is indigestible that the traditional healer is using excreta for his treatment. The same is the case of medicinal insects, mites and spiders. This is the reason, most of the traditional aspect. The traditional healers even never disclose it to their own family member. The daughter of Mr. Raghunath was not happy with her father’s ‘dirty’ work. Fortunately, there are over 1000 traditional healers in Chhattisgarh well aware of these uses. Surprisingly this knowledge is also present within the local people and more or less it is in practice (although not openly). In present article, I am trying to disclose some of the common uses of excreta of rat, goat, pigeon, houseflies, bison etc. I am not disclosing the traditional medicinal knowledge about cow dung in Chhattisgarh. I will ite a separate article on this important aspect. Rat is considered as one of the greatest enemies of farmers. The major part of our grain production is destroyed by this creature every year. The rat community of Chhattisgarh is becoming clever day by day as the farmer’s are developing new technologies to control rat population. Rat community is damaging the grains in storage as well as damaging the standing crop. As you know in rice farming it is necessary to maintain the water level in field. The rats have learnt the swimming and to confuse the rice farmers, they damage the plants in the mid of field. In order to reach the midfield, they use their swimming tactics. They do not disturb the plants nearer to bunds from where the farmers prefer to take field servation. This year Chhattisgarh is facing one of the greatest drought. The news from Pendra have shocked us. According to the forest officers, this year most of the Bamboo plants have started flowering. These flowers and seeds are favorite food for rats and increase in population will be the great problem for the farmers. During my surveys I have observed unique uses of rat against snake bite. I will describe this amazing use in separate article. I think that use of these enemies and dissemination of the knowledge about these uses can help the local community to get rid from these creatures. The use of rate excreta as medicine cannot manage the rat population. When I told my traditional healer friend using excreta therapy about the news from Pendra, he said that this year there will be not much problem to get the tons of rate excreta. In Chhattisgarh, rat excreta is used both internally and externally for the treatment of many common diseases. Also, it is used alone and in combination with common herbs. I am describing some important uses, the traditional healers of Bagbahera are practicing. In case of mad dog bite, the traditional healers give patients the mixture containing Bhavri insect and rate excreta with Gud (Jaggery). In case of Bee bite, the onal healers advise the patient to rub the dried powder (please note, the dried powder not the fresh excreta; according to them the fresh excreta can cause reverse effect; why ? they informed that they have experienced it many times), externally on the affected part. According to the patients getting relief from this treatment, just after application it starts action to alleviate the intolerable pain. In order to stop or prevent the unwanted hair growth, the traditional healer of Bhimkhoj recommend his patients to rub the fresh excreta with common herb Bawchi leaves (Psoralea corylifolia) on the affected part up to one week. As birth control measure, the traditional healers advise the women to put the rat excreta mixed with honey and the fresh leaf juice of Mucuna leaves inside the vagina. When I consulted the reference literatures regarding this finding, I found the use of pure honey in same manner and for same purpose. But the traditional healers informed that alone honey is not hundred percent safe and the use of this combination one can proceed with full confidence. The leaves of black seeded variety of Mucuna are used in this combination. According to the traditional healers both fresh and dried excreta are equally effective. Any alternative to rat excreta, the traditional healers said that they have no information. In case of bleeding pile, the rat excreta (dried) is recommended with the fresh juice of Kukronda (Blumea lacera) leaves externally. The patients are advised to put this mixture inside the anus for quick and permanent relief. I have suggested this use to my family friends and got positive and encouraging results. In order to remove the gas from stomach, the traditional healers advise the patients to apply the aqueous paste of Saunf, Asafoetida and rat excreta externally. You will be surprised to know that the rate excreta is capable to increase your sexual desire and efficacy. To use the excreta for this important work, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest different methods. The dried excreta (not sun dried; dried in shady places) is mixed with any one of these liquids and applied on male genital just before intercourse. The liquids are water, milk (buffalo’s milk) Mahua liquor, honey etc. Every traditional healer claim that the liquid suggested by him is the best. I feel the scientific evaluation is essential to find the best liquid and if you are planning to conduct this experiment I have little suggestion that in different combination to be used for the proposed experiment. please also include the mixture of all liquids (in equal proportion) with rat excreta. I want to mention the explanation given by the traditional healer of Jagdalpur. According to him, the selection of liquid depend upon the Tasir (or nature) of patient. The patient having poor vital force is advised to use milk or honey and similarly the patients having good health are advised to use water. During my surveys at Gandai and Salewara forest region, I have collected many important information on traditional medicinal knowledge about bison excreta. The traditional healers of these regions are well aware of the medicinal properties of Bison excreta but unfortunately they are not using it very frequently. The collection of Bison excreta from dense forests is a big problem and according to them Bison is not a friendly animal. During my forest surveys, I have faced this naughty creature many times, the only option is to climb on nearby tree without saying anything or challenging this animal. The forest guards facing this problem frequently told me that if any activity of yours, attract the attention of Bison, they will try to kill you by their horns and if you use the nearby tree for protection, they will try to uproot the tree with other bisons or stay whole night under the tree, waiting you. The daily intake of Bison excreta with honey in small dose is considered as beneficial to give strength to lungs and it is very useful in Chronic asthma. According to the traditional healers, the Tasir (i.e. nature) of Bison excreta is very hot ( like their nature?) and patients are advised to take this useful remedy under strict supervision of the traditional healers. The traditional healers have informed about the reaction of patients body in response to this mixture. The behaviour and mental status of patients are enough to explain its effect on them. For gastric troubles, again its excreta with milk is recommended. This mixture is given internally. According to traditional healers half teaspoonful of excreta is recommended with a glass of hot milk before sleep till relief. In case of internal injury with severe pain the Bison excreta is given to patient with water. In case of snake bite, like rat excreta, Bison excreta is used. It is common practice is forest areas of Chhattisgarh, to burn the dried excreta in order to repel away harmful insects and also snakes. According to the natives, the fumes are not harmful to human beings. It is used like cow dung in this case. The natives also told me that during rainy season, the heap of fresh Bison excreta have enough capacity to repel away these snakes and natives create a barrier by pasting the excreta in front of their homes to stop unwanted entries of venomous creatures, common in rainy days. Although goat farming is not very common in Chhattisgarh but in isolated patches you get sufficient population of domestic goats. In Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about uses of goat excreta as medicine. During my ethnomedico surveys at Bastar region and also in Chhattisgarh plains, I have collected a detailed information on these important uses. Some uses are described below. The traditional healer of Jagdalpur use the excreta of goat in treatment of small boils on head due to extra body heat. He recommend the use of freshly collected excreta. External application of the excreta on boils directly helps in suppression and quick healing. For the treatment of shoulder pain due to over exertion, the traditional healers recommend the goat excreta in combination of other herbs. Total 25 species of herbs are used but the major part of mixture is the excreta. This herbal combination is mixed in castor oil (wild castor plants are common in these areas) and applied in affected part. I have noted that the natives are also well aware of this herbal combination. The drum players always put this combination with them. The goat excreta is also used alone in case of excessive bleeding during mense cycle. The excreta (dried) is put in the cloth bag and the patients are advised to keep this bag inside vagina in order to get quick relief. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, natives use the goat excreta for the treatment of earache. For earache the excreta (dried) is mixed with neem leaves juice and few drops are applied inside the ear. According to them it is very effective against cold borne earache. During my visit to Jabalpur city (Madhya Pradesh State) on invitation of Gandharva Ayurved Research Institute to deliver lecture on herbal farming, I got an opportunity to meet some local traditional healers. One of them informed me about the unique medicinal properties of excreta of donkey. According to him, the dried excreta is put on fire and ash is collected. This ash is a good hair tonic and it has a capacity to grow new hairs on bald head. This was really surprising information. Last year when I visited the Manawar region of Madhya Pradesh, another traditional healer confirmed this use. As the donkeys are not common in Chhattisgarh, I have yet not tested its efficacy. Like the rat excreta, the use of the excreta of donkey to increase the sexual desire and efficacy was also mentioned by him. Few years back, I got an opportunity to visit Mount Abu (Rajasthan State) to deliver a lecture on invitation of Prajapita Bramha Kumari association. During my journey in general compartment of passenger train from Ahmedabad to Abu road without reservation, my co-passenger was famous traditional healer of Mehsana. During journey in packed bogie we shared valuable information on herbs. After some time, all passengers started taking interest in our discussion. In every small station, the passengers collect the herbs from track and ask us its use. That was really a great journey. The traditional healer of Mehsana informed me about many common xerophytic herbs and its medicinal properties. He has also informed me about many medicinal uses of excreta of camel. According to him the excreta of camel with Haldi (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a best remedy for hydrocel. It is applied externally in affected areas (i.e. scrotum). As the patients suffering from this awkward looking disease are increasing, according to him, the consumption of this combination from his dispensary is also increasing. He also informed me about its use in cases of ear troubles. From my childhood, I am great lover of Kabutar (i.e. Pigeon). My grandfather was having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about medicinal uses of this bird. In Unani system of medicine it is considered as one of the most useful medicine in many lethal diseases. I am proud to write that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are well aware of medicinal properties of Kabutar, and also its excreta. One of the popular use is related to face care. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, aqueous paste of excreta of Kabutar is best to make the skin free from spots and to improve the fairness. You will be surprised to know that the natives are also aware of this effective treatment.. I know many beauty parlors in ital city Raipur using the excreta of Kabutar in combination with other herbs like Aloe vera, in face packs. In order to hide its pungent and sharp smell, it is mixed with Multani mitti (Fuller’s clay) and rose water (Gulab Jal). According to these beauticians the excreta is really very effective and they have yet not found any promising alternative to this excreta. For the treatment of carbuncle, the traditional healers recommend the patients to swallow the small dose of excreta with gud (Jaggery). Curd is used as carrier and also to hide its identity from patients. This is woman belief in Chhattisgarh that putting the dried excreta inside the vagina of childless common is very effective to make her pregnant. Many traditional healers have confirmed it but according to them the excreta of Baj (a bird) is more effective as compared to the excreta of pigeon. Enuresis (bed wetting) is a common problem among small children. According to the traditional healer of Gandai, the excreta of Pigeon is very effective in this case. He recommend his patient of swallow fresh excreta with gud (Jaggery) up to one week, in order to root out this problem forever. According to the traditional healer of Gunderdehi, the use of excreta with sugar is very effective in order to drain away the kidney stones. Although he very rarely recommend it to his patients but he has used it successfully many times. He informed me that this problem is not a serious problem and can be treated with the help of common herbs successfully. In case of bleeding piles, he recommend the excreta with the freshly collected flowers of Babool (Acacia nilotica) . In order to get rid from its sharp smell, the petals of pink rose are also mixed in this combination. The patient is advised to swallow this combination daily till relief. In case of migraine, many traditional healers use the excreta of pigeon in combination with mustard seed for external application. I have tried it but not found much effective. Like the excreta of Kabutar and Baj, excreta of crow, sparrow and other birds are also used as medicine by the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healer of Chowki recommend the excreta of crow for his patients suffering from chronic cough. For this treatment only freshly collected excreta is used. Few drops of juice is sufficient to care chronic cough. According to him it is specially effective in case of children. Like the excreta of Kabutar, many beauty use the excreta of sparrow for face care. According the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the excreta of sparrow is less effective as compared to Kabutar excreta, I think scientific investigations can help us to understand the efficacies of different excreta. At last (but not least), I would like to mention the information given by a forest officer of Jaspur forest. The Jaspur forests are under attack of wild dangerous elephant groups. The human-elephant conflictions are becoming headache for both. From decades both are living together and this existence has given valuable information about medicinal properties of different body parts of elephants that can be used for the treatment of human diseases. The traditional healers use the elephant excreta also as medicine. You will find the details regarding traditional medicinal knowledge about different body parts of this useful animal in my future articles. One of the very important use of elephant excreta is, its use as birth control measure. The traditional healer recommend the female patient to put a piece of elephant excreta inside the vagina in order to prevent pregnancy. The natives are also well aware of this use and it is common practice adopted by the natives. The traditional healers of Bastar, use the dried excreta collected from other regions in combination of common herbs like Datura in order to use it as birth control measure. The important question coming in my mind is, as the feeding habit and material on which these animals are feeding vary from place to place, then how the efficacy of rat excreta collected in Sarguja is equally effective as the excreta of rat from Jagdalpur (600 kms distance). Many traditional healers told me that the medicinal properties of excreta depend upon the feeding habit of the animal. The herbs on which the animal feeds is also important. According to them, all excreta can not be used round the year. For example, the traditional healer of Gandai, prefers the collection of excreta during rainy season because in this reason variety of new herbs appear on ground. If excreta is collected in winter, its medicinal properties changes. One surprising information is that due to the increasing infestation of obnoxious weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara and Rungia repens, the composition of the excreta is changing. According to them one can easily get the information about herbs on which Bison is feeding from the typical smell of excreta. Like collection of herbs, there are specific norms (discovered and fixed by their forefathers) for collection of excreta. Many senior traditional healers said that the young generation is not taking it seriously and purchasing the material from shop. This is the reason the efficacy and number of patients having deep faith in healing practices are decreasing. They also informed me that there is a need of in depth study. As- you have read in this article, in many cases the excreta of Baj is considered superior as compared to the excreta of Kabutar (Pigeon), because Baj is an enemy of Kabutar and feed on it. Most of the traditional healers are glad to know that atleast I am taking interest in traditional medicinal knowledge about these useful excreta. As most of the animals are herbivores hence it is not wrong to consider these excreta as "herbal excreta". I will give more details on this important aspect in my future article because I feel that there is a strong need to write a separate article on role of excreta of particular species. I am sure that my article on this untouched aspect will encourage the researchers all over the world to focus their research studies on this field. Traditional Medicinal knowledge about beneficial tree shades useful in treatment of common diseases (Tree Shade Therapy) in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, recommend their patients suffering from chronic constipation to sleep in the shade of Harra tree, with herbal combination. According to them after taking herbal combination, sleeping in the shade of Harra increases the effectiveness of the combination. The ethnomedico surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh by me revealed that the traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about beneficial tree shades useful in treatment of common disease. Over 85 species of trees possess this unique healing property. As the population in state is increasing and area under forest is decreasing, now the traditional healers are not recommending it to their patients. Like use of excreta of animals, insects, mites and spiders as medicine is not preferred by the patients, practically it is very difficult to follow this "Tree shade therapy". I have searched many reference literature but got very few information on this important but untouched field. In rural areas during hot summer season, natives still prefer to sleep outside the homes in order to get sound sleep. In villages nearer to dense forests it is not practically possible to sleep underneath the open sky. According to the traditional healers using "Tree shade therapy" there is a need to establish a safe herbal garden for this therapy. At present, they advise the patients to sleep under the shade of specific tree inside the villages for specific duration (depending upon the degree of sickness). In present article, I am trying to describe in detail about the tree species found useful by the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the precautions taken and my interactions with the patients using this therapy. Harra is one of the most common trees in dense forests of Chhattisgarh. The non wood forest produce dealers in India and abroad are well aware of dense population of Harra trees in these forests. In Chhattisgarh the traditional healers of both the Harra and non-Harra areas are well aware of its unique medicinal properties. In Indian systems of medicine Harra is one of the most frequently used drugs in different combinations. The traditional healer of Narharpur region is famous for using Harra tree shade for the treatment of chronic constipation. He recommend his patient to sleep on forest floor rather than one wooden bed (khat or khatia) for quick relief. According to him, everyone must sleep under the shade of Harra tree at least a month every year. It is not only beneficial for chronic constipation but also to develop resistance inside the body. He suggest his patients to plant permanently this tree inside their houses, in order to get benefit round the year. But the traditional healers of Bastar have different opinion. According to them, naturally occurring Harra tree is more effective as compared to planted one. If it is necessary to plant this tree, do not use chemical inputs on medicinal herbs. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are well aware of this fact from decades. They also instruct the patients not to apply organic inputs because in nature, the environmental stresses produce unique medicinal properties within the trees. The traditional healer of Bastar recommend twelve species of trees that must be used for shade in twelve different months in a year. According to him, the twelve species he had selected are useful for his region only and this is a responsibility of traditional healers of different regions to search or recommend the locally available trees for the patients of that particular regions. The same is mentioned in ancient Indian literature related to herbs that patients can be successfully treated only with the herbs present in its surroundings, the vaidya (doctor) should not have to go far in search of herbs. When I consulted my friend practicing Ayurveda as licensed doctor , he told me that in reference books few lines are there describing the healing property of Harra tree shade but according to him, he has never seen or heard its practical use. I am proud to say that the traditional healers of state have enough knowledge on this aspect and many of them are still practicing it. For the educated and modern patients living in urban areas in air conditioned homes, it is hard to believe or adopt this useful therapy . Although they have deep faith in these traditional healers but prefer the drugs rather than this supplement therapy. In reference literatures related to botany I have noted these details about Harra trees. These are trees up to 18m height, bark dark brown, leaves alternate or sub opposite, elliptic-oblong or ovate-elliptic, inequilateral, silky hairy when young, glabrous later on, apex acute or obtuse, base acute or rounded or sometimes cordate, glands 2; Flowers creamy white, bisexual, in terminal 10-15 cm long panicles; pedicels 1mm thick; calyx glabrous without hairy within; lobes ovate deltoid, fruits ellipsoid. As mentioned earlier, Harra holds a reputed position in Indian systems of medicine. As medicine bark and fruits are used but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about roots also. According to Ayurveda, the fruit is dry and heating, tonic, expectorant, anthelmintic, antidysentiric, carminative and alternative. It is useful in constipation, gout, delirium, biliousness, ascites, dyspepsia, hiccup, vesicular calculi, urinary discharges, inflammations, tumors, bleeding piles, fistula, leucoderma, asthma, diseases of eye, heart and bladder etc. The scientific name of Harra is Terminalia chebula (Family Combretaceae). In every Indian home garden, you will find at least one Neem tree. It is general belief that neem tree purifies the air and repel away or kill the harmful germs present in air. As the population is increasing, the size of home is decreasing. Accordingly, the place of large neem tree in home gardens is shrinking and now average Indians are preferring the dwarf exotic ornamentals with beautiful flowers. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh the introduction of exotic species and removal of useful medicinal herbs from home gardens is one of the reasons responsible for increasing mental tension and health expenditures in urban homes. In past, neem, Tulsi, ghikuar, pudina, adusa etc. were the essential herbs of home gardens. The traditional healers say that all of these herbs are recommended for home gardens keeping in view its beneficial effects on the micro environment and health problems. Many studies conducted in different parts of world have revealed that plantation to neem trees make the environment healthy. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of this fact from centuries and they are recommending the patients suffering from any disease to use the shade provided by neem trees. In Bilaspur region of Chhattisgarh, it is common practice to use Munga tree shade for the treatment of many common diseases. Munga is a local name of common Drumstick tree. In every home garden (Badi) in rural homes, Munga is preferred. Not only of its beneficial shade but also it is popularly used as vegetable. The traditional healer of Mungeli region recommend the pregnant woman to sleep at least one night under the Munga tree. According to him, it is very beneficial for the health of both woman and child. In Chhattisgarh, it is common practice to serve the specific vegetable prepared from Munga to woman just after delivery. I consulted many scientists, researchers and reference literatures, to know the science behind Munga tree shade effect on pregnant woman. Surprisingly, the traditional healers of other parts of the state are not aware about this traditional knowledge. The traditional healer from Mungeli region told me that he has gained this unique information from his grand mother and from generations, his family is recommending this treatment to the patients. He also told me that if the pregnant woman tries to sleep more than one night under Munga tree shade, It is dangerous for her and the child. According to him care should be taken in selection of plants in nay hospital compound particularly in maternity section. After getting such important information, I always try to point out this fact to passengers or friends when we pass from any hospital compound. I personally think that this is an important information and there is a need of scientific investigation and evaluation. According to the traditional healer of Gandai, Salewara and Bakarkatta forest regions of Chhattisgarh, the wild animals are also well aware of this "Tree shade therapy’ and by regular monitoring and careful observation, one can get a lot of information about the animal’s knowledge on this important aspect. The traditional healers of Bastar are also agree with the observation of these traditional healers. They informed me that the bison is more sensitive in selection of tree shades and they never use the same tree shade continuously. When I discussed this observation to the forest officers, they were surprised and said that they have never focused their mind on this important aspect. I have given special assignment to the natives of these regions particularly the herb collectors who visit forest very frequently and I am sure in near future, we will be able to get more information. After my lectures on herbs, the audience always ask the useful herbs to reduce body fat. During my ethnomedico survey in Durg and Raipur region of Chhattisgarh plains, I got an interesting information related to obesity. The natives and traditional healers of this part of Chhattisgarh are well aware of fat reducing effects of Babool tree shade. According to them, this is promising treatment and the person working around this tree shade (i.e. the rice farmer) or sleeping under the shade of this common tree never get extra fat in his body. Babool is a common tree in rice bunds of Chhattisgarh "The rice bowl of India" Unfortunately, the traditional healers are not recommending this use in their day to day practice, possibly because of practical problems. As no one prefer to plant this thorny plant in home gardens and rice bunds are not a place where one can pass whole night. The traditional healer from Patan informed me that his grandfather was recommending it to his patients, and at present, the common people have no faith in this therapy. Also one of the main reason responsible for poor faith is that in rural area the average native do lot of hard work and obesity in not a problem in these areas. For the natives living in urban areas engaged in more mental work and less physical work, the obesity is burning problem but in urban areas you will find Babool tree very rarely. This important traditional knowledge require special scientific attention. The traditional healers of Kanker region suggest their patient suffering from skin troubles to take advantage of Parsa tree shade. According to them Parsa (Butea monosperma) tree shade is capable of changing old skin into new skin. These traditional healers use specially prepared herbal paste and after application of this paste on affected parts or on whole body, the patients are advised to sleep at least one night under Parsa tree. One day and night under this tree shade is considered as most effective by the traditional healers. Parasa is also in list of non-wood forest produces in the state. The traditional healers of Satna (Madhya Pradesh) use the shade of common shrub Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) for rheumatic troubles. During my visit to Chitrakot hills, I have noted and seen the practical use of this shrub for treating rheumatism. The traditional healers specialized in treatment of rheumatism, grow dense population of Nirgundi in surroundings of their clinics and patients are advised to live in tents under dense population of Nirgundi van (i.e. forest). There are two types of Ashoka trees occur in Chhattisgarh. One is grown for Ornamental purposes in home gardens whereas another type commonly known as Seeta Ashok is having tree type growth with lot of shade. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the shade of Seeta Ashok tree is best remedy for woman diseases. Different parts of Seeta Ashok tree particularly the barks and roots are used for woman diseases in all systems of medicine in India. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh that straight growing Ashoka causes mental tension in family or where it has been planted. On the other hand, the Seeta Ashok tree in home garden is capable to remove all the ill effects of other trees. There is a need to find out the science behind it. In general, it is recommended to plant this tree nearer to kitchen in home garden where average Indian woman passes majority of her day time. The medicinal properties and uses of Seeta Ashok tree shade are not mentioned in reference literatures and I am proud to say that the traditional healers as well as the natives of the state are well aware of this medicinal use and also they are using it. In reference literatures the medicinal properties of different parts of Seeta Ashok is given in detail. According to Ayurveda, bark is acrid, astringent, alterative, anthelmintic, demulcent, and emollient. It is useful in dyspepsia, thirst, burning sensation, blood diseases, biliousness, tumors, enlargement of abdomen, colic piles, ulcers, blood containing discharges from rus, menorrhagia etc. The seeds are useful in urinary discharges. There is long list of tree species having healing shades. You will find more details in my future articles. Next month I am planning to start my ethnomedico survey in Jaspur district of Chhattisgarh. I have heard that the natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about healing tree shades. I personally feel that the documentation of this traditional knowledge is must. Also it is necessary to find out the science behind these effects. These traditional knowledge can be a challenge to new researchers planning to do something new in their doctoral or post doctoral programmes. I am sure this knowledge is present in other parts of India also, and through detailed ethnomedico surveys, we can gather a lot of information. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, visit to forests during heavy rains in order to collect the leachates from herbs. According to them rainwater wash the herbs thoroughly and leachates collected, possess valuable medicinal and healing properties. I will write a separate article on this aspect. To root out the practical difficulties the traditional healers are facing during use of "Tree shade therapy", one of my clients Mr. K.S. Khurana has decided to establish a herbal resort focused on traditional medicinal knowledge. The proposed name of this resort is Muktangan. This resort is situated in 100 acres of natural forest and tree felling is restricted in this region. In this hundred acre plot we have noted dense population of many tree species having utility in this therapy. His architect is planning the resort in a way so that the patients or visitors can take maximum advantages of the tree shades. We are confident that our this effort can help us a lot in conserving the traditional medicinal knowledge about tree shades present in natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common herbs used in woman care after delivery (post natal) in Chhattisgarh India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Specially prepared vegetables, sweet dishes, medicinal Laddus, fumes of herbs, medicinal rice, herbal beverage Kssa pani - yes all these are given to Chhattisgarh woman after delivery to gain vitality and strength. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich knowledge on this important aspect. In Chhattisgarh, over 250 species of herbs are used for this care both alone and in combination. The ethnomedico surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh from 1994 to 2002 revealed that the use of herbs varied from region to region. The traditional healers and natives of southern part of Chhattisgarh are not aware of combinations used by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains and vice-versa. Beside herbs, many common insects, mites and specific soils are also used in this care. Munga is one of the common trees in Chhattisgarh. It is common practice all over the Chhattisgarh to serve the woman after pregnancy a dish (vegetable) prepared from Munga. In many parts of Chhattisgarh specially in plains, the vegetable ared from Parwal is served to woman. The scientific name of Parwal is Trichosanthes dioica (English name-Patol or pointed Gourd). Parwal is cultivated in Chhattisgarh in fairly large areas. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, these vegetable helps woman to regain the vitality. The Munga is rich in Iron whereas the traditional healers says the Parwal possess unique healing properties and act as good tonic. The traditional healer of Durg region informed me about other utilities of Parwal Durg region is famous for vegetable farming. In this region, the level of pesticide consumption is very high. The traditional healers are not happy with this increasing use. According to them chemically grown Parwal is very harmful to woman and should be avoided. According to them desi (indigenous) Parwal must be used for real beneficial effects. As the natives use no pesticide in production of Munga as compared to Parwal, the traditional healers prefer Munga as compared to Parwal. The traditional healer of Gunderdehi told that both vegetable possess different qualities and single species can not be used in place of both. He suggest local herbs to his patients. According to him both Munga and Parwal are not real native of Chhattisgarh. As you know, Chhattisgarh is known for Bhajis (Pot herbs) and many common weeds are used as potherbs. This traditional healer suggest his patients to use these pot herbs on the basis of season on which the delivery has taken place. If delivery is during July, he suggests his patients to use Charota (Cassia tora), Gumma (Leucas aspera) or Karmatta (Ipomoea aquatica) and if delivery time is winter, he suggests use the Bathua bhaji (Chenopodium album). According to him the local dogs living in village areas have rich knowledge about use of these bhajis, and he had observed it many times in natural conditions. The traditional healers of Gandai forest regions are also agree with him. They told me that wild animals use specific herbs after delivery. He quoted the example of monkey or bear. According to him after him after delivery these animals use Kali moosli (Curculigo sp.) common in the forests, to get the vitality. Before intercourse the males of these species use White moosli (Chlorophytum sp.)in order to get strength. I personally feel that there is a strong need for scientific attention and investigation in this regard. In Gandai forest region, the traditional healers recommend the powdered root of Kali moosli to woman after pregnancy. The traditional healers accepts the fact that they have gained this knowledge from wild animals. Many of these traditional healers particularly the young educated generation are keeping close observation and view on behaviour of common wild animals, in order to get more valuable information. I have also collected a lot of information from the natives living very nearer to these wild animals. You will get these details in my future articles. The first target of traditional healers from all parts of Chhattisgarh is to protect the woman from cold. All herbs used and recommended are hot in Tasir (nature). In plains, daily after bath the woman is advised to inhale the fumes of burning Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi, family. Umbelliferae). It is also common in other parts of India Ajwain with water is also given to woman. According to the natives, Ajwain plays key role in protecting the woman from cold. The use of Bukni of Haldi (Curcuma longa) is also very popular in Chhattisgarh. I have collected over 15 methods used for preparation of Bukni from different parts of Chhattisgarh . In present article, I am describing the method of preparation used by majority of natives. Equal quantities of Sonth (Dried Ginger, Zingber officinalis), Fruit and root of Pippali (Piper longum) are taken, mixed and roasted. The roasted table salt is mixed in this mixture. A big piece of Haldi is fried in Ghee separately and mixed in mixture. This mixture is then served with very hot cooked rice to woman after delivery. The correct method is to create a hole on the heap of cooked rice, s mixture is kept inside the hole and again covered with cooked rice. The traditional healers advise to put the mixture inside the heap at least 20 minutes in order to increase the effectiveness. I have interviewed many women who have used this Bukni after pregnancy. According to them , this Bukni gives instant energy and it is very useful in cold and body pain. The use of Bukni is in use in Chhattisgarh plains. Piper longum is not reported in Chhattisgarh. The natives purchase this herb (dried) from herb shop and used for preparation of Bukni. The traditional healers of Bastar living in dense forests are not aware of this Bukni. As herb shops are not common in this region, the purchase of Piper is not possible for them. In many parts, only Haldi and Sonth are used to prepare Bukni. As Haldi is an important component, it is commonly known as Haldi Bukni. The natives living in urban areas of Bastar, are aware of Haldi Bukni, Haldi and Ginger both herbs are under cultivation in the state. Many wild species of these herbs have also been reported in dense forests. Haldi in combination with other herbs act as tonic, and antiseptic. A specially prepared sweet dish "Laddu’ is also recommended to the woman after deliver. The use of ‘Laddu’ is very popular in Urban areas. These Laddus are prepared with the help of herbs and dry fruits. Over 40 ingredients are used in an ideal Laddu. The natives delete or add the ingredients according to their economical status. Some of common but important ingredients are Sonth, fruits of Pippali, Karil, Ajwain, Gud (Jaggery), Cashew, Almond, Coconut, Gum etc. According to the economical status of the patients traditional healers add or delete the items but in Laddu Sonth, Pippali and Ajwain are essential parts. These essential parts are available at very cheap rates in local market. Daily one Laddu is recommended to woman till a month after delivery. In local shops, readymade Laddus are also available for sale. The use of Pippli, Sonth and Ajwain make this Laddu very pungent and bitter. In order to reduce this bitterness, gud is added. This nutritious requires lot of courage to consume it. This is the reason, many natives increase the proportion of gud to make the Laddu more sweeter but according to the traditional healers, the proportion of ingredient should not be changed to get desired effects. In rural and forest areas, the use of this medicinal Laddu is not much popular. Chhattisgarh is known as "Rice bowl of India". In Chhattisgarh, natives have rich traditional knowledge about medicinal rice varieties. Many of these medicinal rice varieties are still under cultivation in interior parts where agricultural scientists have not introduced high yielding rice varieties. The increasing area under high yielding varieties is the main factor responsible for elimination of traditional varieties. For woman care after delivery many medicinal varieties are used. Maharaji is one of them.. The woman is advised to use the Maharaji variety up to at least one month after delivery. According to the traditional healers of state, alone medicinal rice varieties used as food and medicine can make the woman strong after delivery in very short duration. The natives still want to use it for this purpose but unfortunately its availability is decreasing drastically. Another rice variety Bhejri is used in case of cow. For early removal of placenta, it is given to cow with linseed seeds and Gur (Jaggery) after delivery. My surveys revealed that over 50 rice varieties are known for its medicinal properties. There is a need of documentation of traditional knowledge and conservation of these varieties in the state. In Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, use of specially prepared herbal beverage Kassa Pani or Kssa Pani is very popular. Like Bukni, there is no dardize method for preparation and you will find slightly modified method in every ten Kilometers. But according to traditional healers of Bastar, although there is no standard method and there is a lot of variations but Kssa pani prepared from all methods are equally effective because of same contents. The main ingredients of Kssa Pani are Bael leaves, Chind roots, Kulthi seeds, Gur, Lason, water and Sarson ka Tel. All of these ingredients can be collected from nearly forests easily. The preparation of this herbal beverage is very simple. Bael leaves, Chind roots, Kulthi seeds, and Kakai roots are put in earthen pot and water is mixed. This mixture is kept on flame over night. Next morning , the mixture is filtered and for taste Gud, Sarson ka Tel (Mustard oil) and lason (Garlic) are mixed. The prepared beverage is known as Kassa pani or Kssa pani. Based on the vitality of patients, the traditional healers recommend this herbal beverage to woman after third, fifth and seventh days of delivery. Again on the basis of vitality, they recommend it up to two to five days. Many traditional healers recommend it on third day of delivery. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, herbal beverages similar to Kssa pani are prepared. On the basis of availability of herbs, the traditional healers add or delete the contents of Kassa pani. Kassa pani is local name of beverage. In other parts it is known as other names. According to the traditional healer of Jagdalpur, there are many herbal beverages like Kassa pani in Bastar, more effective and easy to prepare. The natives prepare this beverage in their homes but according to traditional healers, the preparation of potential beverage is not so simple as it looks. From the selection and collection of herbs to filtering the beverage, every thing require special precaution and attention. On the basis of atmospheric temperatures, the durations of boiling are fixed. Kakai roots Bel leaves and Kulthi dal are the main ingredients. The scientific name of Kakai is Flacourtia ramontchi (Family : Flacourtiaceae). In reference literature, I have found this botanical description. It is deciduous shrub or small tree with young branches and leaves pubescent; spines axillary. Leaves ovate to almost orbicular; veins prominent, pubescent; Margins crenate to serrate, apex obtuse or acute. Male flowers in short branched clustered racemes, sometimes on the thorns; calyx pubescent, stamens numerous. Female flowers on short branches, solitary or in pairs; pedicels villous; Sepals villous; ovary glabrous, stigmas 10 fruits globose and seeds obovoid. In reference literatures related to Indian systems of medicine I have not found much details about medicinal properties and uses of this useful herb. In Bastar, the ground seeds are applied with Haldi (Turmeric) and Sonth (Dried Ginger) on woman body in form of paste in order to reduce the body pain, after delivery. In different diseases, all parts of Kakai are used in Chhattisgarh by traditional healers. Bael (Aegle marmelos) hold a reputed position in all systems of medicine. Bael is found as wild herbs in Chhattisgarh. In many parts it is under cultivation also. It is an important non-wood forest produce and different plan parts are supplied to national and international markets. Almost all parts viz. roots, root bark, leaves, flowers, fruits are used as medicine. According to Ayurveda, the root cures abdominal pain, heart palpitation, urinary troubles, melancholia and hypochondriasis. Leaves are astringent, digestive, laxative and febrifuge and useful in eye diseases, deafness, inflammations. Flowers are used to allay thirst and vomiting. Ripe fruit is hot, dry, tonic, restorative astringent and purgative. It is goo for heart and brain. Bael is a medium sized, deciduous, spiny tree; spines 2-3 cm long Leaflets usually 3, ovate, lanceolate, rounded at base; lateral sessile, terminal, stalked. Flowers pentamerous, greenish white, sweet smelled, peduncles 3-5 cm long; pedicels auriculate, pubescent. Filaments fascicled. Ovary glabrous, berry 8-16 m, globose, oblong or pyriform, rind grey or yellow, pulp orange and edible. Kulthi is well known pulse crop in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. Due to introduction of new high yielding species of new pulses, its area is decreasing rapidly but, still in large areas it is under cultivation. It is not wrong to consider this crop as medicinal pulse crop. In Chhattisgarh, it is one of the most frequently recommended pulses for the treatment of kidney stones. According to traditional healers regular intake of Kulthi forty days removes stones completely from kidneys and one should include this Dal (Pulse) in his diet in order to prevent the formation of new stones. It is also used for the treatment of cough, leucorrhoea, menstrual de-arrangements and indigestion. All of these ingredients play important role in making the Kssa pani effective. There is a strong need to make the use of Kassa pani popular because it is not only effective but also easy to prepare and cheap. I will write more on other findings on this important aspect in my next articles. The natives prepare herbal oils for woman care after delivery. Recently I have started new survey in untouched parts of Chhattisgarh and I am expecting some more important findings on this aspect.

My experience and interactions with herb collectors and growers of Chhattisgarh, India associated with medicinal herb Hadjod (Cissus quadrangular syn. Cissus quadrangularis) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Chhattisgarh, the herbal state is well known for bone setters. Over 250 traditional healers of the state are specialized in treatment of bone racture and about 150 species of herbs are used in different parts for treatment by these traditional healers. Most of the traditional healers use the combination of herbs, very few use the single herb. Hadjod is among most frequently used herbs both alone and in combination with other herbs by the bone setters. Unfortunately, very few works have been done on documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge about these herbs in Chhattisgarh. Fortunately, I got an opportunity to meet the traditional healer of Kapsi, specialized in bone setting and practicing this herbal treatment from generations. At his clinic, you will always find a heap of freshly collected Duddhi herb (Eurphorbia hirta). Many researchers and students, visiting to this traditional healer for knowing the "secrets", possibly for their research papers and Ph.D. thesis, have reported that Euphorbia possess medicinal properties that can be used for bone setting. But this is not the herb, the traditional healer is using. On his invitation to discuss Ayurveda and herbs, I visited to him. We discussed very long time in spite of never ending rush of patients from different parts of Chhattisgarh, even from different parts of India. As his young generation is not taking interest in these secrets and his relatives are eager to sell this formula to multinational companies, he was depressed and wanted to donate or disclose his formula to the trust or organization interested only free service. He never charge fees for his treatment. Even the cost of herbs used for treatment is not charged from the patients. The ideal organization he is expecting is not present in Chhattisgarh. After formation of new state Chhattisgarh many non-governmental organizations have started surveys with the help international ng agencies. They are assuring the traditional healers that they are well wishers and after preparing a database, they will fight against foreign organizations for their safely. In many parts of Chhattisgarh the electricity has yet not reached, then how the natives can understand the meaning of this "Database" These organizations are offering money and using power to get more and more from these healers. They are assuring the local administration that they will provide a copy of valuable information to them but in fact, they are selling the valuable informations out side the country whereas the well documented informations are given to the local administration. The representatives of multinational companies staying in Chhattisgarh from decades show no hurry and enough sympathy with traditional healers to get secrets. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh feel more harm from their compatriot as compared to representatives of foreign companies. This is really sad and depressing. I personally feel that the authorities from international funding agencies must keep keen observations on the activities of local organizations and their ways to approach these healers. The traditional healer of Kapsi, informed me that he put the freshly collected Eurphorbia herbs in his clinic to fool these researchers and students. According to him, he is not aware of its medicinal properties. He told me that the art of bone setting is more important than the herbs used, and he has got the valuable and practical information from his forefathers. You will be surprised to know that many leading doctors and health organizations refer their patients to this traditional healer as last hope. In front of his small village clinic you will find vehicles of patients from bullock cart to Mercedes, but all have to come according to number allotted to them. The traditional healer said that after bone setting, he apply many herbs as plaster and also recommend some herbs for internal use. He gives all credit to his god. He accept one coconut and a packet of agarbatti (incense stick) from patients. After long fruitful discussion, he agreed to disclose his secret in front of me but I refused to take the formula and said that I am not appropriate person. He told me that he uses all the indigenous herbs found in surroundings. He disclosed the herbs having high calcium content are best for both external and internal application. The herbs named Hadjod and Arjun (Koha ; Terminalia arjuna) are main components in his combination. A sweet dish "Halva" prepared from fleshly stem of Hadjod is best and safe for patients suffering from any bone troubles. Even it is useful for normal person in order to prevent the problems in future. According to him, he have traditional knowledge about many herbs and he want to go for surveys in forest areas in search of new herbs and in order to utilize his knowledge related to identification of rare herbs gained from his forefathers. But never ending rush of patients needing immediate attention, can not allow him to fulfill his dream. During my ethnomedico surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted the decreasing natural population of Hadjod in forests. The traditional healer of Kapsi confirmed this observation. He informed that this decreasing population has forced him to cultivate Hadjod in his field in order to get regular supply of fresh paste for bone-setting. This traditional healer prepare a herbal oil with the help of Hadjod. I have seen the efficacy of Hadjod herbal oil and recommended it to my family friendly. Like other traditional healers, he is also well aware of method of collection and scientific harvesting of herbs. In natural condition, Hadjod being a climber, use trees as support. According to the traditional healer, although it is rare, but Hadjod spread on forest floor as creeper is best in terms of medicinal properties. He told that his forefathers have prepared an exhaustive list of trees, used by Hadjod herb as support. Hadjod climbing on any tree can not be used as medicine. Although there is no relationship in terms of supply of nutrients between the Hadjod and supporting tree but according to this healer, the tree play important role in making the Hadjod herb useful or useless, even harmful. The use and preparation of herbal oil from Hadjod are not mentioned in reference literatures. Also the role of supporting trees as described by the traditional healer is also new finding. Hence, there is a need of scientific attention and investigation on this aspect. He told me that only after teaching the interested person completely, he will disclose the facts of his traditional knowledge. Since my childhood, I am aware of the traditional healer of Kapsi. But decades have passed no one has ever think to highlight his contribution to our society and to provide extra facilities, awards and recognition to him. We both are aware that this new flush of database teams will come and after extraction of knowledge, forget the traditional healer and switch over to other area with more funds, from international agencies. The traditional healers, accept this fact that the patients from any corner of the world are equally important for them, but the local organizations want to play the role of mediator between the world community and these traditional healers. Why ? All of us know, the money, only money is the factor responsible. Like the traditional healer of Kapsi, there are many healers practicing bone setting practices. Fortunately, I have got opportunity to meet and interact with most of them. I have prepared an exhaustive list of herbs and preparation methods. I am surprised to note that Hadjod is an essential part in all of these combinations preferred and used by the traditional healers. Its common name Hadjod clearly explain its use. (Had bone; Jod - to fix) . The traditional healers from different parts of India are also well aware of miracle healing properties of Hadjod in bone related troubles. I have found lot of information about this herb in reference literatures. I am proud to say that the traditional healers and natives are also well aware and using this herb for this purpose. In reference botany literature I have found details of Hadjod. It is a large climbing shrub, young branches tomentose. Leaves simple 12-20 cm across, ovate or orbicular, cordate, serrate or sub lobbed, often repand, acuminate, pubescent beneath; tendrils forked; stipules free, Cymes leaf opposed, long peduncled, tomentose; bracts and bracteoles woolly. Flowers reddish brown, bisexual Petals ovate Disc tetra-lobed, Fruits pyriform, purplish black and single seeded. Cissus quadrangularis (Syn. Vitis sp.) is common in all parts. In different parts it is locally known as Dokra bel, Pani bel or Dekra bel. As mentioned earlier, the natural population of Hadjod is decreasing in forests, three years back I decided to find out the reason responsible for this. I instructed all of my field workers and traditional healer friends to keep close view on disease and insect infestation in Hadjod. After exhaustive survey, I have found only few leaf eating insects on Hadjod and the level of damage was non-significant. The herb collectors of Chhattisgarh, informed me that the buyers from Kolkata are showing deep interest in purchasing of dried Hadjod herbs from last few years. Although Hadjod is among non wood forest produces of state but it was never taken seriously as important herb having high demand. The herb collector of Jagdalpur informed that very recently he has supplied 10 trucks of this herb to Kolkata market. If you have ever observed or seen the Hadjod, you are aware of this fact that it is fleshy and watery herb and it is herculean task to dry it without decreasing its medicinal properties. And after drying, it becomes very light and one truck load means bulk quantity. My observations and studies gathered a lot of data and valuable information. It was really shocking that two years back over 100 truck loads of dried Hadjod herb are supplied in only one season from the state and the supply is increasing every year. When I discussed this over exploitation to one of my friend working on herbs in state forest department, he laughed that the forests are full of Hadjod and there is no demand of this herb except by the traditional healers. Unfortunately, the so called experts and administration persons still believe and follow the list of herbs provided by the international organizations like IUCN in 1986 or earlier. When these organizations will report the extinction of Hadjod from Chhattisgarh, only after this report, the local authorities will start project in order to conserve it. I personally feel that there is a need of establishment of regional monitoring group to keep close eye on the herbal trade activities. I have searched the modern literatures and internet resources for new discovery or latest ch on Hadjod that has created this incredible demand but unfortunately till today I have got no information. The local herb collectors are also not aware why the demand has increased. The increasing demand and decreasing availability of Hadjod in natural forests are now encouraging the innovative herb growers for commercial cultivation of this useful herb. The farmers well aware of increasing demand are in hurry to produce more in very less time in order to get maximum advantages from this temporary (according to them) demand. More emphasis on quantity (and no care about quality) is now forcing the farmers to use chemical inputs on this crop. As not much scientific research has been done on cultivation aspect of this herb and package of practices is not available, there is no recommended dose of inputs. Therefore, it is hard to say how many times more chemical inputs are in use. Many growers are using the recommended fertilizer doses of exhaustive crops like maize. The traditional healers informed me that this is waste herb and not suitable for medical treatment. The buyers of Kolkata are purchasing this herb without chemical testing. I am afraid about its use. It is supplied for human consumption then it can cause great harm. The Kolkata herb market supplies herbs to undeveloped countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar etc. If it is supplied for industrial uses then there is less chance of risk. The herb collector of Dhamtari told be that the buyers prefer the Hadjod from forest origin and blend the cultivated Hadjod in forest collection in the ratio of 1:10 (one part cultivated and ten parts natural) and convert it into paste. As you know, in Indian forests no one use chemical inputs even in case of severe insect infestation, hence the herbs of forest origins from Chhattisgarh are considered best and buyers around the world prefer it. The mixture of cultivated and natural produce nullifies the residue of chemicals and easily pass the level of minimum residues. Many organizations working on organic farming are now encouraging the farmers to adopt safe farming. Commercially and chemically grown Hadjod is not only less effective in terms of medicinal properties but also give less price. According to these organizations, by adopting eco friendly organic farming practices farmers can get both more price and quality. From decades, agricultural organizations are engaged in convincing the Indian farmers to adopt recommended doses of chemical inputs in order to get more production, therefore it is very hard to convince them against the use of these chemical inputs. The surplus production of grains have forced the farmers to adopt new quality crops and their habit is creating problem for them. Many growers practicing organic forming of Hadjod. According to them this is wild herb and even with little care perform well. They informed that use of chemical inputs is mere wastage of money. Unfortunately, the organic growers are not getting recognition in the state. Their experimental findings and practical research results can save the cost of detailed scientific experimentation at educational institutions and also the valuable time. I feel the mission of ‘lab to land’ (from scientists to farmers) is now over and there is a strong need to start new mission named ‘ Land to Land’ (from farmers to farmers.) The Hadjod growers of Chhattisgarh are not aware of traditional knowledge about the supporting trees associated with Hadjod herb, as informed by the traditional healer of Kapsi. At present, the growers are using the plantation of exotic trees like Eucalyptus, Acacia mangium etc. for support. The traditional knowledge about best supporting trees can help and guide both researchers and farmers to grow Hadjod crop with maximum desired properties. In very few universities in India, I have found well established and active ethnomedico departments. I also insist on establishing a separate department of this important field in agricultural universities, in order to evaluate the practices of traditional farming in scientific ways. According to the traditional healers of state, during active growth phase no part of Hadjod should be in close contact with any type of metals. The contact with metals produce harmful chemicals inside the herbs. I have not found any such indications in reference ratures. The Hadjod growers are using fence of their farms covered with barbed wire or angle iron as support for Hadjod crops. Possibly they are not aware of the harmful effects of metals. I personally feel that there is a need of documenting and disseminating these practices among different communities of the state so that they can get maximum advantage from this knowledge. The establishment of database will be of no help for the local communities as these will be prepared in the languages and patterns of foreign funding agencies. Even my these articles will be of no help to local communities because very few understand the English. I am translating these articles in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi languages and publishing it in local newspapers and presenting it in my lectures to get the desired results. I have conducted detailed experiments on Allelopathic potential of Hadjod and found it very useful. I use the aqueous extract of Hadjod in order to increase the effect of other extracts. This is really surprising and encouraging finding. In order to repel and prevent the forest insects using tree trunk to climb on trees, the natives of Chhattisgarh apply the aqueous paste of Hadjod on tree trunk. This paste is specially effective in case of Mango insects. Few weeks back one of herb growers cultivating herbs under my technical guidance informed me that aqueous extract of Hadjod with very less quantity of neem leaves extract is effective against sucking pest of Mucuna crop. I have noted this observation and very e will start systematic research to standardize the doses. The observations of traditional healers and herb collectors in natural home of Hadjod, also encouraged me to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Hadjod. They have observed that in forest many climbers try to get tree support from trees and for space there is competition with the help of chemical weapons (allelochemicals). According to them the no other climber dare to use the tree, captured by Hadjod herb and even when Hadjod try to capture other herb’s place, other herbs surrender and change the direction without war. My surveys at Pendra region revealed the fact that over exploitation of Hadjod in forest region is encouraging the growth of less competitive herbs and the process of ecological imbalance has started in the region. I am sure this article can create an awareness among world community in respect to one more valuable gift from mother nature. Jatropha as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India : Natural occurrence, Traditional medicinal knowledge and Cultivation Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the natives particularly farmers are using this useful herb for crop protection. It is planted around the crop fields or farm lands in order to prevent the access of wild animals (in villages nearer to forests) and to reduce the insect and disease infestation. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh that plantation of Jatropha is beneficial to keep the environment disease and insect free. It is planted preferably in home gardens but away from the reach of small children because the seeds are harmful and poisonous. During my ethnomedico surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the use of Jatropha as fence crop is decreasing and it is limited to rural areas. Many exotic species and commonly available indigenous species are taking the place of Jatropha. Ipomoea carnea (Beshram) and Thura (Euphorbia sp.) are among these new fence crops. In Bagbahera region, the use of Ipomoea is increasing. According to the natives, the dense growth of Ipomoea carnea prevents the entry of wild animals like wild bear successfully. I have observed that these Ipomoea plants are good shelter place for Blister beetles. These blister causing beetles feed on Ipomoea flowers. When any intruder try to enter the field disturbing this plant, the blister beetles start releasing lethal chemicals on them and intruder never attempt to enter in this field in future. Some farmers told me that the Sona keeda feeding on Ipomoea leaves are also toxic to cattle and wild animals. These insects Sona Keeda (Sona-Gold; Keeda-insects) are Fool’s gold beetle or Tortoise beetle (Aspidomorpha miliaris). I have reared these useful insects in my home laboratory but not found these creatures harmful. The accidental intake of these beetles may cause some lethal effects on animals. In Chhattisgarh, you will find, heavy infestation of both species in Ipomoea plants. Tortoise beetle are harmful pest of Shakarkand (Ipomoea batata) and fortunately this crop is not under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The feeding of this crop pest on Ipomoea carnea, a problematic weed, in absence of host species is helping a lot in biological control of Ipomoea carnea. In Rajnandgaon and nearby forest areas, natives prefer Jatropha in place of Ipomoea. According to them plantation of Ipomoea requires no special effort but once established, it became trouble sum and requires special attention in order to prevent its entry into crop fields. They are aware of poisonous insects of Ipomoea that play active and effective role in crop protection but weedy growth of Ipomoea force them to reject it. Major Jatropha species with botanical differences Characteristics Jatropha Jatropha Jatropha Jatropha curcas glandulifera gossypifolia glauca 1) Habit A rapid growing shrub up to 3-4 meters Often confused with Jatropha gossypifolia A bushy, gregarious shrub up to 1.8 meters. Small tree or bush. 2) Leaves Alternate, 10-15 cmx7.5- 12.5 cm, broadly ovate, usually palmately 3 or 5 lobed. Leaves about the extremities of the branchlets, alternate, petioled, generally palmate, lobes from 3-5, oblong, serrate, with each serrature ending in a short, green, glandular-headed bristle. 3-5 lobed, palmately, 20 cm long and wide leaves having a long petiole, covered with glandular hairs. Leaves 3-5 lobed, mucronate, serrate toothed. 3) Flowers Yellowish green, in loose panicles of cymes: JulyAugust. Panicles terminal, about as long as the leaves. Male flowers numerous and terminal, small, of a pale greenish yellow colour, Female flowers few and subsessile in the divisions of the panicle. Red-crimson or purplish flowers in corymbs ------------ 4) Fruits and Orbid, black, seeds ovoid-oblong, dull brownish black, 2000/kg, germination 70-100%. --------------- Greenish seeds in capsule. -------------------- 5) Place of Tropical America East Indies. Brazil Arabia felir. A farmer from Chowki informed me that the blister beetle living in Ipomoea plants also like the flowers of Jason (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and ason ( Gudhal) is an essential part of home garden. It is also known as Devi (Devi-Goddess, Phool-flower) phool. The small experiments conducted at home laboratory on preference and host specificity of Orange banded blister beetles (Zonabris pustulata) revealed that these beetles prefer Hibiscus flower as compared to Ipomoea flower. This experiment clearly explained the fact behind one more reason for not adopting the Ipomoea as fence crop in many parts of Chhattisgarh. I have yet not observed the harmful and poisonous insects on Jatropha plants. For the farmers of the region where Jatropha is planted as fence crop, Jatropha is very useful plant for them. They told me that even if it only act as fence crop and give no beneficial effects then also it is the best option for them. Beside protection from entry of cattle and animals, during hot summer when temperature goes up to 46-47 degree centigrade’s, these plants act as barrier against hot winds and play vital role in reducing the evapotranspiration rates. Only because of this plant they grow the vegetables in hot summer. Like the leaves of Eucalyptus, Acacia mangium, Poplar, its leaves are not harmful to their crops. The harmful effects of these tree species on many agricultural crops have been reported. The senior Allelopath Dr. C.S. Hunshal of University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad (India) is conducting many laboratory and field experiments (at farmers field) in order to evaluate the harmful effects of trees planted at bunds on growth and development of agricultural crops. Two years back I got an opportunity to visit his experimental sites in nearby villages of Dharwad city. He showed me the harmful effects of Eucalyptus trees on Moong and Urd crop (Green and black gram). In his experiment, he used many treatments. He planted the crops at various distance from tree trunk in order to decide the effective periphery in terms of allelochemicals. I observed the effective periphery of Eucalyptus was highest among the effective peripheries of other trees. Possibly, many of the scientists recommending these exotic trees in field bunds of Chhattisgarh are not aware of research findings of Dr. Hunshel. According to the natives of Jatropha region, the leaves and plants are not harmful to their crops. To verify it, I conducted pot and field experiments using the methodology of Dr. Hunshel. I have not found any positive (inhibitory) allelopathic effects of any part of Jatropha on selected crops. Uses of Jatropha curcas : A petrocrop Whole plant Roots Leaves Latex Seeds Bark Twig *Planted to prevent water erosion and for conservation * Used as ethnomedicine * Used as ethnomedicine *Resembles shellac *Source of oil (30-40%) suitable as fuel for diesel engine *Yields tannins (37%) *Used as medicine *Promising live fence *Yield a dye used to give tan & brown *Used for making ink *Useful as illuminant, lubricant, in soap and candle making *Used as Dataun (Herbal tooth brush) *useful as green manure *Useful as botanical *Used as ethnomedicine *Used as medicine both internally and externally *Young one cooked and eaten *useful in controlling sand drift *possess Allelopathic properties This experiments helped me to focus my work on negative (stimulatory) allelopathic effects of Jatropha because in pot experiments many extracts, when used as pre-sowing soaking treatment of Jatropha seeds, showed stimulatory effects on germination and initial seedling vigor. If I get the promising extracts in future and able to standardize the dose for practical field use, then I will be fortunate to add one more benefit of Jatropha plantation in the existing useful list of natives. The natives are well aware of medicinal properties of Jatropha. The traditional healers are also having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Jatropha. They recommend the Dataun prepared from Jatropha twigs to patients suffering from dental problems. According to them it is specially useful for gum boils and gum bleeding. The matured stems are collected, put on fire and ash is collected. This ash is used by the natives as herbal tooth powder. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers also add other herbs mostly local herbs, in this herbal tooth powder in order increase its efficacy. The traditional healer of Raipur region, mix ash of Blumea roots in Jatropha stem ash and recommend it to his patients. According to him this mixture is useful in many other diseases (not related to teeth). In case of bleeding piles, this mixture is applied on piles externally in order to get relief. In case of skin troubles, the traditional healer recommend this mixture to apply externally with oil, preferably mustard oil (Sarson Ka Tel). This mixture is also applied on male genitals before intercourse and organs are kept wrapped in betle vine (Pan) leaves for half an hour. In case of rheumatism, the traditional healer advise his patients to apply this mixture on affected part after adding oil in it. He informed me about its use in over 30 (more) common diseases. The natives used this mixture in case of skin troubles of cattle. I have yet not found any such mixture having properties to cure many different diseases. For preparing the mixture, Jatropha and Blumea plants at vegetative stage (before flowering) are preferred. I am not satisfied with these uses, possibly this is reason, I have recently started an experiment to evaluate the efficacy of this mixture against crop pest. I am hoping encouraging results because both species have well known insecticidal properties and combination of these may result in Synergistic effect. In initial experiments. I have noted harmful effects of this mixture on weed seeds. The natives use seed oil as illuminant and lubricant. It is also used as medicinal oil by the natives. The natives of Durg region told me that the fumes of dried leaves are beneficial to repel away the houseflies. When I asked about its effect on respiratory system, they replied they have not tested it scientifically but in general they have observed no harmful effects. I personally feel that there is a need of scientific attention and evaluation. In ancient systems of medicines, Jatropha is mentioned as medicinal herb. Here I am giving its botanical description. It is a large deciduous wooded shrub; juice stickly opalescent; Leaves alternate broadly ovate, cordate, palmately 3 or 5 lobed; Flowers monoecious, yellowish green in loose axillary cymose panicles; male flowers, corolla lobes 5, villous within, longer than calyx; female corolla scarcely exceeding the calyx; Fruits ovoid, black, breaking up into tri-valved cocci; seeds ovoid oblong and dull brownish black. This is a botanical description of Jatropha curcas. During my ethnomedico surveys, I have noted many variations in Jatropha species. I have seen and categorized at least eight ariants. When I consulted the reference botanical literatures I have identified Jatropha curcas, Jatropha glandulifera and Jatropha gossypifolia. The search for identification of other species is in progress. This is really surprising that the natives are well aware of presence of these variants and on the basis of medicinal properties, they are able to differentiate these variants. As Jatropha curcas is becoming popular as potential petro crop of future and the Indian government is taking keen interest in commercial cultivation and processing of this plant, now many innovative farmers have started commercial cultivation of Jatropha curcas in main crop fields. Possibly they are not aware of its natural occurrence in Chhattisgarh, this is the reason they are purchasing the planting material at very high rates from adjoining states. I have heard that many international forestry organizations are also funding many institutions for promotion of Jatropha plantation in India. One of my friend informed me that these organizations have instructed clearly to distribute the plants to interested farmers free of cost or after taking very nominal charge but seeing the demand of Jatropha, the scientists are selling it at very high rates to farmers. At present only rich farmers are involved in this project, this is the reason that they are not opposing or saying anything against the high rates. Two years back when I showed this species to farmers in rural region, and advised them to plant it free of cost, they replied that their indigenous species are best and they are not interested in this so-called improved version. It is common observation during planting of Jatropha that the farm labour advise the rich farmer that why you are planting this wasteland plant and also why you have purchased it But the rich farmer ignore these questions and when after the maturity of plant, he make contact to local herb purchasers, they offer very low rates, he get introduced to actual position. This is not the fault of rich farmers because the scientists recommending its commercial plantation are not aware of its presence in the state as natural herb because this is not their fields and another group is working on this aspect. It is bitter fact that we have divided the science in very small tions (to get more information) but lack of co-ordination among these sections is becoming serious problem around the world and valuable funds are going waste. The weed scientists are devoting their lives to eradicate the herbs in fields and wastelands and herb experts of same region are devoting their lives to protect them as these herbs are an integral part of biodiversity and lethal weedicides can impose great threat on them. I have found the natives of Bilaspur and Pendra region, well aware of utility of Jatropha. In these parts of the state the plants are relatively more heighted and vigrous. According to the herb buyers from Kolkata, the main source of Jatropha seeds is the forests and adjacent area of Pendra. If nature permits me, I want to conduct a detailed survey and field experiments in this region focused on Jatropha and its effect on native flora and fauna. These regions are well known for wild animals and I am eager to document the medicinal knowledge of these animals with reference to Jatropha. As expert at Arvind Agriculture, Durg, with the herb grower, we conducted many experiments focused on Jatropha. As Jatropha is shrub (or small tree) it is spaced widely in fields when grown as field crop. In order to utilize the space between two shrubs, we have tested many herbal crops and found Asgandh (Withania somnifera) best among these. In presence of Asgandh crop. Jatropha crop showed no negative responses whereas presence of Jatropha crop helped in repelling away the harmful insects from Asgandh crop. In nearby vegetable fields under severe attack of harmful and pesticide resistant insect, we have tried and used aqueous extracts and leachate of different plant parts as repellent successful. As the experiments and surveys on various aspects of Jatropha are in progress, I will write more on this useful herb as soon as I will get the results and new findings. Traditional medicinal knowledge about tree gums used to treat common diseases in Chhattisgarh India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The reference literatures define the vegetable gum, as a group of plant product resembling carbohydrates. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen with small quantities of mineral matter ash constituents and sometimes a little nitrogen, small quantities of tannin may also be present in some gums. But the gums contain more than these that can not be detected by modern analytical methods. In Chhattisgarh, traditional healers and natives both have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about gums collected from different trees. They are not aware of its chemical constituents and properties but well aware of its unique medicinal properties and utilities. I am proud to say that natives and traditional healers are still practicing and using these gums for the treatment of common diseases. I have collected a lot of information on ethnomedico uses of tree gums in Chhattisgarh. The compilation of findings of these surveys are given in detail in present article. Tree gums are important non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. According to the traders of both state and Kolkata city, the tree gums collected from the dense forests of Chhattisgarh are considered best in whole country and there is a heavy demand of this non-wood forest produce. This increasing demand is creating problems in survival of many species. The example of Gum Karay from Sterculia urens is promising example. The forest officials are aware of the decreasing population of targeted trees and with the help of ban on collection and strict monitoring, they are trying their best to protect these trees. This is a bitter fact that Chhattisgarh supplies gums in crude form, unfortunately, even a single processing plant has yet not been established. I personally feel that there is a tremendous scope for processing industries in Chhattisgarh but possibly due to lack of awareness, the industrialists from national and international levels are not taking interest. The collectors of tree gums are not educated and also they are not aware of heavy demand and good prices of gums at very cheap rates (even in many parts it is chased in exchange of table salt). I am sure that establishment of processing units at state, can help the collectors to get more prices of their produces. Babool (Acacia nilotica) is an integral part of paddy-ecosystem in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is known as "Rice bowl of India’ and in big bunds constructed around the paddy fields to maintain the water level in the fields, are places where you can find Babool trees in abundance. According to the natives of Chhattisgarh, no other plant is an alternative to Babool. The shade of Babool tree on standing paddy crop is not much harmful as compared to shades of other trees. They explain that the small compound leaves of Babool act as filter and through this filter enough sunlight reaches to standing paddy crop. Both in rural and forest areas, natives collect Bambri gond (in commerce gum Arabic) and sell it to local purchasers in nearby villages. During my study at Bagbahera region of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that at least ten buyers are involved in chain of marketing of each produce. The collected produce reaches to small village first and small village to nearby bigger village, bigger village to district place, district place to nearby established market and so on. The single produce provide employment to at least ten buyers but in this process every one get very little. Many non-governmental organizations in Chhattisgarh are trying to break this long chain. They are acting as bridge between end collectors and end buyers. This is positive approach but there are many practical problems. The traditional healer of Dalli-Rajhara region, informed me about many uses of Babool gum in treatment of sex related disease. One of my farmers Mr. Jitendra is cultivating different medicinal and aromatic crops in Dalli-Rajhara. He is young and enthusiastic farmer and social worker. He is having great respect toward the Indian traditions and traditional healers. This is very encouraging for me that he is selecting the crops according to the need of the traditional healer. I personally feel that there is a strong need to identify these enthusiastic young workers and to reward them for great work. In case of chronic stage of Gonorrhoea, locally known as Sojak or Sujak, the traditional healer of Dalli-Rajhara prefer Babool gum as compared to other herbs. For the wounds of male genitals common in Gonorrhoea, he use Babool gum externally. He instruct the patients to bring mother’s milk with them and after receiving the milk, he mix the dried piece of gum in this milk and this paste is applied on wounds. I have talked many patients taking treatment from this traditional healer. As Gonorrhoea is very complicated and odd disease, the patients hesitate to talk openly to anyone other than the healer but when I informed them about my studies, they told me that before coming to this healer, they have invested a lot of money but got no relief. You will be surprised to know that like other traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, this healer also take no charge for treatment. He has his own farming and according to him , his farming is enough to generate money and if he ever try to sell his Gyan (knowledge), he will loose it. The other traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also well aware of use of Babool gum for Gonorrhoea, but they add many other herbs found commonly in their areas. Although wheat is not a major crop in state but it is taken as rainfed crop in many areas. In wheat region, the traditional healers add the extract of wheat along with milk and Babool gum. The traditional healers of ar region add the Palas or Parsa gum (Butea monosperma) in this mixture in order to increase its efficacy. There is a strong need to evaluate the efficacies of different combinations. In order to stop or prevent bleeding during menstrual cycle, the natives use Babool gum with betel nut. This is grand mother’s formula and natives are well aware of this. Both Babool gum and betel nut are mixed in water and tablets are prepared. The woman suffering from this problem is advised to take this tablet twice a day (one morning and another at evening). In face care, natives use many herbal combinations and in almost every combination, Babool gum is used as an essential component. In case of coryza, natives use Babool gum with Mulethi (Glycrrhiza), Opium, and seeds of Koha (Terminalia arjuna). This mixture is used both internally and externally. In case of severe pain in ribs, the natives prepare a special paste by mixing Babool gum with the freshly collected juice of Guarpatha or Dhikuar (Aloe vera) and apply it externally. According to the natives, using this paste, it is promising pain killer. This paste is also useful in other types of pain. The traditional healer of Durg told me that in case of migraine for quick relief one can use this combination successfully. He also told me that external massage of this paste in sole of both legs, before going to bed, aids in sound sleep and also beneficial for eye tension. When I discussed this formula with the traditional healer of Bagbahera, he was surprised and told that he is not aware of its use in pains. He is using this combination with neem leaves, as hair tonic and to make the hair dandruff free. This is really surprising and good observation for researchers involved in Ethnobotanical surveys. In case of ulcers of tongue resulting from poor digestion, the natives use the mixture of Babool gum, Multani mitti (Fuller’s clay) and juice of Adrak (Zingiber officinalis). The patients are advised to keep this mixture inside the mouth up to 2-3 minutes and swallow it. According to them after two-three times repetition, the patients get immediate relief. In case of diarrhoea, the natives use the combination of fruit pulp of Bael (Aegle marmelos) and Babool gum very frequently. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Babool gum is alone effective in not only diarrhoea but also in case of other diseases related to digestive system. In Chhattisgarh, since centuries the travelers are advised to put a piece of Babool gum in their travelling kit. For diseases due to change of water (common during travelling in ancient times) this Babool gum plays vital role. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, advise their patients suffering from digestive troubles to take the Babool gum daily with water up to eleven days to get rid from these diseases for ever. I have tested it against my gastric troubles and found it effective. Many traditional healers say that the combination of Babool gum and water is not suitable for every patient and this is the reason, in general they advise the patients to eat the gum directly. The traditional healer of Narharpur region informed me that the patients having constipation should be given Babool gum with hot water and the patients suffering from diarrhoea, Babool gum with clod water in most suitable. According to him, water from natural spring or borewell (i.e. ground water) is best in order to get real and quick effect. Acacia nilotica, a source of Babool gum, is leguminous tree. In reference botanical literatures, I have noted this details about Acacia. It is medium sized tree with blackish-grey to brown fissured bark; stipular spines up to 5cm long; smooth, whitish. Leaves bipinnate, 5-10 cm long; pinnae 2-10 pairs, 1.8-5cm long, leaflet 7-25 pairs, glabrous. Flowers in axillary peduncled globose heads, bright yellow. Calyx campanulate. Corolla twice the length of calyx. Pods 7-15 cm long, persistently grey downy, constricted between the seeds; seeds 8-12. Babool gum holds a reputed position in all systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, gum is anti dysenteric and styptic and useful in leprosy, vaginal and uterine discharges. According to Unani system of medicine, gum is expectorant, liver tonic and antipyretic. It is useful in sore throat, respiratory troubles, cough, piles and burns. It is good blood purifier and enriches the blood. Many ethnomedical uses of Babool gum have been documented from different parts of India by various authors and researchers earlier. But unfortunately, its use as ethnomedicine decreasing in India. Semar is one of the common trees in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the gum collected from Semar tree to treat many common diseases. I have noted two important ethnomedico uses. In case of diarrhoea the traditional healers use Semar gum in combination with other herbs like Dhawai (Woodfordia sp.). Many healers use it as an alternative to Babool gum but they prefer Babool gum. The traditional healer of Pendra region told me that Semar gum is one of the essential components in the mixture prepared by him. This healer is well known in his region as expert in sex diseases. In order to maintain the sexual health every winter he give special herbal mixture to the patients. According to him this mixture is sufficient for a year if taken during winter. He uses over 50 herbs in the mixture including Onion seeds, Radish seeds, Groundnut, Mucuna seeds, Motha (Cyperus rotundus), Dhawai (Woodfordia sp.), Asgandh (Withania somnifera), Akarkara (Spilanthes acmella) etc. He informed that without Semar gum mixture is useless. The scientific name of Semar is Bombax ceiba and in national and international drug market the Semar gum is known as Hog gum. Like Babool gum, it is also an important non-wood forest produce in Chhattisgarh. In reference botanical literature I have found this details about Bombax. It is a large deciduous tree; trunk and branches with bulbous prickles when young, grayish blaze pink, Leaves large; leaflets 3-7, entire, 7-18 cm long, glabrous, reticulately veined, lanceolate, cuspidate, petioles 20 cm long; stipules small, triangular, caducous, Flowers numerous, near the ends of the branches, appearing before the new leaves. Calyx thick usually 3-lobed; lobes rounded, densely silky within, glabrous without Corolla bright red, elliptic-oblong, recurved, Stamens more than 60 arranged in 5 bundles of about 9-12 each; filaments flattened, slightly pubescent, rather more than half as long as the petals, connate only at the base of the bundles. Ovary conical, glabrous; style a little longer than the stamens; stigmas 5, linear, capsules 5-valved; seeds numerous, ovoid and bearing cotton. The traditional healers of Bastar region commonly use the Butea gum to make the semen thick. These healers use other locally available herbs to increase the efficacy of Butea gum. Mainly the seeds of Tamarind (Imli) are mix with Butea gum and given to patients. To make it tasty many healers add sugar in this combination. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are not aware of this formula. They use ea gum in different woman diseases. The gum from Munga (Moringa oleracea) is also used as medicine in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Mungeli region recommend it to the patients suffering from Gonorrhoea. According to him, intake of Munga gum with fresh curd up seven days can given much relief to the patients. During my surveys to Durg region,, I have observed the use of herbal mixture for general health. In this mixture, the natives use the bark and gum of Butea, Semar gum and Babool gum. The natives refer this mixture to all but specially to woman after delivery and small children in order to regain good health. You will get more information on traditional uses of tree gums in Chhattisgarh in my future articles. I personally feel that there is a need of scientific attention and also of scientific evaluation to test the efficacy of these tree gums. Thank you very much for reading this long article. Traditional medicinal knowledge about herb Bemchi ( Psoralea corylifolia) in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Every year Chhattisgarh farmers invest a lot of money on manual weeding and agrochemicals for Bemchi management. Bemchi is a common rabi (winter) season crop field weed in Chhattisgarh The agricultural extension workers have convinced the Chhattisgarh farmers that Bemchi is an obnoxious weed and can cause damage to their valuable crops. The herb experts and traditional healers of the state, are well aware of medicinal properties and uses of this so-called weed Bemchi. This is surprising that many famous Ayurvedic practitioners are also aware and using Bemchi in their routine practice but they are not aware of its presence in Chhattisgarh. They are purchasing this herb from local herb shops at very high rates for preparation of herb mixture. Many ethnomedico surveys conducted earlier in the state, ignored the occurrence of this valuable herb. I have seen and talked to many early workers showing the Bemchi herb. According to them, at the time of survey they were not aware of this herb and they have kept this herb in unidentified herbs category. In some research papers, I have noted that Bemchi is endangered plant in Chhattisgarh and needs immediate attention. But this is not a fact. Bemchi is growing as weed in almost every part of the state and for herb dealers it is valuable non-wood forest produce. Every year several truck loads of different parts of Bemchi are transported to national and international markets from Chhattisgarh. According to the leading herb dealer of Dhamtari, Charota (Cassia tora) and Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) are routine items and are always in good demand. Many processors of the state, particularly the processors of Mahasamund district are extracting valuable oil from Bemchi seeds. These processing units have became a boon for many traditional healers. The extraction of oil from Bemchi seeds is very time consuming process. Common and popular names of Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) around the world Languages / regions /countries Names 1. Arabic Loelab el abid, Mahalep 2. Bengal Barachi, Bavachi, Hakuch, Latakasturi 3. Kanarese Bavanchi 4. Srilanka Ravoli 5. Chineses Ku Tzu, Pu Ku Chih 6. Gujarati Babchi, Bavacha, Bawachi 7. Hindi Babachi, Babchi, Bavanchi, Bukchi 8. Marathi Bavachya, Babchi, Bavachi 9. Persian Waghchi 10. Sanskrit Aindavi, Asitatvacha, Avalguja, Bakuchi, Chandralekha, Chandra prabha, Chandraraji, Kalameshi, Kambojii, Kantaka, Krishna, Krishnaphala, sita, Sitavari, Soma, Somaraji, Suprabha, 11. Sinhalese Bodi 12. Tamil Karpokarishi, Karpurvarishi 13 Telugu Bhavanji, Kalanginja, Karubogi, Korjastham 14 Urldu Babechi 15 Uriya Bakuchi The traditional healers living in semi-urban or urban areas, prefer to buy Bemchi oil from local herb shop. The owners of local herb shops informed me that this oil come from nearby states like Uttarpradesh and Bihar. Establishment and successful running of processing units are helping the traditional healers to get oil directly from factory and in comparatively less prices. The traditional healers in interior parts of Chhattisgarh, prefer the oil prepared by themselves using ancient extraction method During my ethnomedico surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted a lot of variations in the extraction methods used by the traditional healers. In general, the freshly collected Bemchi seeds are dried in shade (not in direct sunlight; there may be loss of medicinal properties if it is dried in direct sunlight). These seeds are kept inside the earthen pot (older one is preferred; why? No answer) and the mouth of pot is covered by lohe ki jali (Iron net). The pot is kept in a position so that the bottom face the sky and the mouth toward the ground. The iron net prevents the exit of seeds outside the pot After this the healers dig the soil and make space to burry 2/3 of this pot inside the soil. Before putting the pot, a bottle (for collection of oil) is kept inside the soil just below the mouth of earthen pot. After putting bottle and earthen pot in side the soil, the healers arrange Gobar ke kande (Kande or Chenna is prepared by spreading the fresh cattle dung on outside wall or floor of home in a specific round shape. After drying this small circled dried dung is locally known as Kande or Chenna. These Kande or Chenna are used as fuel in rural areas) . on the exposed bottom of earthen pot (on ground surface). After this, the healers put the fire on Kande. The heat generated from burning of Kande, extracts the oil from Bemchi seeds inside the earthen pot and oil automatically collect in the bottle placed in front of mouth of earthen pot. In reference Ayurvedic literatures, I have got the common name of this instrument used to extract oil from seeds. It is mentioned as Patal Yantra. In reference literatures on Indian systems of medicine, the utility of this Yantra (instrument) is described in detail but the methods and precautions to be taken during this processing method are not well written. Fortunately, The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, are well aware of this traditional knowledge and still practicing it. According to the traditional healer of Bastar, there is specific norms for the numbers of Kande to be used for heating the bottom of pot. Also, there is detailed procedure which start from selection of cattle for preparation of Kande. He told me that dung from pregnant, diseased, ill, and male cattle are avoided. Among all cattle cow dung is best for extraction of oil. Why only cow dung. He informed that his forefathers told him about these specifications. According to him, the cow dung collected at specific time and day is considered best (by his forefathers) but as it is not easy to follow each and every instruction word to word , this traditional healer ignore the importance of collection time and day. The size and number of Kande to be used for extraction of oil depend upon the potential of oil to be prepared. According to the traditional healer of Narharpur region oil of equal potential can not be recommended to any patients. The selection of potential depend upon the age, vitality and stage of disease. With the help of bio-chemist friend, I am trying to explain the "potential" of this oil. We are analyzing the natural chemical content of oil from different oil of different potentials. As far as the effect of the oils having different potentials is concerned, I have observed practically the use and efficacy. For preparation of oil of lower potential, less number of Kande are used and vice-versa. One interesting information I have noted during my ethnomedico surveys is that the composition and efficacy of Kande depend upon the feeding habit of cattle. As the spread of exotic weeds in the grazing lands is increasing rapidly in many parts of state, the composition of dung is also changing drastically. The traditional healers of semi-urban areas informed me that you can find the pieces of polythene and other city wastes in cows dung and the Kande prepared from this dung are poor in quality and able enough to change the potential of oil. The traditional healers of Durg region told me that in rice bunds, increasing infestation of weed Soli or Sole (Aeschynomene americana) is creating the problems. In this part of the state, due to increasing population and illegal encroachments, the space and land for grazing are decreasing rapidly. The rice bunds (in general prepared on ten percent area of individual field) are acting as good source of natural vegetation and farmers are getting enough forage from these bunds in order to feed their cattle, but the increasing infestation of leguminous weed Soli, rich in protein, is not good forage. The cattle feeding on it, are getting gastric trouble and frequent loose motions. The dung resulted from intake of Soli is rejected by the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Gandai forest region, engaged in extraction of Bemchi oil, are afraid of spread of Rungia repens in their forests. Two years back, when I was on my survey at this dense forest region, the range officer Mr. Namdev showed his worry about spread of Rungia in forest. According to him , they are keeping close view and performing regular monitoring, on this spread. The traditional healers of this area yearly told me that early removal of this weed from forest region will be of great relief for them. My organization, SOPAM (Society for Parthenium Management) has started various projects in order to collect the informations on various utility aspects of obnoxious weeds like Sole, Rungia etc. We are also conducting allelopathic research in order to discover its stimulatory allelopathic effects on crops. We are sure that the spread of knowledge about its utility in infested areas, can automatically reduce its infestation. We have experienced this in case of Lantana and Ipomoea carnea. As herb expert of state biodiversity action plan in Chhattisgarh state, I advised the member secretary Dr. Anoop Bhalla, a dedicated administrator, to select the traditional healers as resource person in order to get true information about the present status of herbs, endangered herbs, increasing infestation of obnoxious alien weeds etc. As a student, I have participated in many ethnomedico surveys with my professors. In forest areas, no one was daring to leave the Jeep and we were just taking the observation on roadside flora and with the help of reference literatures, we were preparing an impressive progress report ith nice photographs. This is really shocking that every year a lot of money in such surveys is invested by the funding agencies and on the basis of early surveys, the surveyors declare any plant (like Bemchi) as endangered plant I am not aware of other rts of the world but in India it is common observation. The decreasing population of real experts and taxonomists are one of factors responsible for. And I personally feel that before any conservation project on herbs, there is a strong need to start a gramme to conserve these endangered species (i.e. real experts and taxonomists). The processing units where oil of Bemchi is extracted in less time and effort, are not aware of herbal oils with different potential. On the basis of demand, they always use standardize method and they are satisfied with this. When I informed them about the role of Kande (a heat source), they replied this is good observation but the Indian pharmaceutical companies, the main buyers of this product, prefer only one grade and if they establish R&D section then what is future scope ? I have no answer for them. Bemchi oil is sold in name of Bawchi, Babchi or Bakuchi oil by pharmaceutical companies. The experts of these companies claim that they are using the method described in reference literatures and many of them quote the reference on packets but according to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, this oil is least potential oil and can not be used for all patients. I feel that the national pharmaceutical companies must take advantages of the medicinal knowledge of these traditional healers to serve the patients in real Ayurvedic way. These healers can play a vital role in saving the cost of R & D projects. The only problem or constraint is that the traditional healers charge no fees for their treatments, just reverse to this, the companies charge very high cost ( to get maximum benefit). According to the traditional healers if they charge the fees the miracle effect of herb and their knowledge both will disappear or lost. In Chhattisgarh, we are trying to establish a traditional healers forum in order to recognize, and honour them and to fight for their rights. Before describing the detailed traditional medicinal knowledge about Bemchi in Chhattisgarh I would like give the botanical description of Bemchi, I have collected from reference literatures. It is an erect annual pubescent herb, with gland - dotted branches; Leaves simple alternate, cordate, dentate, obtuse, sub truncate, mucronate, pubescent on both sides; In florescence a short and dense long peduncled raceme; peduncles 2.5-7.0 cm long with 3 flowers in the axil of each bract; Calyx bilabiate, upper lip formed of 4 teeth, lower of one tooth; Corolla blue-purple, petals are clawed; standard 5-6 mm long; keel incurved, ed, mucronate and single seeded. Flowering and fruiting time in Chhattisgarh between October to April. In Ayurveda, and other related systems of medicine, Bemchi holds a reputed position. According to Ayurveda, root is useful in caries of teeth; Leaves are good for diarrhoea; Fruit are diuretic, and useful in treatment of piles, vomiting, bronchitis, inflammation, anaemia, and improves hair and complexion; seeds are refrigerant, alterative, purgative, antipyretic anthelmintic, alexiteric and good for troubles, urinary discharges, leprosy, skin troubles etc. As medicine, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Bemchi in treatment of many common diseases both internally and externally. Many of these users are well mentioned and documented in reference literatures but as explained earlier the traditional healers of different parts of the state use, same herb in different ways. As the source of information for all the traditional healers are different, they have their own reasons to adopt the specific method told by their fore fathers. The patients of Leucoderma is increasing in Chhattisgarh. I have also noted increasing patients in other parts of country also. Bemchi is one of the most frequently used herb in the treatment of odd looking white spots on skin . The traditional healers are practicing and using Bemchi for the treatment of skin disorders particularly the leucoderma. Most of traditional healers recommend, its external use. The interesting information is related to the liquid material used to prepare paste of Bemchi seeds. As base water, honey, curd, urine etc. are used. According to the traditional healer of Gunderdehi, in order to get quick effect, dip the Bemchi seeds in curd up to three days and after three days make paste and apply it on spots. The traditional healers of Bhilai who has successfully treated many patients, told me that cow urine is a good extractor and one must dip the seeds in freshly collected cow urine. The selection of urine has specific norms. I have noted this peculiar thing that almost every healer using urine avoid the urine of ox and pregnant cow. There is a need to study the science behind it. The traditional healer of Keshkal, uses the first human urine after ejaculation of semen in order to make his paste stronger. According to him, one night soaking of Bemchi seeds in human urine is enough to show the effect. The traditional healers avoid the urine collected from cows during hot summer and rainy days. According to them winter is best season for collection and use. The traditional healer of Jagdalpur recommend his patients to dip Bemchi seeds in pure honey and apply it. Many healers use only water. From internet I have noted the information on PUVA technique in which ultraviolet rays are passed after the application of Bemchi based paste on affected part. The purpose of all the liquids is to extract the active chemical of Bemchi. There is a need of scientific evaluation and comparative studies. The traditional healer of Bagbahera region clarified that different liquids are used for different degree of extraction. He refused to tell the details. The oil from Bemchi seeds is also recommended for external application. Unfortunately, many of my family friends have faced this disease and fortunately, I have got opportunities to compare the effects, of different combinations. I have observed that it is relatively easy to overcome this trouble at early stage (i.e. initiation of few spots stage) but patients try to ignore these small spots at this stage but when it appear on exposed (to public) part i.e. face, hands etc. they start the treatment. It is very hard to get rid from disease after severe spread. Also it is not feasible to apply the herb or mixture on many irregularly distributed spots daily. Although herbs are effective but it requires a lot of patience and sincerity. According to the traditional healers, expert in treating leucoderma, there are many reasons responsible for this problem but it is difficult to tell the reason, responsible in every case. Many healers blame modern eating habits responsible for Leucoderma. The Unani practitioner of Durg city, use Bemchi and exotic herb Ammi majus for the treatment of Leucoderma. According to him, the combination of these herbs are very effective. After the spread of spots on all over the body, the traditional healers start giving more emphasis on internal use of Bemchi as compared to external use. For internal dose, Bemchi alone or in combination with other herbs is used. Almost all traditional healers recommend their patients to roast the seeds and take it with sea salt. In general, healers prepare the mixture and without disclosing the herbs recommend it to patients. According to the traditional healers of Raipur, overdose of seeds can cause great harms to vocal cards, hence it is advisable to take this herb under supervision of healers. The traditional healers also use Bemchi seeds and oil for the treatment of eczema and ringworm. The traditional healers of Bastar, prepare a special herbal decoction using whole plant (after flowering) of Bemchi and Fumaria parviflora and patients are advised to dilute the decoction and wash the affected parts with this decoction. In different herbal combination used for hair and face care the traditional healers use Bemchi herb as integral part. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Bemchi oil is best remedy for the cold borne diseases. In case of paralysis, joint pains, rheumatism and sciatica this oil is very effective. The Chhattisgarh farmers engaged in organic farming of medicinal herbs are using Bemchi oil with neem oil as insect repellent successfully. In my allelopathic studies, I have observed its effects against crop pest and diseases. The studies are in progress and I will write more after the completion of studies. I have written many detailed articles and research papers on different aspects of traditional medicinal knowledge in Chhattisgarh. For describing a part of this knowledge, I have to write atleast 20 articles in a month, I am praying the almighty ve me enough strength for writing atleast a thousand such articles till my death. You encouragement and support, are with me. Thanks a lot for giving your valuable time for understanding the rich traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and animals present in Chhattisgarh , India. (Contd.)