Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. XIV. Use of Two Winter Weeds. (New comments) by Pankaj Oudhia

Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. XIV. Use of Two Winter Weeds. (New comments)by Pankaj Oudhia

Contributor:Dr. Pankaj Oudhia QA and TEM

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Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. XIV. Use of Two Winter Weeds. (New comments)
by Pankaj Oudhia

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Although hundreds of herbs are used traditionally in treatment of cancer but I have noted that the herbs growing in winter season are used more frequently by the traditional healers. This observation is more common among the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains. In this region two weeds are used most commonly for this purpose. In healer's dictionary these herbs are not known as weeds. They see it as winter season herb. Through much interactions and meeting with these traditional healers I have collected many interesting information on its uses. Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea) is well known herb in Chhattisgarh. It holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in traditional systems of medicine. The traditional healers having expertise in treatment of cancer use its close relative Vernonia anthelminticum as medicine. It also grows as wasteland plant. The healers collect its seeds and use it both internally as well as externally. The senior traditional healers informed that the seeds are having the capacity to 'PREVENT" the cancer. The natives prone to cancer are suggested by the traditional healers to take the seeds internally in powder form up to long time. In general it is given up to three months during winter. In modern age the traditional healers are giving it to the patients having surgery in order to prevent the development of new cancer cells. Traditionally it is used for intestinal worms. The healers informed that the internal use of seeds is having other advantages. But they give emphasis on its judicious use as overdose may result in harmful effects. Many traditional healers use the seeds in combination with other herbs especially at advanced stages. The traditional healers consider the seeds useful for external application also. The seeds are used in form of dry powder. It is used to dress the cancerous wounds. At initial stages the seeds are used in form of decoction. The seeds are boiled in water to prepare the decoction. Every time fresh decoction is used. The traditional healers are not in favor of its off season use. For off-season use the healers store it carefully using traditional methods. In order to enrich the seeds with medicinal properties the healers irrigate this herb with certain herbal extracts. The extracts are applied three days before the collection of seeds. Many healers informed that these extracts activate the medicinal contents of this herb. The trees growing in surroundings make this herb rich in medicinal properties. In the extracts the tree parts play an important role. Through this Traditional Allelopathic Knowledge the traditional healers are getting high quality seeds for diseases like cancer. Kasni is not an herb native to Chhattisgarh. It has spread in Chhattisgarh with the high yielding fodder crops. The traditional healers have developed its many medicinal uses. In Indian systems of medicine Kasni (Cichorium intybus) holds a reputed position. In Chhattisgarh the traditional healers differentiate useful and less useful types of Kasni through its taste. The bitter one is considered more useful. The sweeter Kasni is used less commonly. The traditional healers having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer use roots of bitter type as medicine. The healers use the roots to purify the body. The healers of Chhattisgarh Plains give it to the patients at all stages. It is a must herb for daily use. You will be surprised to know that for different types of herbal formulations only this herb is considered safe and it is given without hesitation. The natives prone to cancer are also advised to take it regularly in order to avoid this trouble. The freshly collected root is used. In general the healers dip the root in water overnight. Next morning the patients are advised to take the softened roots. The senior healers prefer this use during off-season. During growing season they prefer the use of fresh roots. The roots are also used in form of decoction but very few healers prefer it. The roots collected before flowering are considered best. When the roots are collected from flowering plant the healers use the flowers with roots. Like other herbs Kasni plants are also treated with certain herbal extracts in order to enrich it with medicinal properties. The herbs are treated up to long time. Many healers treat it from seedling stage. Although much work has been done by modern researchers on these herbs but its use in treatment of cancer in this way is new information. I feel that there is a need of systematic clinical trials based on this important traditional knowledge in order to provide scientifc base to it.. I am eager to extend my support in this regard.

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