Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and insects used in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Indian State Chhattisgarh.6. Use of Rice Weed. by Pankaj Oudhia

Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and insects used in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Indian State Chhattisgarh.6. Use of Rice Weed.by Pankaj Oudhia

Contributor:Dr. Pankaj Oudhia QA and TEM

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Abstract

Over 17 percent percent population of Indian State Chhattisgarh is affected by Sickle Cell Anaemia. In modern sciences it is considered as genetic disorder and hence, there is no treatment available. In rural and forest regions of Chhattisgarh, the Traditional Healers are trying their best to provide relief to patients with the help of traditional knowledge. The present series is an effort to document this important traditional medicinal knowledge.

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Indian State Chhattisgarh is known as 'Rice bowl of India'. Besides, traditional use of medicinal rice types the natives and Traditional Healers have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common rice weeds. Bhengra is among these weeds. In general it is used in treatment of hair related troubles. The natives of rural and forest regions still use this herb to dye the hair black and to avoid premature falling of hairs. Bhengra is having religious importance. From birth to death it is used in different occasions. The reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India are full of medicinal properties and uses of this weed. Its new flush in fields is welcomed by everyone except the weed experts. Every year studies are conducted to manage this unwanted plant in rice fields. Farmers manage it by uprooting it. Uprooted plant are used as source of medicine. Many farmers sell it to local herb sellers and earn from this so- called weed. I have documented much information regarding traditional medicinal knowledge about Bhengra but few years back I got information about its use in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia, I decided to document this important knowledge without any delay. The scientific name of Bhengra is Eclipta alba. In general, white and yellow flowered Bhengra are common. According to the Traditional Healers of Chhattisgarh blue flowered Bhengra also exist in forest. It is very rare in occurrence and very few Healers are aware of its hot spots. The Healers having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer try to use it anyhow. The Healers treating Sickle Cell Anaemia are also aware of its miraculous properties. They prefer this rare herb but in absence they use common types available in rice fields. Whole herb of Bhengra is used as medicine. The Healers collect it at flowering stage. Fields where indigenous rice varieties are under cultivation are preferred for collection of Bhengra. Wasteland population is rejected. In modern Rice farming agrochemicals are used. The Healers avoid the collection of Bhengra from such fields. Whole herb is used to extract juice. This juice is given in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia. The Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains prefer whole herb whereas the Healers of Narharpur region informed that leaf juice can also be used. The Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains are having explanation for the use of whole herb. According to them leaf juice is having many negative impacts on patient's health. When whole herb juice is used presence of other plant parts nullifies the harmful effects. All the Healers are aware that overdose may result in vomiting. That is why they decide the dose based on the vitality of patients. They start it with smaller doses and gradually increase it. Juice is given during morning hours. The senior Healers of Southern Chhattisgarh try it as single remedy especially in case of child patients. If they fail to get the desired effects they continue it with other herbal treatment. The Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains mostly from Durg and Raipur regions try to collect the herb after all care. The Healers of Gandai-Salewara region practice TraditionalAllelopathic knowledge to enrich it with medicinal properties. You will be surprised to know that the Healers use rice leaf extract to irrigate Bhengra. It is done one week before the collection. According to the Healers Mother Nature has placed Bhengra in rice fields with certain objectives. Bhengra enriches rice with medicinal properties and vice-versa. In wasteland Bhengra and wild rice still grow in association. The reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India have no information on this aspect. I am in process of gathering more information on various aspects of its use in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia. It is not wrong to repeat the Healers quote for Bhengra that it is 'Poor man's remedy for Sickle Cell Anaemia'.

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