Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and insects used in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Indian State Chhattisgarh.36. Use of Tendu. by Pankaj Oudhia

Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and insects used in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia in Indian State Chhattisgarh.36. Use of Tendu. by Pankaj Oudhia

Contributor:Dr. Pankaj Oudhia QA and TEM

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ID: 797

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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In Chhattisgarh Tendu is well known tree. Its leaves are used for wrapping bidis whereas fruits are consumed by the natives. Natural forests are rich in its wild population. For the Traditional Healers all parts are useful as medicine. Tendu is used as source of medicine in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh. Patients having specific diseases are advised by the Healers to pass some time around old Tendu tree or stay in places having rich Tendu population in surroundings. In ancient time, The Healers were using Tendu plant parts in form of over 500 formulations. Now days most of these formulations are not in use. Due to lack of documentation we are still loosing these formulations with old Healers. There is a need for detailed documentation of this important knowledge. The Traditional Healers having expertise in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia use Tendu leaves and fruits in treatment. In general, the consumption of Tendu fruit is considered beneficial for the natives of all age group. According to the Healers its regular consumption protects the body from diseases. Patients having cancer and AIDS are specially advised to consume it. The Healers of Bastar region consider matured Tendu fruits beneficial for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients. Although Ayurveda literatures recommend the use of immature fruits as medicine but these fruits are not considered beneficial for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients. The Healers are in favour of its seasonal use. Tendu fruits can be used round the year in form of many traditional preparations but Healers are not in favour of its use. According to them, they have different herbs for different seasons. The scientific name of Tendu is Diospyros melanoxylon and many species of Diospyros grow in Chhattisgarh but the fruits of D. melanoxylon are only consumed as medicine of this disease. On one side use of Bidi prepared from Tendu leaves is considered harmful for respiratory system, on other side internal use of Tendu leaves in form of curry is considered beneficial for health. According to the Healers it is boon for the Sickle Cell Anaemia patients. In rural and forest regions of Chhattisgarh the poor natives still consume Tendu leaves in form of curry. The modern researchers suggest them to use nutritious vegetables in place of traditional curries but the Traditional Healers are aware that such curries are not only rich in the medicinal values but also nutritious. Their ancestors have recommended its use after understanding its importance before criticizing it. Tendu leaves are used as curry in special time of the year. New leaves are used only and new leaves are not available round the year. The senior Healers suggest the patients to never miss the chance of consumption of Tendu fruits as well as leaves in this way in order to live with Sickle Cell Anaemia without much troubles. Like other trees, Tendu trees are also treated with specific herbal extracts and leachate before collection of plant parts. This Traditional Allelopathic knowledge is practiced not only for enriching it with medicinal properties but also for other purposes. In world literatures, the use of Tendu fruits and leaves in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia has yet not been mentioned. Through this research article this important information is reaching to world community for the first time. As mentioned earlier we are having hundreds of Tendu based formulations in Chhattisgarh and many are used in treatment of Sickle Cell Anaemia, I am expecting more information through on-going Ethnobotanical surveys. Keep reading my articles at Ecoport.

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