Jam (Psidium guajava, family Myrtaceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India
Jam (Psidium guajava, family Myrtaceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh,
India
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
The village names Jamgaon, Jamdih, Jamraiya etc. clearly indicate the presence of Jam in Chhattisgarh since generations. Like Mango orchards, Jam (Guava) orchards are also common and typical feature in any Chhattisgarh village. The villages having dense population or big Jam orchards have been named on this specific herb. Among natives, Jam is popular for its delicious fruits but for the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, all parts of Jam herb are useful as medicine. The natives and traditional healers have in depth traditional knowledge about medicinal properties and uses of Jam. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have listed over 52 common and completed diseases in which Jam is used as promising medicine They use it both internally and externally. Although, the reference literatures state that Jam is native to Central America and introduced in India through Portugese but I have seen natural occurrence of this herb in dense forests of Chhattisgarh. It is one of the most favorite fruits for wild animals. The natives plant this herb in home gardens. There is no restriction in its plantation. As house wives are having rich medicinal knowledge about this herb, they use it in raw form and also through various preparations like chutneys, for their families. In Chhattisgarh, Jam is also under cultivation as fruit crop. The fruit growers are dependent on neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for new technologies and improved varieties. In Ambikapur region and other regions having natural population of Bhalu (wild bear), the presence of Jam orchards is resulting in very frequent human- Bhalu conflicts. As mentioned earlier, it is favorite fruit for Bhalu and during fruiting time they never miss to eat these fruits, after crossing all hurdles. I have experienced such conflicts, during my surveys and studies at Ambikapur region of isgarh. For preparation of medicines, the natives and traditional healers always prefer local varieties. Improved varieties are avoided. The commercial farming of this herb in Chhattisgarh can not be considered as improved farming. Due to lack of systematic research and technical guidance, the fruit growers are facing problems. In this article, you will find the information on traditional uses of different parts of Jam in Chhattisgarh, but at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Jam is a small tree or large shrub; Bark grayish - black, rough, longitudinally fissured, peeling of in irregular flakes; Leaves opposite, oblong or elliptic-oblong or obovate, coriaceous, entire, softly hairy beneath; Flowers white or creamy white, 2.5-4.0 cm across; Berries 6-10 cm across, globose, ovoid or pyriform fleshy, dark green when fresh and sulphur-yellow or rosy purple on ripening with white or rosy purple pulp; seeds minute ellipsoid, smooth, hard le brown. Flowering and fruiting, almost throughout the year, mainly in rainy and cold reasons. Jam holds a reputed position as medicine in different systems of medicine in India. As medicine, the medicinal uses of leaves, flowers, fruits and gum are described. According to Ayurveda, fruit is acrid, sour, cooling, and aphrodisiac, whereas leaves are used for wounds and ulcers. Also it is uses as astringent to bowels. Flower cools body and used in bronchitis and eye-troubles. According to Unani system of medicine, fruits is tonic, cooling, laxative and useful in treatment of colic and bleeding. Gum is used as tonic. The use of Jam, in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine) is very common among natives. They collect the immature fruits from trees and with the help o water, prepare aqueous paste. This paste is applied externally on forehead before start of headache. After start of headache, the natives apply it to reduce intense pain. The traditional healers are also aware of this use. They informed me that in most of the cases, the regular use can root out this problem within a week but in must be used upto a month, even after the cure. In case of dyspepsia, the natives use the leaves. The leaves are collected and juice is extracted and patients are advised to take this juice with sugar once in a day, preferably at morning , empty stomach. According to the traditional healers, this juice also act as good appetiser. In my previous articles, I have written on use of Herbal Tooth Brushes (Dataun) by the natives. The natives use the twigs of Jam as Herbal Dataun. According to natives, regular brushing with these twigs helps in removing the problem of bad breathe. In case of stomatitis, the natives use the decoction of fresh leaves and barks externally. They prepare decoctions by boiling fresh leaves and barks in water and suggest the patients to gargle with this decoction. In case of toothache due to decayed teeth, the natives chew the fresh Jam leaves. In reference literatures it is clearly mentioned that the best time of eating Jam fruit is between 8 to 9 A.M. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of this fact. Many healers informed me that probably as it is difficult to digest and experts have fixed the morning time, so that the body can get enough time. Many healers informed that this restriction is for the patients having digestion problem. For healthy man, there is no restriction. I am trying to get scientific explanation of this recommendation. The healers informed that the matured Jam fruits are good for health but one must take special precaution and avoid to intake the seeds, as seeds can cause problems like appendicitis. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the leaves of Jam in combination with the leaves of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) ally, in treatment of joint pains. The aqueous paste is prepared and applied on joints in order to stop the pain quickly. In less complicated cases, Jam leaves alone can be used. In case of Datura or Jatropha seed poisoning, the traditional healers give the fresh leaf juice to the patients, in order to reduce the harmful effects. The healers use the decoction of roots, in treatment of diarrhoea, specifically at initial stages. This decoction is also considered as promising blood purifier. The traditional healer of Mudpar village, use the leachate of Jam fruits in treatment of Diabetes. The fruits are cut into small pieces and dipped in water for few minutes. After this duration, the patients are advised to put the pieces out and drink the water with leachate. According to the healer , it is good tonic to pancreas. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, not much have been written on this unique use. I am proud to write that the traditional halers of Chhattisgarh are aware of this use and they have adopted this unique use in their routine practice. The traditional healers of Nagri - Sihawa region, use Jam leaves in decoction having antipyretic properties. In this decoction, over 16 herbs are used. Jam leaves are one of the major ingredients used to prepare this decoction. During fever, the natives use the Jam fruits. It is common belief that its use during fever, helps in reducing the temperatures. The traditional healers of Pendra region, use the different parts of Jam herb in treatment of Bavasir (Piles). They mix the bark, root and leaves in equal proportion and boil it in water to prepare the decoction. The decoction is used to wash the piles specially the bleeding piles. In case of intense pain, the healers also suggest th patients to apply the fresh leaf juice externally. The leachate of Jam leaves is consider as good eye tonic. The healers suggest the natives to dip fresh leaves of Jam in water for few minutes and wash the eyes with water having the leachate. In case of conjunctivitis, the aqueous paste of fresh leaves is applied externally on eyelid. In reference literatures, the use of Jam herb in treatment of cough and coryza is reported but as other promising alternatives are available, the traditional healers and natives, use Jam for this purpose, less frequently. Like Aam (Mango) trees, it is common belief among the healers that Jam trees having special medicinal properties can be identified through experience. During my visits to forests with the traditional healers, I have observed their expertise in identification of potential plants. I am studying this in depth knowledge. Although many improved varieties are available with us, but all varieties result in higher production and better resistance to pest attack. Very work has been done (or no work) keeping the medicinal properties of Jam herb in focus. I personally feel that it is untouched field and there is a tremendous scope, in this new field. Thank you very much for reading the article.
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
The village names Jamgaon, Jamdih, Jamraiya etc. clearly indicate the presence of Jam in Chhattisgarh since generations. Like Mango orchards, Jam (Guava) orchards are also common and typical feature in any Chhattisgarh village. The villages having dense population or big Jam orchards have been named on this specific herb. Among natives, Jam is popular for its delicious fruits but for the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, all parts of Jam herb are useful as medicine. The natives and traditional healers have in depth traditional knowledge about medicinal properties and uses of Jam. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have listed over 52 common and completed diseases in which Jam is used as promising medicine They use it both internally and externally. Although, the reference literatures state that Jam is native to Central America and introduced in India through Portugese but I have seen natural occurrence of this herb in dense forests of Chhattisgarh. It is one of the most favorite fruits for wild animals. The natives plant this herb in home gardens. There is no restriction in its plantation. As house wives are having rich medicinal knowledge about this herb, they use it in raw form and also through various preparations like chutneys, for their families. In Chhattisgarh, Jam is also under cultivation as fruit crop. The fruit growers are dependent on neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh for new technologies and improved varieties. In Ambikapur region and other regions having natural population of Bhalu (wild bear), the presence of Jam orchards is resulting in very frequent human- Bhalu conflicts. As mentioned earlier, it is favorite fruit for Bhalu and during fruiting time they never miss to eat these fruits, after crossing all hurdles. I have experienced such conflicts, during my surveys and studies at Ambikapur region of isgarh. For preparation of medicines, the natives and traditional healers always prefer local varieties. Improved varieties are avoided. The commercial farming of this herb in Chhattisgarh can not be considered as improved farming. Due to lack of systematic research and technical guidance, the fruit growers are facing problems. In this article, you will find the information on traditional uses of different parts of Jam in Chhattisgarh, but at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Jam is a small tree or large shrub; Bark grayish - black, rough, longitudinally fissured, peeling of in irregular flakes; Leaves opposite, oblong or elliptic-oblong or obovate, coriaceous, entire, softly hairy beneath; Flowers white or creamy white, 2.5-4.0 cm across; Berries 6-10 cm across, globose, ovoid or pyriform fleshy, dark green when fresh and sulphur-yellow or rosy purple on ripening with white or rosy purple pulp; seeds minute ellipsoid, smooth, hard le brown. Flowering and fruiting, almost throughout the year, mainly in rainy and cold reasons. Jam holds a reputed position as medicine in different systems of medicine in India. As medicine, the medicinal uses of leaves, flowers, fruits and gum are described. According to Ayurveda, fruit is acrid, sour, cooling, and aphrodisiac, whereas leaves are used for wounds and ulcers. Also it is uses as astringent to bowels. Flower cools body and used in bronchitis and eye-troubles. According to Unani system of medicine, fruits is tonic, cooling, laxative and useful in treatment of colic and bleeding. Gum is used as tonic. The use of Jam, in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine) is very common among natives. They collect the immature fruits from trees and with the help o water, prepare aqueous paste. This paste is applied externally on forehead before start of headache. After start of headache, the natives apply it to reduce intense pain. The traditional healers are also aware of this use. They informed me that in most of the cases, the regular use can root out this problem within a week but in must be used upto a month, even after the cure. In case of dyspepsia, the natives use the leaves. The leaves are collected and juice is extracted and patients are advised to take this juice with sugar once in a day, preferably at morning , empty stomach. According to the traditional healers, this juice also act as good appetiser. In my previous articles, I have written on use of Herbal Tooth Brushes (Dataun) by the natives. The natives use the twigs of Jam as Herbal Dataun. According to natives, regular brushing with these twigs helps in removing the problem of bad breathe. In case of stomatitis, the natives use the decoction of fresh leaves and barks externally. They prepare decoctions by boiling fresh leaves and barks in water and suggest the patients to gargle with this decoction. In case of toothache due to decayed teeth, the natives chew the fresh Jam leaves. In reference literatures it is clearly mentioned that the best time of eating Jam fruit is between 8 to 9 A.M. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of this fact. Many healers informed me that probably as it is difficult to digest and experts have fixed the morning time, so that the body can get enough time. Many healers informed that this restriction is for the patients having digestion problem. For healthy man, there is no restriction. I am trying to get scientific explanation of this recommendation. The healers informed that the matured Jam fruits are good for health but one must take special precaution and avoid to intake the seeds, as seeds can cause problems like appendicitis. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the leaves of Jam in combination with the leaves of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) ally, in treatment of joint pains. The aqueous paste is prepared and applied on joints in order to stop the pain quickly. In less complicated cases, Jam leaves alone can be used. In case of Datura or Jatropha seed poisoning, the traditional healers give the fresh leaf juice to the patients, in order to reduce the harmful effects. The healers use the decoction of roots, in treatment of diarrhoea, specifically at initial stages. This decoction is also considered as promising blood purifier. The traditional healer of Mudpar village, use the leachate of Jam fruits in treatment of Diabetes. The fruits are cut into small pieces and dipped in water for few minutes. After this duration, the patients are advised to put the pieces out and drink the water with leachate. According to the healer , it is good tonic to pancreas. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, not much have been written on this unique use. I am proud to write that the traditional halers of Chhattisgarh are aware of this use and they have adopted this unique use in their routine practice. The traditional healers of Nagri - Sihawa region, use Jam leaves in decoction having antipyretic properties. In this decoction, over 16 herbs are used. Jam leaves are one of the major ingredients used to prepare this decoction. During fever, the natives use the Jam fruits. It is common belief that its use during fever, helps in reducing the temperatures. The traditional healers of Pendra region, use the different parts of Jam herb in treatment of Bavasir (Piles). They mix the bark, root and leaves in equal proportion and boil it in water to prepare the decoction. The decoction is used to wash the piles specially the bleeding piles. In case of intense pain, the healers also suggest th patients to apply the fresh leaf juice externally. The leachate of Jam leaves is consider as good eye tonic. The healers suggest the natives to dip fresh leaves of Jam in water for few minutes and wash the eyes with water having the leachate. In case of conjunctivitis, the aqueous paste of fresh leaves is applied externally on eyelid. In reference literatures, the use of Jam herb in treatment of cough and coryza is reported but as other promising alternatives are available, the traditional healers and natives, use Jam for this purpose, less frequently. Like Aam (Mango) trees, it is common belief among the healers that Jam trees having special medicinal properties can be identified through experience. During my visits to forests with the traditional healers, I have observed their expertise in identification of potential plants. I am studying this in depth knowledge. Although many improved varieties are available with us, but all varieties result in higher production and better resistance to pest attack. Very work has been done (or no work) keeping the medicinal properties of Jam herb in focus. I personally feel that it is untouched field and there is a tremendous scope, in this new field. Thank you very much for reading the article.
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