Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXIII. Bijarra (Citrus medica, family Rutaceae).

Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXIII. Bijarra (Citrus medica, family Rutaceae). 

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Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved 

Like the roots of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera), the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the roots of Bijarra to hasten the process of delivery. The roots spreading in north direction are collected after performing special worship ceremony. The root piece is tied around the waist with the help of red string as the labour pain starts. The root piece is removed just after the delivery and buried near the trees of Neem or Bar. The natives and healers of all parts of Chhattisgarh are aware of this unique use. In case of complications, they change the red string and use white string. I am trying to find out the scientific reasons responsible for using strings of different colours. In southern parts of Chhattisgarh, many healers use black string also. The traditional healers are not aware of it scientific reason and according to them, they are using it since generations as per standard method developed by their forefathers. The healers are also unable to answer the query that either Achyranthes root is more effective or the Bijarra root and what will be the effect, if both roots are used? This is a new aspect on which the young researchers can focus their studies. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the natives and healers use Achyranthes roots more commonly. The healers of Bijarra and Mahua (Madhuca sp.) rich areas use the combination of Bijarra roots and Mahua bark with ghee and shahad (honey) internally to hasten the process of delivery. The roots and barks are mixed in equal proportion. This combination is not much popular among the natives. Bijarra is not under commercial cultivation in Chhattisgarh. It can be seen at home gardens (in of Chhattisgarh villages. The natives grow it for its fruits. It is not a well established medicinal herb but through my surveys, I got information that the natives and healers are aware of its many medicinal properties and uses and the good sign is that they are still using it as medicine is their routine life successfully. In present article, I am describing the information on traditional uses, I have noted through these surveys. This is first written document describing the valuable traditional medicinal knowledge about Bijarra, in Chhattisgarh. According to reference literatures, it is shrub or small tree. Young shoots glabrous, purple. Leaflets 5-12 cm long, elliptic-ovate or ovate lanceolate, glabrous, petiole naked or winged. Flowers upto 2.5cm long, in racemes, white often tinged with pink, frequently unisexual. Stamens 20-60. Ovary many-celled. Fruits large, globose, ovoid, oblong and rind leathery. Flowering and fruiting time January - December. As medicine roots, flowers, seeds and fruits are used. As medicine, Bijarra holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, roots are anthelmintic, used in constipation and tumours, removes colic, useful in vomiting, urinary troubles and caries of teeth. Flowers are stimulant, astringent to bowels, increase appetite, relieve vomiting, useful in abdominal complaints, asthma, cough, hiccup, intoxication etc. fruits are sweet and sour, stimulant, digestible, tonic, cures leprosy, relieves sore throat, thirst, asthma and cough, the juice allays ear-ache, rind of the fruit is bitter, sharp, oily, aphrodisiac etc. Seeds are indigestible, good for piles and in biliousness. The traditional healers of Kanker region, informed me that to hasten the process of delivery, in place of Mahua bark, one can use the roots of Safed Ratti (Gunja) successfully. In my previous articles, I have written a lot on traditional uses of common herbs in Chhattisgarh and also about unique ways of these uses. Most of these information are new for the world community. Through recent survey I got information on unique use of Bijarra roots. The Children having the problem of frequent vomiting are given the roots boiled in milk, internally and simultaneously, the piece of root is kept inside the locket and the patients are advised to wear it till treatment duration. According to the healers, this procedure cures the trouble in very less time. For boiling the roots, cow milk is preferred. The traditional healer of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the decoction of Bijarra Chhal (bark) to flush out the intestinal worms. It is used both alone or in combination with other herbs. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region use the roots with salt to flush out the Pathri (renal calculi) . During summer season, to treat the earache the natives of Chhattisgarh, mix the fruit juice of Bijarra and Aam (Mangifera indica), and juice of Adrak (Zinger) in equal proportion and apply few drops inside the affected ears as first aid measure. The traditional healers of Kondagaon region use the combination of Bijarra and Anar (Punica granatum) roots as purgative. The healers of Sarguja region informed me that the leaf juice of Bijarra and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) are promising combination to treat the epilepsy. In other parts of India, the reference literatures claims, that the natives are much aware of different medicinal properties and uses of Bijarra. In Chhattisgarh, the experts having traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb are very less and except some promising uses like its use in delivery and vomiting, the other uses are not much popular and as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, its other uses are becoming obsolete. Through documentation, I want to conserve these knowledge for future generations. Thanking you very much for reading the article.