Piyaz (Allium cepa, family Liliaceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India
Piyaz (Allium cepa, family Liliaceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Although it is very difficult to tolerate a specific odd smell of Piyaz (or Onion) juice but according to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, this juice is good hair tonic and capable of growing new hairs in bald heads. I have experienced the miracle effects of this juice as hair growth promoter. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Piyaz juice alone or in combination with other herbs particularly Bhengra (Eclipta alba), to prepare different herbal combinations for hair related troubles. The use of Piyaz juice as hair growth promoter is not described in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. This is a discovery of the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Piyaz is a biennial herb, commonly cultivated as an annual all over the country. It is popular crop among vegetable growers and it is also an exported crop. The immature and mature bulbs (rhizomes) are consumed raw or cooked and eaten as vegetable. It is also used for seasoning food. Piyaz is under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers are dependent upon the cultivation, for their requirement for Piyaz as medicine. Like other vegetable crops, in commercial cultivation of Piyaz, chemical inputs are used. Although the healers are not in favour of using chemical inputs but they have no other way. During my Ethnobotanical surveys titled "Traditional medicinal uses of common vegetable crops in Chhattisgarh" , I have collected many valuable information on this important herb. In present article, I am describing these uses. But at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Piyaz is a cultivated herb with pungent flavour and aroma due to the presence of volatile sulphur compounds. Root adventitious, fibrous; Stem underground, tunicated bulb, inner scales fleshy, outer dry, membranous and brown; Leaf radical , cylindrical, hollow, sheathing; Inflorescence a terminal umble on the leafless flowering stem or scape, 2-3 membranous bracts enclose the young umbele; Flower small, white regular, bisexual, hypogynous sometimes replaced by bulbils; Fruit a membranous capsule; Seeds endospermic. As medicine, bulbs and seeds are used most commonly. As medicine , Piyaz holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda the bulbs are pungent, tonic, aphrodisiac, improve taste and useful in treatment of vomiting, biliousness, body pains, tumours, bleeding piles, epistaxis whereas seeds are ning. Seeds are useful in dental caries and urinary discharges. According to Unani system of medicine, bulbs are tonic, stomachic, appetizer useful in ophthalmia, malaria, spleen diseases, vomiting, asthma, scabies, ear-ache, piles, blood disorders and eye-troubles. Like Piyaz, Jangli Piyaz (Wild Onion) is popular among herb traders of Chhattisgarh. Although it belongs to Piyaz family Liliaceae but in fact it is not a wild variety or species of Piyaz. Jangli Piyaz is in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh and there is a routine demand of this herb in national and internal drug markets. In order to avoid confusion, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to the reference literatures, Jangli Piyaz (Urginea indica) is a herb with avoid or globose (like Onion or Piyaz ) white bulb. Leaf appearing after the flowers, flat, linear, scape erect 30-45 cm; Flowers in racemes 15-30 cm long, perianth campanulate, stalks long, drooping; Fruits capsule, ellipsoid, tapering to both ends. The bulbs of Jangli Piyaz are used as medicine. According to Ayurveda, the bulb is pungent, heating, anthelmintic and alexiteric. According to Unani system of medicine, the bulb is stomachic, diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, purgative, alexiteric and useful in treatment of paralysis, bronchitis, asthma, dropsy, renal calculi, rheumatism, skin diseases, diseases of nose, internal pains etc. It is a herb of sandy places. Jangli Piyaz is not under cultivation as medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. I have seen this herb in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. In spite of huge demand, there is no threat to this herb in Chhattisgarh. In present article. I am describing the traditional uses of Piyaz, not the Jangli Piyaz. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Piyaz bulb juice in face care. According to them , regular external use of juice on face, makes the face fresh and free from pimples. It is also used to remove dark spots. The natives apply it in combination of Multani Mitti ( Fuller’s clay) also. The traditional healers consider the seeds more useful as compared to the juice. They instruct the patients to collect the seeds and by mixing it in milk prepare a paste. This paste is applied externally in face care. The traditional healers of Bastar region, use the juice in place of milk to prepare the paste. The traditional healers of Sarguja region, use the fresh juice of whole herb for same purpose and in same manner. This is really interesting to note different methods of use, common in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of different parts are not linked with each other. When I visit for my Ethnobotanical surveys, I always keep the field diaries of previous surveys and explain the uses of specific herb among the traditional healers and natives. This methodology helps in dissemination of knowledge .In many cases, the healers of one part appreciates the findings of other parts. And also, in many cases, they give special comments on minus points of these uses popular in other parts. In research papers related to ethnobotany , I have not found this methodology, adopted by the researchers. Although it is a long process and require lot of patience but I feel that it is effective and promising way. Like the leaves of Bariyara (Sida acuta), the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Piyaz juice to mature the immature boils. The juice mixed with powdered coal is applied externally in form of poultice. According to the healers, in very short time, this application matures the boil. The juice without coal powder acts differently. It suppresses the boil. The juice is also used to reduce the intense pain. The use of Piyaz juice with Shahad (Honey) in treatment of cough is popular as home-remedy. But as other promising and l less alternatives are available, this combination is used less frequently by the natives. In reference literatures, the use of Piyaz as aphrodisiac is mentioned. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, are well aware of this use. They use it in different ways. The traditional healers of Kanker region, cut the Piyaz bulbs in small pieces and fry it in cow ghee. After frying the pieces are boiled in milk and decoction is prepared. This preparation is used as aphrodisiac. In general, the healers recommend it to newly wed couples. They are not in favour of its routine use. As the nature of Piyaz is hot, the healers suggest it to use this preparation during the months of winter every year, in order to get sound sexual health around the year. During the winter, it is recommended twice a day. It is common belief among natives that regular use of Piyaz bulb raw or as vegetable is also capable of improving sexual health. In Chhattisgarh, during hot summer when temperature goes around 48°C, Piyaz saves the life of natives in many ways. When the natives go outside during hot summer, when Loo, the hot wind, can cause great damage, they also keep Piyaz with them , preferably in pockets. During this season, the natives use Piyaz in many ways. The healers use the Piyaz in treatment of all health troubles common in hot summer. The juice is applied externally in form of body massage. This application reduces the high body temperature. I am trying to find out the scientific explanation that how Piyaz in pocket, can help as protection shield from sunstroke. According to the traditional healers, although they are unable to explain it, but there are confident about its efficacy. The popularity of this use even among the natives, clearly proves its efficacy. The traditional healer of Bhopalpatnam informed that as Piyaz is useful in treatment of all troubles due to intense heat (common in summer), the forefathers have associated this information with this herb, intentionally, so that in case of attack the natives can use the Piyaz herb for immediate treatment. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers to provide scientific explanation, so that the upcoming generations can adopt this practice with confidence. As mentioned earlier, the natives use the whole herb as vegetable. This whole herb is known as Piyaz Bhaji in Chhattisgarh. The natives use it for taste but according to the traditional healers, this use have many medical benefits. They recommend it during treatment of many common diseases, specifically in gynaecological disorders. They informed me that during growing season, every woman should use this vegetable in their regular diet, in order to get rid from all existing gynaecological troubles and also to prevent the attack of new troubles. In ral and forest areas of Chhattisgarh, this use is still very common. In urban areas, the area of socalled educated natives, where the gynaecological troubles are increasing at alarming rates, the use of Piyaz Bhaji is decreasing. The traditional healers also suggest the patients to use the Piyaz juice with gud (Jaggery) for same troubles. In case of poisonous bite by any venomous creatures, as first aid remedy the natives apply the Piyaz bul juice externally on affected parts. In most of the cases, this application cures the trouble but in case of complications, it act as pain remover and provide great relief till arrival of the healers or doctors. The natives also use the Piyaz herb in treatment of epistaxis. As treatment, the patients are advised to inhale the freshly cut bulbs and also apply few drops of juice through the nostrils. This treatment is also given to the patients of epilepsy, during acute attack. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Piyaz in combination with other herbs in treatment of Gonorrhoea. Although in these combinations, Piyaz is not used as major ingredient but it is an important ingredient. Like the external use of Homoeopathic drug . Thuja occidentalis MT, the use of Piyaz bulb juice in combination with lime water (CaCO3) eliminates, ugly looking warts, without any side effects. This use is popular among the natives. In case of eye and ear pain, as first aid measure, the natives apply fresh juice inside. According to them it is promising treatment in case of cataract (Motiabind). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also prepare a herbal oil by boiling the fresh Piyaz juice in Sarson (Mustard) oil. This special herbal oil is used in treatment of many troubles. It is mostly used in treatment of skin troubles. It is applied externally. In case of snake-bite, this oil is used internally as treatment. The natives use this oil under strict supervision of the traditional healers. Most of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been mentioned in reference literatures. I am proud to write about the in depth traditional knowledge of the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. I am confident that these traditional uses will be helpful in establishing this important vegetable crop, as potential medicinal crop and our researchers will think and promote the organic cultivation of Piyaz. 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
Although it is very difficult to tolerate a specific odd smell of Piyaz (or Onion) juice but according to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, this juice is good hair tonic and capable of growing new hairs in bald heads. I have experienced the miracle effects of this juice as hair growth promoter. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Piyaz juice alone or in combination with other herbs particularly Bhengra (Eclipta alba), to prepare different herbal combinations for hair related troubles. The use of Piyaz juice as hair growth promoter is not described in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. This is a discovery of the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Piyaz is a biennial herb, commonly cultivated as an annual all over the country. It is popular crop among vegetable growers and it is also an exported crop. The immature and mature bulbs (rhizomes) are consumed raw or cooked and eaten as vegetable. It is also used for seasoning food. Piyaz is under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers are dependent upon the cultivation, for their requirement for Piyaz as medicine. Like other vegetable crops, in commercial cultivation of Piyaz, chemical inputs are used. Although the healers are not in favour of using chemical inputs but they have no other way. During my Ethnobotanical surveys titled "Traditional medicinal uses of common vegetable crops in Chhattisgarh" , I have collected many valuable information on this important herb. In present article, I am describing these uses. But at first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Piyaz is a cultivated herb with pungent flavour and aroma due to the presence of volatile sulphur compounds. Root adventitious, fibrous; Stem underground, tunicated bulb, inner scales fleshy, outer dry, membranous and brown; Leaf radical , cylindrical, hollow, sheathing; Inflorescence a terminal umble on the leafless flowering stem or scape, 2-3 membranous bracts enclose the young umbele; Flower small, white regular, bisexual, hypogynous sometimes replaced by bulbils; Fruit a membranous capsule; Seeds endospermic. As medicine, bulbs and seeds are used most commonly. As medicine , Piyaz holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda the bulbs are pungent, tonic, aphrodisiac, improve taste and useful in treatment of vomiting, biliousness, body pains, tumours, bleeding piles, epistaxis whereas seeds are ning. Seeds are useful in dental caries and urinary discharges. According to Unani system of medicine, bulbs are tonic, stomachic, appetizer useful in ophthalmia, malaria, spleen diseases, vomiting, asthma, scabies, ear-ache, piles, blood disorders and eye-troubles. Like Piyaz, Jangli Piyaz (Wild Onion) is popular among herb traders of Chhattisgarh. Although it belongs to Piyaz family Liliaceae but in fact it is not a wild variety or species of Piyaz. Jangli Piyaz is in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh and there is a routine demand of this herb in national and internal drug markets. In order to avoid confusion, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to the reference literatures, Jangli Piyaz (Urginea indica) is a herb with avoid or globose (like Onion or Piyaz ) white bulb. Leaf appearing after the flowers, flat, linear, scape erect 30-45 cm; Flowers in racemes 15-30 cm long, perianth campanulate, stalks long, drooping; Fruits capsule, ellipsoid, tapering to both ends. The bulbs of Jangli Piyaz are used as medicine. According to Ayurveda, the bulb is pungent, heating, anthelmintic and alexiteric. According to Unani system of medicine, the bulb is stomachic, diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, purgative, alexiteric and useful in treatment of paralysis, bronchitis, asthma, dropsy, renal calculi, rheumatism, skin diseases, diseases of nose, internal pains etc. It is a herb of sandy places. Jangli Piyaz is not under cultivation as medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. I have seen this herb in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. In spite of huge demand, there is no threat to this herb in Chhattisgarh. In present article. I am describing the traditional uses of Piyaz, not the Jangli Piyaz. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Piyaz bulb juice in face care. According to them , regular external use of juice on face, makes the face fresh and free from pimples. It is also used to remove dark spots. The natives apply it in combination of Multani Mitti ( Fuller’s clay) also. The traditional healers consider the seeds more useful as compared to the juice. They instruct the patients to collect the seeds and by mixing it in milk prepare a paste. This paste is applied externally in face care. The traditional healers of Bastar region, use the juice in place of milk to prepare the paste. The traditional healers of Sarguja region, use the fresh juice of whole herb for same purpose and in same manner. This is really interesting to note different methods of use, common in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of different parts are not linked with each other. When I visit for my Ethnobotanical surveys, I always keep the field diaries of previous surveys and explain the uses of specific herb among the traditional healers and natives. This methodology helps in dissemination of knowledge .In many cases, the healers of one part appreciates the findings of other parts. And also, in many cases, they give special comments on minus points of these uses popular in other parts. In research papers related to ethnobotany , I have not found this methodology, adopted by the researchers. Although it is a long process and require lot of patience but I feel that it is effective and promising way. Like the leaves of Bariyara (Sida acuta), the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Piyaz juice to mature the immature boils. The juice mixed with powdered coal is applied externally in form of poultice. According to the healers, in very short time, this application matures the boil. The juice without coal powder acts differently. It suppresses the boil. The juice is also used to reduce the intense pain. The use of Piyaz juice with Shahad (Honey) in treatment of cough is popular as home-remedy. But as other promising and l less alternatives are available, this combination is used less frequently by the natives. In reference literatures, the use of Piyaz as aphrodisiac is mentioned. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, are well aware of this use. They use it in different ways. The traditional healers of Kanker region, cut the Piyaz bulbs in small pieces and fry it in cow ghee. After frying the pieces are boiled in milk and decoction is prepared. This preparation is used as aphrodisiac. In general, the healers recommend it to newly wed couples. They are not in favour of its routine use. As the nature of Piyaz is hot, the healers suggest it to use this preparation during the months of winter every year, in order to get sound sexual health around the year. During the winter, it is recommended twice a day. It is common belief among natives that regular use of Piyaz bulb raw or as vegetable is also capable of improving sexual health. In Chhattisgarh, during hot summer when temperature goes around 48°C, Piyaz saves the life of natives in many ways. When the natives go outside during hot summer, when Loo, the hot wind, can cause great damage, they also keep Piyaz with them , preferably in pockets. During this season, the natives use Piyaz in many ways. The healers use the Piyaz in treatment of all health troubles common in hot summer. The juice is applied externally in form of body massage. This application reduces the high body temperature. I am trying to find out the scientific explanation that how Piyaz in pocket, can help as protection shield from sunstroke. According to the traditional healers, although they are unable to explain it, but there are confident about its efficacy. The popularity of this use even among the natives, clearly proves its efficacy. The traditional healer of Bhopalpatnam informed that as Piyaz is useful in treatment of all troubles due to intense heat (common in summer), the forefathers have associated this information with this herb, intentionally, so that in case of attack the natives can use the Piyaz herb for immediate treatment. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers to provide scientific explanation, so that the upcoming generations can adopt this practice with confidence. As mentioned earlier, the natives use the whole herb as vegetable. This whole herb is known as Piyaz Bhaji in Chhattisgarh. The natives use it for taste but according to the traditional healers, this use have many medical benefits. They recommend it during treatment of many common diseases, specifically in gynaecological disorders. They informed me that during growing season, every woman should use this vegetable in their regular diet, in order to get rid from all existing gynaecological troubles and also to prevent the attack of new troubles. In ral and forest areas of Chhattisgarh, this use is still very common. In urban areas, the area of socalled educated natives, where the gynaecological troubles are increasing at alarming rates, the use of Piyaz Bhaji is decreasing. The traditional healers also suggest the patients to use the Piyaz juice with gud (Jaggery) for same troubles. In case of poisonous bite by any venomous creatures, as first aid remedy the natives apply the Piyaz bul juice externally on affected parts. In most of the cases, this application cures the trouble but in case of complications, it act as pain remover and provide great relief till arrival of the healers or doctors. The natives also use the Piyaz herb in treatment of epistaxis. As treatment, the patients are advised to inhale the freshly cut bulbs and also apply few drops of juice through the nostrils. This treatment is also given to the patients of epilepsy, during acute attack. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Piyaz in combination with other herbs in treatment of Gonorrhoea. Although in these combinations, Piyaz is not used as major ingredient but it is an important ingredient. Like the external use of Homoeopathic drug . Thuja occidentalis MT, the use of Piyaz bulb juice in combination with lime water (CaCO3) eliminates, ugly looking warts, without any side effects. This use is popular among the natives. In case of eye and ear pain, as first aid measure, the natives apply fresh juice inside. According to them it is promising treatment in case of cataract (Motiabind). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also prepare a herbal oil by boiling the fresh Piyaz juice in Sarson (Mustard) oil. This special herbal oil is used in treatment of many troubles. It is mostly used in treatment of skin troubles. It is applied externally. In case of snake-bite, this oil is used internally as treatment. The natives use this oil under strict supervision of the traditional healers. Most of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been mentioned in reference literatures. I am proud to write about the in depth traditional knowledge of the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. I am confident that these traditional uses will be helpful in establishing this important vegetable crop, as potential medicinal crop and our researchers will think and promote the organic cultivation of Piyaz. Thank you very much for reading the article.
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