Satyanashi (Argemone mexicana; family : Papaveraceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India : The Result of recent Ethnobotanical surveys
Satyanashi (Argemone mexicana; family : Papaveraceae) as medicinal herb
in Chhattisgarh, India : The Result of recent Ethnobotanical surveys
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Although researchers blame Satyanashi seed oil for causing dropsy problem in India but for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the Satyanashi oil is very valuable herb and they use it most frequently in treatment of over 30 common and complicated diseases. Satyanashi is native to America and introduced in India many centuries back. Living with this exotic herb, the traditional healers and natives have discovered its unique medicinal properties and uses. The corrupt businessmen mix the Satyanashi seeds in Mustard seeds, as the seeds resemble Mustard seeds, and when oil is extracted and used by the natives, its consumption causes dropsy. Few years back, this dropsy problem spread like epidemic all over the country and government officials banned this adulteration. A lot have been written on minus points of this useful medicinal herb. But as herb expert, I know its importance and valuable medicinal properties. I have written a lot on this herb in my previous articles. In present article, in addition to previous articles, I am describing the results of my latest Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh, Satyanashi occurs as wasteland weed and in rare cases compete with upland crops but in toto, it is not field weed. Before describing the latest results, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses in brief. According to reference literatures, Satyanashi is an erect, prickly herb with yellowish latex, having height up to four feet; with branched tap-root; stem erect, cylindrical , glaucous, spiny, yellow latex; Leaf sessile, 5-7 inches long, semi-amplexicaul, radical and cauline, simple and alternative, sinuate-pinnatifid, spiny, toothed variegated, green and white; Inflorescence solitary axillary or cymose; Flower bracteate, pedicellate, complete, regular, actinomorphic, bisexual, golden yellow in colour, 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, hypogynous, bracts leaf; Calyx-sepals 3, polysepalous, caducous, horned at the top, prickly, inferior; Corolla - petals 6, in two whorl’s, golden yellow, caducous, inferior; Fruits - a prickly capsule, dehiscing by valves from the apex down to one third of its length. Satyanashi holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, Satyanashi is diuretic, purgative, destroys worm, cures leprosy, various skin-diseases, inflammations and bilious fevers, useful in strangury, antidote to various ophthalmia and opacity of the cornea. Seeds are purgative and sedative. Common and popular names of Satyanashi (Argemone mexicana) around the world Language/Region/Country Names 1) Arabic Bagel 2) Bengal Baroshial Kanta, Kari kanta, Shial kantha, Sia kanta 3) Brazil Cardo santo 4) Myanmar Khyaq 5) Kanarese Balurakkisa, Datturi, Datturigidda, Mulludaturi 6) Chinese Lao Chou 7) English Gamboge Thistle, Jamaica yellow thistle, Mexican Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Yellow mexican poppy 8) French Chardon benit dec Antilles 9) German Mexicanische Argemone 10) Gujarati Darudi 11) Hindi Satyanashi, Bharbhand, Farangidhatura, Ujarkanta, Kutaila, Shial kanta 12) Marathi Darusi, Firang dhotra 13) Portuguese Figo do inferno 14) Sanskrit Brahmadandi, Kandiari, Katsi, Satyanasa, Hemashikha, Hemadugdha, Hemavati, Kanchani 15) Spanish Adormidera espinosa 16) Tamil Bremadandu, Kurukkam Telugu Brahmadandi 18) Urdu Baramdandi According to Unani system of medicine, Satyanashi enriches blood, good expectorant and aphrodisiac. It is useful in treatment of skin diseases and leucoderma. Although the natives are aware of valuable medicinal properties and uses of Satyanashi but they never plant this herb in home gardens. The natives prepare special Herbal Mala using the dried roots of Satyanashi. It is recommended for small children having ill health. They use white string to prepare Herbal Mala. The natives also keep a root piece in Tabiz or Locket for same purpose. This herb is also used for Tantra purposes. Although it is exotic herb but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not ready to accept this fact. Many traders still purchase the seed of Satyanashi from natives, in exchange of same weight of common salt. Although it is illegal, but its trade is in existence in different pars of Chhattisgarh. Many traders have their own processing units and they prefer to sell the oil as compared to seeds. The uses of Argemone oil, as illuminant in soap making and for protection from white ants, have been mentioned in reference literatures. This oil is inedible. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, specialised in use of Satyanashi oil, prepare the oil at their homes, in order to fulfill their own requirements. They are aware of harmful adulteration practice. They informed me that the dropsy resulted from using the mixture of Mustard and Satyanashi seeds, can successfully be treated with the help of Satyanashi herb and according to them , the use of Satyanashi to manage the side effects of Satyanashi is a gift of mother nature to us. Here are the results of my recent Ethnobotanical surveys conducted during the year 2001-2002 in different parts o Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh mix (intentionally), one part of Satyanashi seeds and three parts of Sarson (Mustard) seeds and extract the oil. This oil is applied externally on piles (Bavasir). According to the healers, this use is a boon for the patients having this problem from long time. The traditional healers of North region, prepare this oil by adopting slightly modified method. They take one part of Satyanashi seeds and three parts of Mustard oil (instead of Mustard seeds) and boil the seeds in oil. When all watery contents evaporate, the oil is collected and stored for future use. I have noted during the surveys, that many healers add some more herbs in this herbal oil. They add the leaves and roots of common weed Kukronda (Blumea lacera) generally. I have interviewed the patients using this herbal oil. They were satisfied with its effects and informed that in case of intense pain, no other combination is more effective than this oil. The natives are also aware of this oily but they prepare this oil by mixing both seeds in equal amount. They use it externally in case of ringworm. Possibly they are not aware of its use in treatment of piles (Bavasir). In my article on leprosy, I have mentioned the use of Satyanashi. In reference literatures, this use is described. In different parts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use different parts of Satyanashi by adopting different methods. In general the juice of fresh herb is given at specific doses to the patients. Many healers give this juice with cow milk in order to minimize its possible side effects. In both methods, juice is given when patients are having empty stomach. In general, two doses, one at morning and another at evening are given. The healers also prepare special decoction by boiling this herb in water and suggest the patients to use it as water during bath. They also add some other herbs like Neem, Nirgundi, Doobi etc. in this special decoction. For skin troubles, the patients are also advised to take bath using this special decoction. In general, the healers always suggest the natives to use this decoction during daily life preferably during transition period (i.e. the change of season) in order to avoid skin infections. The traditional healers of Mudpar village, at first burn the Satyanashi seeds and collect the ash. He mixes the ash in Sarson (Mustard) oil and use it externally in treatment of skin troubles. The healers of Bastar region, adopt special method. They mix the Satyanashi roots in fresh human semen and apply the paste on ring worm affected parts for immediate cure. I have never seen this unique use in my early surveys. In pla of semen they also use cow urine in same manner. In case of old wounds, the healers apply the milky juice of Satyanashi on it to heal it. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains use the oil of Satyanashi seeds in treatment of hysteria, insanity, and mental illness. The oil is given with cow milk. They informed me that after initial doses, the problem of vomiting arises in many cases but after few regular doses, the body get acquainted with this oil. I have listed out over 130 traditional healers using this oil in treatment of hysterical, insanity and mental illness. Its popularity among traditional healers clearly indicates its efficacy in these diseases. In place of oil, many healers use the root powder with cow milk, but according to them it is less effective as compared to oil. In treatment of chronic respiratory troubles, the use of root powder with cow milk is also popular among the healers. During discussion with them, I asked them to explain the conditions when root powder and in what case seed oil is preferred . They were unable to give the scientific explanations but they told that for the patients having the problem of respiratory system associated with above mentioned diseases, they prefer root powder. The use of milky juice in treatment of conjunctivitis is common among natives. I have already mentioned it in my previous articles. The natives collect the leaves before flowering and boil in water and wash the eyes with this decoction. It is considered as good tonic for eyes. In case of dog bite, the traditional healers of Bagbahera region, use this herb both internally and externally. Externally, the seeds are crushed and with the help of water, aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally in affected parts for immediate relief whereas internally, the seeds are given with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) and whey, upto three months. The traditional healers of laspur region, use the roots of Satyanashi in treatment of gynaecological troubles. They use it internally. Roots are also used as carminative in Chhattisgarh. Although the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional knowledge about Satyanashi, but it is also a bitter fact that due to lack of systematic documentation programmes, many of these information are becoming extinct. My articles are first document on this traditional knowledge. I am trying my best to write more and more information in form of articles, in order to preserve them for future generations. This is good to feel that now the world community is encouraging and appreciating my efforts
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Although researchers blame Satyanashi seed oil for causing dropsy problem in India but for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the Satyanashi oil is very valuable herb and they use it most frequently in treatment of over 30 common and complicated diseases. Satyanashi is native to America and introduced in India many centuries back. Living with this exotic herb, the traditional healers and natives have discovered its unique medicinal properties and uses. The corrupt businessmen mix the Satyanashi seeds in Mustard seeds, as the seeds resemble Mustard seeds, and when oil is extracted and used by the natives, its consumption causes dropsy. Few years back, this dropsy problem spread like epidemic all over the country and government officials banned this adulteration. A lot have been written on minus points of this useful medicinal herb. But as herb expert, I know its importance and valuable medicinal properties. I have written a lot on this herb in my previous articles. In present article, in addition to previous articles, I am describing the results of my latest Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh, Satyanashi occurs as wasteland weed and in rare cases compete with upland crops but in toto, it is not field weed. Before describing the latest results, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses in brief. According to reference literatures, Satyanashi is an erect, prickly herb with yellowish latex, having height up to four feet; with branched tap-root; stem erect, cylindrical , glaucous, spiny, yellow latex; Leaf sessile, 5-7 inches long, semi-amplexicaul, radical and cauline, simple and alternative, sinuate-pinnatifid, spiny, toothed variegated, green and white; Inflorescence solitary axillary or cymose; Flower bracteate, pedicellate, complete, regular, actinomorphic, bisexual, golden yellow in colour, 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, hypogynous, bracts leaf; Calyx-sepals 3, polysepalous, caducous, horned at the top, prickly, inferior; Corolla - petals 6, in two whorl’s, golden yellow, caducous, inferior; Fruits - a prickly capsule, dehiscing by valves from the apex down to one third of its length. Satyanashi holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, Satyanashi is diuretic, purgative, destroys worm, cures leprosy, various skin-diseases, inflammations and bilious fevers, useful in strangury, antidote to various ophthalmia and opacity of the cornea. Seeds are purgative and sedative. Common and popular names of Satyanashi (Argemone mexicana) around the world Language/Region/Country Names 1) Arabic Bagel 2) Bengal Baroshial Kanta, Kari kanta, Shial kantha, Sia kanta 3) Brazil Cardo santo 4) Myanmar Khyaq 5) Kanarese Balurakkisa, Datturi, Datturigidda, Mulludaturi 6) Chinese Lao Chou 7) English Gamboge Thistle, Jamaica yellow thistle, Mexican Poppy, Prickly Poppy, Yellow mexican poppy 8) French Chardon benit dec Antilles 9) German Mexicanische Argemone 10) Gujarati Darudi 11) Hindi Satyanashi, Bharbhand, Farangidhatura, Ujarkanta, Kutaila, Shial kanta 12) Marathi Darusi, Firang dhotra 13) Portuguese Figo do inferno 14) Sanskrit Brahmadandi, Kandiari, Katsi, Satyanasa, Hemashikha, Hemadugdha, Hemavati, Kanchani 15) Spanish Adormidera espinosa 16) Tamil Bremadandu, Kurukkam Telugu Brahmadandi 18) Urdu Baramdandi According to Unani system of medicine, Satyanashi enriches blood, good expectorant and aphrodisiac. It is useful in treatment of skin diseases and leucoderma. Although the natives are aware of valuable medicinal properties and uses of Satyanashi but they never plant this herb in home gardens. The natives prepare special Herbal Mala using the dried roots of Satyanashi. It is recommended for small children having ill health. They use white string to prepare Herbal Mala. The natives also keep a root piece in Tabiz or Locket for same purpose. This herb is also used for Tantra purposes. Although it is exotic herb but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not ready to accept this fact. Many traders still purchase the seed of Satyanashi from natives, in exchange of same weight of common salt. Although it is illegal, but its trade is in existence in different pars of Chhattisgarh. Many traders have their own processing units and they prefer to sell the oil as compared to seeds. The uses of Argemone oil, as illuminant in soap making and for protection from white ants, have been mentioned in reference literatures. This oil is inedible. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, specialised in use of Satyanashi oil, prepare the oil at their homes, in order to fulfill their own requirements. They are aware of harmful adulteration practice. They informed me that the dropsy resulted from using the mixture of Mustard and Satyanashi seeds, can successfully be treated with the help of Satyanashi herb and according to them , the use of Satyanashi to manage the side effects of Satyanashi is a gift of mother nature to us. Here are the results of my recent Ethnobotanical surveys conducted during the year 2001-2002 in different parts o Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh mix (intentionally), one part of Satyanashi seeds and three parts of Sarson (Mustard) seeds and extract the oil. This oil is applied externally on piles (Bavasir). According to the healers, this use is a boon for the patients having this problem from long time. The traditional healers of North region, prepare this oil by adopting slightly modified method. They take one part of Satyanashi seeds and three parts of Mustard oil (instead of Mustard seeds) and boil the seeds in oil. When all watery contents evaporate, the oil is collected and stored for future use. I have noted during the surveys, that many healers add some more herbs in this herbal oil. They add the leaves and roots of common weed Kukronda (Blumea lacera) generally. I have interviewed the patients using this herbal oil. They were satisfied with its effects and informed that in case of intense pain, no other combination is more effective than this oil. The natives are also aware of this oily but they prepare this oil by mixing both seeds in equal amount. They use it externally in case of ringworm. Possibly they are not aware of its use in treatment of piles (Bavasir). In my article on leprosy, I have mentioned the use of Satyanashi. In reference literatures, this use is described. In different parts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use different parts of Satyanashi by adopting different methods. In general the juice of fresh herb is given at specific doses to the patients. Many healers give this juice with cow milk in order to minimize its possible side effects. In both methods, juice is given when patients are having empty stomach. In general, two doses, one at morning and another at evening are given. The healers also prepare special decoction by boiling this herb in water and suggest the patients to use it as water during bath. They also add some other herbs like Neem, Nirgundi, Doobi etc. in this special decoction. For skin troubles, the patients are also advised to take bath using this special decoction. In general, the healers always suggest the natives to use this decoction during daily life preferably during transition period (i.e. the change of season) in order to avoid skin infections. The traditional healers of Mudpar village, at first burn the Satyanashi seeds and collect the ash. He mixes the ash in Sarson (Mustard) oil and use it externally in treatment of skin troubles. The healers of Bastar region, adopt special method. They mix the Satyanashi roots in fresh human semen and apply the paste on ring worm affected parts for immediate cure. I have never seen this unique use in my early surveys. In pla of semen they also use cow urine in same manner. In case of old wounds, the healers apply the milky juice of Satyanashi on it to heal it. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains use the oil of Satyanashi seeds in treatment of hysteria, insanity, and mental illness. The oil is given with cow milk. They informed me that after initial doses, the problem of vomiting arises in many cases but after few regular doses, the body get acquainted with this oil. I have listed out over 130 traditional healers using this oil in treatment of hysterical, insanity and mental illness. Its popularity among traditional healers clearly indicates its efficacy in these diseases. In place of oil, many healers use the root powder with cow milk, but according to them it is less effective as compared to oil. In treatment of chronic respiratory troubles, the use of root powder with cow milk is also popular among the healers. During discussion with them, I asked them to explain the conditions when root powder and in what case seed oil is preferred . They were unable to give the scientific explanations but they told that for the patients having the problem of respiratory system associated with above mentioned diseases, they prefer root powder. The use of milky juice in treatment of conjunctivitis is common among natives. I have already mentioned it in my previous articles. The natives collect the leaves before flowering and boil in water and wash the eyes with this decoction. It is considered as good tonic for eyes. In case of dog bite, the traditional healers of Bagbahera region, use this herb both internally and externally. Externally, the seeds are crushed and with the help of water, aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally in affected parts for immediate relief whereas internally, the seeds are given with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) and whey, upto three months. The traditional healers of laspur region, use the roots of Satyanashi in treatment of gynaecological troubles. They use it internally. Roots are also used as carminative in Chhattisgarh. Although the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional knowledge about Satyanashi, but it is also a bitter fact that due to lack of systematic documentation programmes, many of these information are becoming extinct. My articles are first document on this traditional knowledge. I am trying my best to write more and more information in form of articles, in order to preserve them for future generations. This is good to feel that now the world community is encouraging and appreciating my efforts
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