Traditional Medicinal knowledge about common fruits in Chhattisgarh Plains, India : Results of recent surveys conducted around Raipur city
Traditional Medicinal knowledge about common fruits in Chhattisgarh Plains,
India : Results of recent surveys conducted around Raipur city
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Although Chhattisgarh is not known for fruit production but the natives plant fruit trees in home gardens and periphery of their crop fields. For the requirement of fruits, the natives living in urban areas are dependent on markets whereas the natives living in rural areas grow the fruits in their home gardens and fulfill their demand. Many of the natives, sell the surplus produce to nearby markets. In general, fruits are consumed for delicious taste. The natives are health conscious and aware of benefits of eating fruits. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about its use as medicine. Through the Ethnobotanical surveys I collected a lot of valuable information on this aspect. Nimbu (Lemon) is very popular fruit in the state. The natives having the problem of obesity, every morning take Lemon juice with luke water and Shahad (honey). It is common belief that this use helps in reducing the extra fat. Lemon juice with Adrak (Ginger) juice and honey is used internally to get relief from indigestion. Nimbu is considered beneficial for the stomach related diseases. The natives having the problem of indigestion always keep this fruit during travel and in case of problem, use it as first aid remedy. To treat severe toothache, the natives use Laung (Clove). It is powered and filled in hollow teeth in order to reduce the pain. To make this powder more strong, the natives mix few drops of Nimbu juice in powder and use it same manner. The of Nimbu juice in hair and face care are also very popular in Chhattisgarh. The use of Lemon tea is popular among many natives. In place of Lemon, natives add Lemon grass leaves to take same taste in less cost. The natives always have complaint regarding poor fruiting in Lemon tree. To solve this problem, the natives apply rotten fish and snakes near the roots. It is common belief that this application helps in solving the problem. The natives hang Lemon (Nimbu) fruit and few peppers in front of their vehicles and business shops. According to them, its presence helps to away the evil-spirits. I am trying to search the science behind this common faith. In Chhattisgarh, Banana is under cultivation. Natural occurrence of this herb has been also reported. I have written a lot on this herb in my previous articles. The natives use unripen fruit in treatment of Safed Pani (Leucorrhoea). The fruits are collected and dried in shade. After drying powder is prepared and equal quantity of Gud is added. This combination is given with hot milk twice a day till complete relief. The traditional healers have deep faith in this combination. With cow ghee and sugar the traditional healers use the matured fruit in treatment of gonorrhoea. Ananas (Pine apple) is not native to Chhattisgarh. In Northern hilly regions of Chhattisgarh, many agencies are engaged in promotion of its commercial cultivation. The traditional healers of this region are aware of its traditional uses. According to them the regular intake of its fruit juice, flush out any type of Pathri (Renal calculi) effectively. The external use of fruit juice on warts help in its early removal. Jam (Psidium guajava) is also used as medicine in Chhattisgarh. The traditional users use it in treatment of insanity. The two matured fruits are dipped in water whole night and next morning it is given to the patients empty stomach to make their mind cool and healthy. The natives are also aware of this unique use. The traditional healers specialized in treatment of Cancer frequently use Imli fruits (Tamarind) alone or in combination with other herbs. They prepare special drink using Imli fruit and give it to the patients. This drinks also given to reduce the effect of harmful overdose of wines. The patients having the problem of diabetes are advised by the healers to eat more and more matured fruits of Jamun (Chirai Jam) during its season. The healers suggest the pregnant woman to eat Nariyal (Coconut) in order to improve the complexion of new borne. The healers give matured fruits of Papita (Papaya) to patients having the problem of intestinal worms. According to them, its regular use flushes out the worms effectively. The above described informations are collected from the surrounding of Raipur city where urban natives are dominant. The status of knowledge and existing traditional uses, clearly indicate that natives living in urban areas have faith in traditional knowledge and they are using it in their modern life. 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 Chhattisgarh is not known for fruit production but the natives plant fruit trees in home gardens and periphery of their crop fields. For the requirement of fruits, the natives living in urban areas are dependent on markets whereas the natives living in rural areas grow the fruits in their home gardens and fulfill their demand. Many of the natives, sell the surplus produce to nearby markets. In general, fruits are consumed for delicious taste. The natives are health conscious and aware of benefits of eating fruits. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about its use as medicine. Through the Ethnobotanical surveys I collected a lot of valuable information on this aspect. Nimbu (Lemon) is very popular fruit in the state. The natives having the problem of obesity, every morning take Lemon juice with luke water and Shahad (honey). It is common belief that this use helps in reducing the extra fat. Lemon juice with Adrak (Ginger) juice and honey is used internally to get relief from indigestion. Nimbu is considered beneficial for the stomach related diseases. The natives having the problem of indigestion always keep this fruit during travel and in case of problem, use it as first aid remedy. To treat severe toothache, the natives use Laung (Clove). It is powered and filled in hollow teeth in order to reduce the pain. To make this powder more strong, the natives mix few drops of Nimbu juice in powder and use it same manner. The of Nimbu juice in hair and face care are also very popular in Chhattisgarh. The use of Lemon tea is popular among many natives. In place of Lemon, natives add Lemon grass leaves to take same taste in less cost. The natives always have complaint regarding poor fruiting in Lemon tree. To solve this problem, the natives apply rotten fish and snakes near the roots. It is common belief that this application helps in solving the problem. The natives hang Lemon (Nimbu) fruit and few peppers in front of their vehicles and business shops. According to them, its presence helps to away the evil-spirits. I am trying to search the science behind this common faith. In Chhattisgarh, Banana is under cultivation. Natural occurrence of this herb has been also reported. I have written a lot on this herb in my previous articles. The natives use unripen fruit in treatment of Safed Pani (Leucorrhoea). The fruits are collected and dried in shade. After drying powder is prepared and equal quantity of Gud is added. This combination is given with hot milk twice a day till complete relief. The traditional healers have deep faith in this combination. With cow ghee and sugar the traditional healers use the matured fruit in treatment of gonorrhoea. Ananas (Pine apple) is not native to Chhattisgarh. In Northern hilly regions of Chhattisgarh, many agencies are engaged in promotion of its commercial cultivation. The traditional healers of this region are aware of its traditional uses. According to them the regular intake of its fruit juice, flush out any type of Pathri (Renal calculi) effectively. The external use of fruit juice on warts help in its early removal. Jam (Psidium guajava) is also used as medicine in Chhattisgarh. The traditional users use it in treatment of insanity. The two matured fruits are dipped in water whole night and next morning it is given to the patients empty stomach to make their mind cool and healthy. The natives are also aware of this unique use. The traditional healers specialized in treatment of Cancer frequently use Imli fruits (Tamarind) alone or in combination with other herbs. They prepare special drink using Imli fruit and give it to the patients. This drinks also given to reduce the effect of harmful overdose of wines. The patients having the problem of diabetes are advised by the healers to eat more and more matured fruits of Jamun (Chirai Jam) during its season. The healers suggest the pregnant woman to eat Nariyal (Coconut) in order to improve the complexion of new borne. The healers give matured fruits of Papita (Papaya) to patients having the problem of intestinal worms. According to them, its regular use flushes out the worms effectively. The above described informations are collected from the surrounding of Raipur city where urban natives are dominant. The status of knowledge and existing traditional uses, clearly indicate that natives living in urban areas have faith in traditional knowledge and they are using it in their modern life. Thank you very much for reading the article.
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