Traditional medicinal knowledge about less known herbs in Chhattisgarh, India. XXXII. Kamraj (Glossogyne pinnatifida; family Compositae)
Traditional medicinal knowledge about less known herbs in Chhattisgarh,
India. XXXII. Kamraj (Glossogyne pinnatifida; family Compositae)
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Chhattisgarh is well known for Tejraj, Bhojraj, Kamraj, and Balraj. All these herbs all considered as valuable and rare herbs. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified many traditional healers specialized in use of these 'Raj' herbs. These herbs are distributed in different natural forests of Chhattisgarh. This is interesting that the healers of specific part generally claim that it is found only in their area and similar herbs collected from other parts as not genuine and if genuine, not much effective. In general, the researcher able to identify all these 'Raj' is considered as expert in identification. Although it is claimed by the surveyors and related authorities that Kamraj is decreasing at alarming rates but through surveys I concluded that still large population of this herb is present in different parts. The natives and traditional healers of these parts have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Kamraj. It is used both internally and externally in treatment of common troubles alone or in combination with other herbs. The meaning of 'Kam' word in Kamraj is 'Sex related'. It is general belief that it is one of the promising aphrodisiacs and sex tonic. The traditional healers use it frequently for this purpose. Its external use is more popular as compared to internal use. In Bastar and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use the herb in treatment of gynaecological troubles. The roots are used commonly. It is one of the promising herbs useful in treatment of irregular menustration in this part. Its use in treatment of both male and female troubles have established it valuable herb among the traditional healers. Although modern literatures claim that the roots of Kamraj don’t possess any anti-venom properties and hence, it cannot be used in treatment of snakebite and scorpion sting, but you will be surprised to know that the senior natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are still using it for same purpose successfully. I have seen its practical use many times. As researcher, I am in dilemma. Are the scientific studies not complete or the healers are incorrect? I am in healer's side as seeing is believing. For snake-bite and scorpion sting, the roots are used externally. According to modern literatures, the tribal of other parts of India are also well aware of this traditional use. Its popularity in the region is enough to establish the fact that it is effective in this treatment. Few days back, I got the seeds of Kamraj from the traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region. They informed me that in their region it is found in isolated patches. I am planning to conduct a detailed study to enhance the germination of these seeds through allelopathic methods. Although in many nurseries established by state forest department, the workers have planted Kamraj but it is not under commercial cultivation as medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. I personally feel that it is the best time to start research on development of its cultivation practices, so that in future, the innovative farmers can get benefit with this research. Botanically, Kamraj (Zinnia bidens syn. Glossogyne pinnatifida syn. G. bidens) is perennial herb, 15 cm high; Basal leaves pinnatisect, segments 3-7, linear-lanceolate, 0.5-3.0cm long, petiolate; petioles up to 7.5 cm. Long; Heads 4-5 mm in diameter, campanulate. Involucral bracts 2-3 seriate, 3-4 mm long, linear oblong, obtuse or acute. Ray florets 3 lobed, disc florets four lobed. Achenes linear-oblong, dark brown, 5-ribbed on both surfaces, awns 2-3 mm long, divergent. Flowering and fruiting between January to April in Chhattisgarh conditions. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found details about this herb. After completion of my studies of Kamraj seeds germination, I will inform you about the results. I am motivating all the herb growers of Chhattisgarh to give space for the valuable and rare medicinal herb, so that it can be studied and conserved in effective way. I am thankful to Mother Nature for giving me opportunity to write about this herb. 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
Chhattisgarh is well known for Tejraj, Bhojraj, Kamraj, and Balraj. All these herbs all considered as valuable and rare herbs. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified many traditional healers specialized in use of these 'Raj' herbs. These herbs are distributed in different natural forests of Chhattisgarh. This is interesting that the healers of specific part generally claim that it is found only in their area and similar herbs collected from other parts as not genuine and if genuine, not much effective. In general, the researcher able to identify all these 'Raj' is considered as expert in identification. Although it is claimed by the surveyors and related authorities that Kamraj is decreasing at alarming rates but through surveys I concluded that still large population of this herb is present in different parts. The natives and traditional healers of these parts have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Kamraj. It is used both internally and externally in treatment of common troubles alone or in combination with other herbs. The meaning of 'Kam' word in Kamraj is 'Sex related'. It is general belief that it is one of the promising aphrodisiacs and sex tonic. The traditional healers use it frequently for this purpose. Its external use is more popular as compared to internal use. In Bastar and Dantewada districts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use the herb in treatment of gynaecological troubles. The roots are used commonly. It is one of the promising herbs useful in treatment of irregular menustration in this part. Its use in treatment of both male and female troubles have established it valuable herb among the traditional healers. Although modern literatures claim that the roots of Kamraj don’t possess any anti-venom properties and hence, it cannot be used in treatment of snakebite and scorpion sting, but you will be surprised to know that the senior natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are still using it for same purpose successfully. I have seen its practical use many times. As researcher, I am in dilemma. Are the scientific studies not complete or the healers are incorrect? I am in healer's side as seeing is believing. For snake-bite and scorpion sting, the roots are used externally. According to modern literatures, the tribal of other parts of India are also well aware of this traditional use. Its popularity in the region is enough to establish the fact that it is effective in this treatment. Few days back, I got the seeds of Kamraj from the traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region. They informed me that in their region it is found in isolated patches. I am planning to conduct a detailed study to enhance the germination of these seeds through allelopathic methods. Although in many nurseries established by state forest department, the workers have planted Kamraj but it is not under commercial cultivation as medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. I personally feel that it is the best time to start research on development of its cultivation practices, so that in future, the innovative farmers can get benefit with this research. Botanically, Kamraj (Zinnia bidens syn. Glossogyne pinnatifida syn. G. bidens) is perennial herb, 15 cm high; Basal leaves pinnatisect, segments 3-7, linear-lanceolate, 0.5-3.0cm long, petiolate; petioles up to 7.5 cm. Long; Heads 4-5 mm in diameter, campanulate. Involucral bracts 2-3 seriate, 3-4 mm long, linear oblong, obtuse or acute. Ray florets 3 lobed, disc florets four lobed. Achenes linear-oblong, dark brown, 5-ribbed on both surfaces, awns 2-3 mm long, divergent. Flowering and fruiting between January to April in Chhattisgarh conditions. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found details about this herb. After completion of my studies of Kamraj seeds germination, I will inform you about the results. I am motivating all the herb growers of Chhattisgarh to give space for the valuable and rare medicinal herb, so that it can be studied and conserved in effective way. I am thankful to Mother Nature for giving me opportunity to write about this herb. Thank you very much for reading the article
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