Results of Ethnobotanical surveys conducted from January to August 2006 in Indian state Chhattisgarh. 17. New information on medicinal uses of flowers.by Pankaj Oudhia
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Results of Ethnobotanical surveys conducted from January to August 2006 in Indian state Chhattisgarh. 17. New information on medicinal uses of flowers.by
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| Contributor:Dr. Pankaj Oudhia QA and TEM | eResDocs Formal report Free form Table of Contents Display Full eArticle | ID: 1680 |
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| Abstract |
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| This research article is a part of series titled Results of Ethnobotanical surveys conducted from January to August 2006 in Indian state Chhattisgarh by the author. |
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| Traditional Healing |
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| When any one says that pollution is affecting health of natives of any region then it is always having deep meaning. Pollution affects health both directly as well as indirectly. I realized it during my visits to Raigarh region to study the bad effects of pollution caused by sponge iron units on biodiversity of the region. Through air, water and food pollutants are directly entering into the bodies of natives. The accumulation of Black dust on forest trees is also creating much problem. The Traditional Healers of this region informed that they use Mahua flowers as traditional practice to protect themselves from diseases. They simple dip the flowers in water whole night and next morning takes the leachate internally. As second method they boil flowers in cow milk and take milk internally. They claimed that one season use of these flowers in this way keeps the body enough strong to fight with diseases round the year. In modern era when AIDS and other diseases related to poor defense system of human body are taking lives, this use can play vital role in saving these lives. In Raigarh region due to pollution these trees are in danger. Thick layer of Black Dust can be seen on Mahua flowers. It is considered unfit for use. This dust is stopping the natives to use its flowers in this way. No use of flowers means poor resistance and poor resistance means higher diseases. Black Dust is present on all herbs present in surroundings. The affected natives are not able to use these medicinal herbs for their health troubles. Now they have to take services of modern medical experts. Modern medicines means more expense (and side effects as bonus). It is indirect and long lasting effect of pollution on rural economy. Few days back my economist friend was trying to estimate the damage caused by sponge iron plants in Raigarh region. His focus was on direct effects but when I showed new angle, he said that it is very hard to count this loss in terms of money. Through recent surveys I collected new information on flowers of different medicinal plants. The use of Mahua flowers in this way is new information for me. In previous research articles I have mentioned that the Healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh use Mahua flowers in this way in treatment of Gout. While discussing medicinal herbs useful in dental troubles with the Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains I got information on use of Maulsari flowers. They informed about its simple use. Maulsari flowers are collected and after shade drying converted in to fine powder. This powder is mixed with fine powder of Haldi in 1: 5 ratios. The patients having gum related troubles are advised to boil this combination and gargle with decoction daily night before going to sleep. For decaying teeth, patients are advised to use this combination as tooth powder. It is also recommended for common natives. They suggest its use since childhood in order to prevent such troubles. I tried it successfully. I feel that it must be popularized among the modern children prone to dental troubles due to food habits. In general the use of Maulsari bark and fruits is suggested for such troubles but the Healers of this region consider the use of this combination more effective as well as safe. The Healers of Durg region are much aware of medicinal properties and uses of Kaitha trees. I have written much about their knowledge in my previous research articles on Kaitha. During recent interaction they informed that Kaitha flowers are having capacity to eliminate toxins from body. The patients coming to them after taking different types of modern medicines are suggested to take these flowers up to many days in order to nullify its effects. After purification they start systematic treatment. They use it in other cases also. For instance when they change the line of treatment and wish to try completely different sets of herbs then also Kaitha flowers are used. The Healers showing interest in treatment of AIDS believe that by eliminating toxin from body they can treat the patients. Although tens of herbs are used alone and in combination with other herbs but Kaitha holds reputed position among them. Based on the condition of the patients they use these flowers in different ways. In general freshly collected flowers are given internally with Gud. Many Healers add it in Herbal Tea used to develop natural resistance. Leachate of flowers is also considered beneficial. Although the Healers know much about uses of different parts of Kaitha but still they believe that they know far less than wild elephants. According to them wild elephants use its different parts in different seasons for specific purpose. I have mentioned in previous research articles that Kaitha fruits are much liked by the animals. The Healers of Bagbahera region informed that in early days they were using the beautiful flowers of Dhanbaher in treatment of Malaria. The flowers were in use in form of herbal combinations along with other herbs. Now they are not using it. They have different reasons for it. Most of the Healers said that they have other promising alternatives. This is the reason this use is loosing popularity. They accepted that if not documented timely, we would loose it forever. I asked about it to the young Healers. As expected, they were not having information about it. On repeated request they informed about other herbs used in this combination. I am still not having information on complete formulation. In Chhattisgarh there are thousands of such forgotten formulations waiting for documentation. Flowering in Bans is not considered good and blamed for famine by the experts but the Healers of Pendra region use Bans flowers as medicine. They consider it as good body tonic. They never miss the chance to collect the flowers in bulk and after shade drying store it for future use. These flowers are added in number of combinations used for this purpose. The Healers of other regions are also aware of its use. I have collected information on over 35 formulations in which Bans flowers are added as main ingredient. It is not wrong to say that for our greed we are destroying Nature's gift even without knowing its importance. Only these herbs are having key to save our lives due to problems created by fellow human beings. I am trying to raise my voice through these research articles with hope that one day it will reach to all of us and we will do some thing constructive to protect these one time gifts. |
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| Green EC (1999) Engaging Indigenous African Healers in the Prevention of AIDS and STDs Bastien JW (1989) Healers of the Andes: Kallawaya Herbalists and Their Medicinal Plants Abdool Karim SSA Ziqubu-Page TT Arendse R (1994) Bridging the gap: potential for a health care partnership between African traditional healers and biomedical personnel in South Africa Green EC (1985) Traditional healers, mothers and childhood diarrhoeal disease in Swaziland: the interface of anthropology and health education Reynolds P (1996) Traditional healers and childhood in Zimbabwe Staugard F (1985) Traditional Medicine in Botswana: traditional healers Ehrenreich B. English D. (1973) Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers Leonard K.L. (1997) African traditional healers: incentives and skill in health care delivery McClain C. (1989) Women as Healers: Cross-Cultural Perspectives Sargent C. (1989) Women¹s Roles and Women Healers in Contemporary Rural and Urban Benin Oudhia P. (2006) Paramparik Chikitsak Kya Dilwa Payenge Mukti Bird Flu Se?(Can Traditional Healers give freedom from Bird Flu?). — Article in Hindi. Oudhia P. (2006) Working with the real health experts : traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Oudhia P. (2006) Jameen aasman ka antar hai jhola chhap Doctor aur Paramparik Chikitsak main. (There is much difference between Quacks and Traditional Healers.)- Hindi Article. |
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| Research Articles - Indian Herbal Research & Methods By Pankaj Oudhia |
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