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Interactions with the traditional
healers and natives of Janjgir region, Chhattisgarh, India having
rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs
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Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights ReservedLast month I got an opportunity to visit Janjgir city on invitation by the organisers of famous Jajvalya Dev Mahotsava and Agri tech Agriculture Exhibition 2003. My purpose of visit was to train the farmers interested in commercial cultivation of Indian medicinal and aromatic crops. During this important event, I came in contact with many traditional healers and natives having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs. I have noted all the information in my field diary. Most of the information were new and I am proud to write that they are still practising this important knowledge. During interactions with farmers I asked them to list out the common weeds found in their fields. They informed that over 75 weed species infest their crop fields but there are only ten weed species cause great damage. Kans, Kush and Doobi were among problematic weeds. I told them about rich traditional medicinal knowledge about these weeds, and its utilization by the traditional healers and natives of other parts of Chhattisgarh. After hearing its uses, many farmers replied that they also use these weeds as medicinal weeds in treatment of different diseases. They informed that they use the whole herb of Kans, Kush and Doobi for the preparation of special decoction. This decoction is good for urinary troubles. It is one of the most promising decoctions used in treatment of Sujak (Gonorrhoea) also. The farmers also informed that they use this decoction as pest control measure in paddy crop. According to them regular spray of this decoction on standing paddy (Oryza sativa) crop repels and even kills harmful insects like Gall midge and Brown plant hopper. The traditional healers listening our discussion, informed that for the treatment of Sujak (Gonorrhoea), in place of whole herb, roots of these weed species are more useful. The roots of Kush and Kans should be collected before flowering. As it is very difficult for the natives to identify both species before flowering they do not follow this rule strictly and use the whole herb or roots even after flowering. I have already written a lot on different aspects of Doobi (Cynodon dactylon) in my previous articles.
Common and popular names of Saccharum spontaneum around the world. Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Bengal Kagara, Kans, Kas, Kash, Kashiya 2) Myanmar Thekkaygyee, Thetkiakyn 3) Kanarese Darbhe, Hodakehullu, Mutullahullu 4) Gujarati Kans, Kansado 5) Hindi Kagara, Khansi, Kans, Kus, Kosa 6) Malyalam Nannana 7) Marathi Kagara, Kas 8) Sanskrit Ikshugandha, Kasa, Kahsa, Khaggra 9) Tamil Achabaram, Anjani, Eruvai, Kosungum 10) Sind Kahu, Khan, Khay, Sangabidum, Saravanam, Sugattan, Tuttam 11) Telugu Billugaddi, Kakicheraku, Rellugaddi, Rasalamu 12) Uriya Chhataiagaso, Kaso, Khhodi, Inkoro Here I am describing botany and reported medicinal uses of Kush and Kans. According to reference literatures, Kush (Desmostachya bipinnata syn. Briza bipinnata, Eragrostis cynosuroides, Uniola bipinnata, Poa cynosuroides; family Gramineae) is perennial tall grass, branched from the base; rootstock stout, creeping,; stolon very short, covered with shining sheaths; Stems 30-90 cm high tufted, smooth, erect, stout; Leaves many, the basal fascicled, reaching 50cm long, rigid, margins hispid; Sheaths glabrous, ligule a hairy line; flowers having erect, pyramidal or columnar panicle, interrupted, branches short crowded, clothed with sessile spikelets; Seeds obliquely ovoid, laterally compressed, 0.5-0.6mm long. Many medicinal properties and use of Kush as medicine have been reported in reference literatures. According to Ayurveda, Kush is acrid, cooling, oleaginous, aphrodisiac, diuretic and useful in treatment of blood diseases, biliousness, asthma (Dama), thirst, stranguary, jaundice, vaginal discharge, vesical calculi, diseases of skin, bladder and uterus etc. Like Kush, Kans is also wasteland and crop weed. Botanically, Kans (Saccharum spontaneum; family Gramineae) is a perennial grass, growing in stools or forming cane breaks, with most often aggressive rhizomatous tillers, having height upto 3 meters; Culm slender green-grey, ivory or white, hard but very pithy, often hollow in centre, varying in diameter; internodes usually long and nodes always thicker than internodes, rooting at rode; Leaf long, linear, narrow, sometimes reduced to the midrib; Inflorescence - panicle varying in length and colour from pale or greyish white to purple grey; Spikelets in pairs, pedicelled spikelet of the pair always blooming first, glumes four, lodicules ciliate. According to Ayurveda, it is laxative, sexual stimulant and useful in treatment of burning sensation, vesical calculi, blood disorders, constipation and liver troubles.
Botanial differences between major species of Saccharum. Characteristics Saccharum Saccharum munja spontaneum 1) Habit A tall, erect, caepitose, perennial grass, growing in clumps, upto 6 meters A perennial grass, growing in stools and forming cane breaks with most often aggressive in rhizomatous tillering, 3 meters. 2) Culm Biennial, pale, solid, pithy, smooth, with an inconspicuous growth-ring and root zone. Slender green-grey, ivory or white, hard but very pithy, often hollow in centre, varying in diameter 5-10 mm. 3) Leaf Glaucous-green, rough on margins with dense hairs, close to the ligule; leaf sheath glabrous, smooth, 100-200 cm long. A long, linear, narrow, sometimes reduced to mid rib. 4) Spikelet In pairs, one sessile and other pedicelled. Awnless, in vacemes, 30-90 cm long pale cream to dark reddish-purple. In pairs, pedicelled spikelet of the pair always blooming first, glumes 4, lodicules ciliate. When our discussion came on sex related herbs, I surprised to know that the traditional healers and natives of Janjgir region are well aware of different medicinal uses of Rani Keeda (Trombidium sp.). They were not aware of its internal use as sex tonic. They are using it for external application in combination with other herbs. I have noted ten promising combination. Here I am describing the three most important and frequently used herbal combinations. The healers of this region collect the branch of Khair (Acacia catechu) tree and cut into small pieces (size of pieces depend upon the size of male genitals of patients) .the pieces are dipped in fresh blood of goat and extract of Rani keeda over night. Next morning the healers take a single pieces and instruct the patient to tie this piece with the penis and keep it as such whole day. Next morning repeat the same process. According to the healers, within one week the patients having poor sex desire and capacity, come to normal level and it should not be continued more than a week. In reference literature, this unique use is not mentioned. I have also not observed or noted this use in my early ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I personally feel that there is a strong need for scientific evaluation. The healers informed me that the extract from alive Rani keeda (Red velvet mite) is used. As this mite, occurs only in rainy season ( for few days) the healers never miss the chance of its utilization in this short season. The healers also use Rani Keeda with other herbs. In another preparation, they mix dried Kechua (Earthworm), Chana seeds (Chickpea) and Ambadi (Curcuma amada) with Rani Keeda and prepare a paste. This paste is applied externally on male genital as sex stimulant. All ingredients are used in equal proportions. Like previous combinaiton, the healers prefer fresh Rani Keeda for use. For preparing aqueous paste, in order to suppress the bad odour, some times healers add rose water in place of water. The healers informed me about the use of Khirni beej (Seeds) in combination with Ratti (Abrus precatorius) and Lavang as sex tonic. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportion and with the help of Patal Yantra (based on principle of steam distillation) extract the oil. This oil is given with Paan leaves (Betel vine) to the patients just before the intercourse. According to the healers. Khirni plays an important role in this combination.
Common Indian Names of Amorphophallus Languages/Regions Names 1) Gujarati Suran 2) Kanarese Suran 3) Hindi Suran 4) Sanskrit Arshaghna, Kandala, Kandavardhan, Vatari The use of Pipali powder (Piper longum) with pure honey in case of acidity is mentioned in reference literatures. During discussion, the natives told me about this formula. The traditional healer of Champa area informed that he uses the leaves of Makoi (Solanum indicum),Munga (Moringa sp.), Sanai (Cassia angustifolia) and Dhan Baher (Cassia fistula) for the treatment of Garmi (Syphilis) at first stage. After collecting the leaves, he dries it in shade and after drying, convert it into powder. For preparation of powder, equal amounts of leaves are taken. The decoction is prepared from this powder and given to the patients. Makoi is a common wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. Munga and Dhanbaher trees are also common. According to the traditional healers, they purchase Sanai leaves from local herb shop. It is not under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. . Natural occurrence of this valuable herb is also not reported in Chhattisgarh by early workers. The healer use this decoction only upto three days. If there is no sign of relief, they recommend other combination but according to him, in most of the cases the patients get relief. The natives of Janjgir region informed me that regular use of Jimikand as vegetable with Dahi (Curd) root out the problem of piles (Bavasir) forever. According to them, it is promising preventive also. Jimikand is under cultivation in Chhattisgarh and also a popular vegetable. But very few natives are aware of its miracle medicinal uses and properties. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, many valuables information on Jimikand are available.
According to Ayurveda, Jimikand (Amorphophallus campanulatas; family Araceae) is dry, acrid, pungent, increases appetite and taste, stomachic, constipating (but not for all) and useful in treatment of piles, enlargements of spleen, tumours, asthma, bronchitis, vomiting, abdominal pains, blood disorders, elephantiasis (Hathi pav), leprosy, leucoderma (Safed Dag) etc. The traditional healers informed about another combination that can be used for external application in case of bleeding piles. According to them, they mix Haldi (Turmeric), common salt (Namak) and common weed Sarphonka (Tephrosia purpurea) in latex of Fudhar herb (Calotropis gigantea) , prepare a paste and apply this paste externally on piles till cure. I have also noted the use of Kamal and Bar leaves as wound healer. This use is very popular among the natives and traditional healers. The natives collect the leaves of both herb and dry it. After drying, they burn it and collect the ash. This ash is used as wound healer. The bottles containing this ash can be seen with the traditional healers. I have tried it successfully in many cases. Bar (Ficus benghalensis) a common tree in Chhattisgarh. The meaning of my name (i.e. Pankaj) is Kamal or Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera syn. Nelumbium speciosum; family - Nymphaceae). It is under cultivation as aquatic crop. Botanically it is a large aquatic herb with slender, elongate, creeping stem rooting at the nodes; Leaves membranous, 0.3-0.6m in diameter, orbicular, concave or cupped, erect, peltate, entire, radiately nerved; petioles very long, rough with distance, prickles; Flowers solitary, 10-25 cm in diameter, white or rosy; Corolla - Petals many, long, elliptic, anthers with clavate appendages; torus 18mm high, top flat; Ripe carpels ovoid, glabrous.
The in depth knowledge about common herbs (and mite) and its utilization in treatment of different complicated diseases, motivated me to conduct a detailed survey in this region. I am planning to start this ethnobotanical survey in near future. Thank you very much for reading the article.