Traditional medicinal knowledge about common plants and animals : The results of recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys in Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, India.

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Aphomia gularis Zell. (Pyralidae ; Lepidoptera) is a common insect in Amli or Imli tree (Tamarindus indicus). The eggs are laid singly in cracks or holes in the fruits, about 2-7 eggs on a fruit. The larva bores into the fruit constructing galleries of silk and frass within it and feeds on the pulp and even on the seeds. It pupates in a silken cocoon within the fruit or seed for about 22 days. Although it is a serious pest for the Agriculture scientists but for the traditional healers of Bastar region specialised in use of medicinal insects and other creatures, it is a valuable insect and they use it in treatment of many common diseases both internally and externally. The traditional healers informed me that this insect is useful in diseases caused by deranged bile, such as body-burning, intoxication etc. They use the crushed insect as poultice to suppress the inflammatory swellings. They further informed me that the Imli fruits on which this insect feed are having less medicinal properties and compared to the insect in many cases. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the medicinal properties and uses of Aphomia sp. have yet not been reported. This article is first written documentation on this important as well as existing traditional medicinal use. Unfortunately, very few healers are aware of this use. The natives have showed ignorance towards this medicinal use. Imli or Amli is one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regularly high demand in national and international markets. The Agriculture scientists have identified this insect as harmful storage insect and they are planning to eradicate it through irradiation method. Possibly they are not aware of its traditional uses. I personally feel that there is a strong need to conserve and establish this traditional medicinal utilization of Aphomia species through scientific studies and detailed research. The healers are also aware of medicinal insect Assara albicostalis but they consider Aphomia more useful as compared to this species. From the herb collectors of Bastar region, I got information on traditional uses of common spider web. They collect the web and put it in the special locket. According to them, this locket prevents the attack of fevers. The locket is also recommended to the patents having the problem of chronic fever. This use is also not reported and there is a need for scientific evaluation and study on this aspect. I have mentioned many traditional medicinal uses of spider webs like its use as styptic, in my previous articles. During my ethobotanical surveys in Bastar region, when I got small injury to stop the bleeding, the local guide, basically a herb collector, ask me to give a piece of any paper (Kagaj). He burnt it and applied the ash, in injured part. This application stopped the bleeding immediately. For further dressing, he used the paper ash with other herbs externally and within few days, I got normal skin. This is new information for me. I was not aware of this promising first aid remedy. The herb collector informed me that with the help of simple paper ash, one can treat the carbuncles easily. It is common belief among natives of Chhattisgarh that the gentle massage of Sarson Tel (Mustard oil) on leg's thumb just before the bath , makes the eye healthy and reduces the tension. Many healers have confirmed these effects. The healers of Bastar region informed that like Mustard oil one can use the Peng oil (Celastrus paniculata) on hand's thumb to get even better results. They also suggest to massage the oil on palms, just before bath. Peng is known as Black-oil tree or Intellect tree in English. For detailed information on its reported and traditional uses, please refer to my previous articles. Peng is well known herb in Bastar regio and also one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. In case of rheumatic pain, the traditional healers of Bastar region, use the oil prepared from Kalihari. They informed me that the roots are collected and boiled in base oil. This special oil reduces the pain and inflammation effectively. I have seen rich patches of Kalihari in this region, during recent ethnobotanical surveys. In case of kidney troubles, the roots of Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) are used by the healers. Black seeded Kevatch species are preferred. The roots spreading in north direction are used. The decoction is prepared and given to the patients. Roots colleted before flowering is considered best. The herb growing in rocky areas is not used. Like the roots of Satavar (Asparagus racemosus) the traditional healers of Bastar region, use Patal Kumhda (Pueraria tuberosa) roots in combination with other herbs internally to increase the flow of milk in lactating women. This use is popular among the natives also. Satavari roots in combination with Gokhru roots (Tribulus terrestris) are used in treatment of diseases of urinary systems. The herbs are collected and by mixing it in equal proportion, decoction is prepared. This decoction is given internally to the patients. I have noted very rare occurrence of Gokhru in Bastar region. In case of non-availability, they use the Satavari alone. The healers use the bark of Bauhinia species both internally and externally in treatment of bavasir(piles). Internally powdered bark is given with whey (Matha) whereas externally, the decoction of bark is applied externally. The healers consider it one of the promising treatments. The natives prepare curry from flowers with the help of cow ghee and use it in case of dearranged bile and related troubles. It is also liked for its good taste. The trees of Gmelina (Kamhar) sp. are common in this region. The flowers are dried by the healers and use it in treatment of Chhapaki, internally. The flowers are boiled in milk and give internally till complete cure. The natives of this region, use the powdered bark of Alastonia sp as tooth powder. They mix the powdered bark in honey and use it externally. According to them, it cures all the troubles of mouth. Its popularity among natives confirms its effectiveness. The healers of Bastar region informed me that the latex of Alastonia and Aak (Fudhar, Calotropis gigantea) mixed in equal ratio, can be used successfully as more promising tooth powder. It stops the intense pain due to dental carries immediately.

The above mentioned uses particularly the use of medicinal insect Aphomia sp require immediate attention from scientific community. As my surveys are increasing and approaching to remote areas, the list of medicinal insects and related creatures are increasing. These documentation works are trying to convert me from Ethnobotanist to Ethnoentomologist. From my surveys, I am now realising that the science should not be divided into branches and there must be freedom for the workers like me, to work on any branch of science without questioning about the basic and formal education.

Thank you very much for reading the article.