Interactions and discussions with the herb researchers and traders: Details of my recent visit to Bhopal, India

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

'If you have respiratory problem, take half teaspoon of Adusa (Adhatoda vasica) leaves twice a day with Shahad (Honey), If you are suffering from diabetes, take half teaspoon Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestris) leaf powder twice a day with hot water, for fever, take whole plant decoction of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) with Kali Mirch (Black piper) twice a day' all these recommendations are mentioned in the pamphlets provided by Madhya Pradesh State Minor Forest Federation, Bhopal (M.P.) at its herbal outlet Sanjivani Ayurveda. This outlet is situated in Bhopal city and a reliable source of different genuine herbs collected from different parts of Madhya Pradesh. In this no-profit centre, many renowned traditional healers give their regular services at very cheap rates. This outlet is getting overwhelming responses from the natives of Bhopal city. As herb expert, I got impressed to visit the Sanjivani Ayurveda, but the way the founders are prescribing the herbs is not correct. I always write in my articles that making and presenting the Ayurveda or other indigenous systems of medicine in India, in a very simple way, may lead to wrong use of herbs that can lead to serious troubles.

The base of our systems are not so weak that anyone can simply recommend any herb in same doses. The traditional healers recommend the herbs after examine the patients but in this outlet, the simple pamphlets describe the doses and method of uses. I can not forget the misuse of herbs done by a local Allopath of Raipur few years back. For treatment of diabetes, he used Metallic Bhasma without consulting any Ayurveda expert. The overdose of Metallic Bhasma resulted in kidney failure and in very less days, he passed away. Through my articles, I am trying to explain the seriousness of traditional uses and in depth knowledge of traditional healers. I personally feel that such prescriptions of herbs without the consultation of experts, should be avoided and also in such pamphlets the precautions must be added in order to stop its wrong use. This year I celebrated my birthday (i.e. 23rd July) with herb researchers and experts. The well known organizations Indian Institute of Forest Management and Forum for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, organized four days workshop on Threat Assessment and Management Prioritisation for Medicinal Plants of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (23-26 July, 2003). In this workshop over 50 resource persons from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and also from other states, assessed the threat status of 55 important medicinal herbs. Dr. G.A. Kinhal, Dr. Ravikumar, Dr. S.S. Bisen, Dr. Ved, Dr. T.R. Sahu, Dr. O.L. Shrivastava, Dr. Chipde, Dr. RKS Tiwari, Dr. A.A. Boaz, Dr. J.P. Sharma, Dr. Gupta, Dr. J.L. Shrivastava, Dr. Kulshrestha, Dr. Sikarvar, Dr. A.K. Bhattacharya, Dr. A.K. Jain, Dr. Khanna etc. were among the participants. The workshop was successful. I was one of the youngest participants in this workshop. As participant, I learnt many good lessons from this workshop. You will be surprised to know that many of the participants were not having the formal education of herbs and related subjects, but their enthusiasm and active participation assured me that with these persons the future of Indian herbs is safe. This is sad news that the experts capable of species identification are decreasing and at present they are very less in number and as result, the true identification is becoming harder day by day. I personally feel that there is a need of Threat assessment for the Taxonomists also. I have noted during the workshop that the young generation of researchers is interested in herbs but their knowledge is more theoretical and very less practical. This is not good sign. During this workshop, I got opportunity to interact with the herb trader Shri Sudhir Kumar Jain. I got very valuable information about present status of herbs in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh state. According to him the supply of many herbs from natural forests is decreasing at alarming rates. As the workshop was dominated by the English speaking participants, this young herb trader was feeling shy to interact freely. During interaction, he informed me about the use of medicinal insect found is Shahtoot tree (Morus alba) in combination with other herbs in treatment of wounds. According to him, the dried powder of this insect is sold in the name of Kamila. The powered bark of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) bark is mixed with Kamila and herbal mixture is prepared. This herbal mixture is used to dress the wound to hasten the healing process. He showed me the dried powder.

I was not aware of its medicinal uses. I have brought samples for the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialized in use of insects as medicine. The researchers from Chhattisgarh shared the information with us regarding use of common Bihar hairy caterpillar in treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy) by the natives of Lohara village. Shri Jain informed me that like sweet (Wrightia tinctoria) and bitter Indrajau (Holarrhena antidysentrica), there are two types of Chirayata (Swertia species), he uses to trade. Chirayata is known as the king of bitters but I surprised to taste the sweet version of Chirayata, I am now in search of its correct identity. In treatment of diabetes, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are recommending the use of Panir or Punir phool, since last few decades. This herb part is readily available with the herb sellers. In general, the patients are advised by the healers to dip the Panir phool whole night in water and next day, drink the leachate empty stomach. It is popularly used to low down the blood sugar. Many healers claim that its judicious use can even cure the diabetes. From very long time, I was in search of its correct scientific name. An eminent botanist Dr. Ved solved this problem. He identified it as Withania coagulans (Vegetable rennet or Indian cheese in English, family Solanaceae). According to reference literatures this herb was introduced in India from Pakistan and found mainly in Punjab. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are dependent on sellers for this herb. Recently, the traditional healers of Balladilla region informed me that they are collecting it from wild since many generations. For confirmation, I am planning to visit the region. In my previous articles on Withania somnifera (Asgandh) I have written the healer's opinion regarding its natural presence in Chhattisgarh. During my stay at IIFM campus situated at hill top, I got opportunity to survey the area for medicinal plants. The hill was full of valuable species particularly the Gudmar. I have seen many species of Phyllanthus also. The hill was the representative of rich native flora of Bhopal. Many participants confirmed this observation during workshop. Like other parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, unfortunately, I observed the increasing infestation of obnoxious weeds Gajar ghas (Parthenium hysterophorus) and Gotiphool (Lantana camara) in this hill. These exotic plants are becoming a real curse for the bio-diversity. On 26th July, I visited the village Barkheda (not missed to verify the presence of Bar, Ficus benghalensis, tree in this village, because of which this village was named) to see the advanced herbal drug manufacturing unit run by M.P. State Minor Forest Produce Federation. The unit was under construction. The hard work and dedication of forest officials of this part of India are appreciable. The workshop motivated me to work sincerely and actively in the field of Indian medicinal herbs as a lot of work is pending and many unidentified species are waiting for true recognition and uses.

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