Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs : Interactions with the natives and traditional healers of Narharpur and Tilda region, Chhattisgarh, India.

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

As the king of bitters, I was aware of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), but few days back when I visited with my family members to meet the traditional healer of Mudpar village Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma, I got opportunity to taste more bitter herb than the Kalmegh. The healer informed that it is Mirchikand. He is using this herb in treatment of many common as well as complicated diseases. According to him, it is a boon for the patients having the problem of diabetes. In general, the herbs having bitter taste are used in treatment of diabetes like Neem, Karela (Momordica charantia) etc. In my previous articles, I have mentioned the use of Rajnigandha roots in treatment of snake bite, In present visit, he informed me that the roots of Mirchikand are more useful as compared to Rajnigandha. In case of snake bite, it is used externally.

The method of use is very simple. Cut the roots and put the slice on affected part. The slice will start sucking the poison and after absorbing all the poison, it will fall automatically. Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma has disclosed this formula to all natives even to small children. The problem of snake bite is very common in Chhattisgarh during rainy season. I have seen the Mirchikand first time in my life. I am trying to get its correct identity. For Mirchikand, the healer was dependent on nearby forests. Now he is growing this herb in his home garden. He presented me the tubers. I have planted it in my garden and waiting for sprouts. During my visit, I saw Bhelwa (Semecarpus anacardium) fruits with the healers. He informed me that he prepares a special oil from the fruits. He further informed me that internally Bhelwa must be used judiciously as wrong doses may cause serious problems. For such cases, he suggested simple herbal combination to nullify the harmful effects of Bhelwa, immediately. According to him, the use of Char (Buchanania lanzan) and Til (Sesamum indicum) in equal quantity with buffalo's milk is one of the promising treatments. Under the guidance of Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma, eleven rural youths are learning the traditional healing practices. I got opportunity to interact with these students. We shared information on uses of common herbs in treatment of Dad (Ringworm).

They informed that the leaves of Sitaphal (annona squamosa) and seeds Mooli (Radish) can be used successfully. According to them, the leaf juice and seeds are mixed in equal proportion and aqueous paste in prepared. This paste is applied externally on affected parts to get rid from this common trouble effectively and in less time. Last week, I visited Narharpur region with my client to see the progress in construction of Herbal Health Resort. One of our local guides Shri Munna Showed us many valuable herbs in nearby forests. His father was the forest guard. From his father he gathered many valuable information on traditional medicinal uses of common herbs in the region. He informed me about herbs useful in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine). According to him, the natives of Narharpur region use the roots of common tree Kathal (Jackfruit) as home remedy to get relief. The roots are collected and by boiling it in water, decoction is prepared. The patients having the trouble are advised by the natives to apply two to three drops of decoction inside the nose. The natives use the seeds of Siris (Albizia sp.) For the same purpose. The seeds are boiled in water and extract is collected. This extract is applied in form of nasal drops. The Kathal decoction is applied in both nostrils whereas the Siris extract is applied in same side nostril only. If the headache is in right hand side, the drops are applied in right side nostril and vice-versa. The natives also use the Harra seeds (Terminalia chebula) externally to reduce the intense pain. The seeds are crushed in water and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on forehead during attack. Al herbs i.e. Siris, Kathal and Harra are commonly available in this region. In treatment of Epistaxis, the natives use Ber and Kela as home remedies. In simple cases, the inhalation of freshly cut Onion cures the problem. But in complication, the natives prepare an aqueous paste using Ber (Ziziphus rotundifolia) leaves and apply it externally on forehead.

The patients are also advised to inhale the fresh juice of Kela (Banana) herb for instant relief. In my previous articles, I have mentioned the use of Haldi powder (Turmeric) as tooth powder to get rid from all dental and gum related troubles. Through the interaction with the natives of Narharpur region, I got information on use of Jamun or Chirai Jam wood for the same purpose. According to them, they put fire on wood piece and collect the ash. This ash is used as tooth powder. They recommend its use since childhood to maintain the good dental health in whole life. The natives use the ash of different herbs both internally and externally in treatment of many common diseases. To prevent the diseases of respiratory systems, the natives use the ash of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera), Fudhar (Calotropis gigantean) and Thura (Euphorbia sp.) Separately. The natives use the ash of Chirchita without any precaution but fake the guidance of traditional healers in case of Fudhar and Thuhar ash. These ashes are used once in a year upto specific period to get the good health round the year, In treatment of Bleeding piles (Khooni Bavasir), the natives use the herbal combination prepared by mixing the Kachnar, Jamun and Maulsari barks in equal proportion. This combination is boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The patients are advised to take the decoction. Its popularity in the region is enough to prove its efficacy. I have to visit Narharpur region very frequently in coming months to establish the herbal health resort well in time. I will get more opportunities to interact with the natives and traditional healers of this forest region. I will never miss to document this information in form of articles.

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