Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Fatigue in Chhattisgarh, India

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

Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted many interesting information on herbs useful in treatment of Fatigue. The herb collectors of Chhattisgarh, eat many wild fruits during their visits to dense forests in order to get rid from fatigue.

During rainy season, the herb collectors use different species of wild Mushrooms for this purpose. I have mentioned in my previous article that how the leaves, floss and whole herb of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanictum) are used by the natives of tribal belts for this trouble. In Chhattisgarh Plains, the natives consume Mahua fruits for instant energy. Although Angoor is not a native to Chhattisgarh but the natives use Kishmish (dry Grapes) internally. The Kishmish is dipped in water whole night and next morning the swollen fruits are given to get rid from Fatigue. In general, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the natives engaged in heavy work to consume the curry prepared from Methi leaves (Fenugreek). According to them its regular consumption prevents the fatigue and associated troubles. The natives of Bagbahera region use Aonla fruit powder and dry Dhania powder for this purpose. One teaspoonful of Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) powder and half tea spoonful of Dhania (Coriander) powder are mixed in a glass of water and given internally. It is considered as one of the promising treatments.

The traditional healers prepare different types of herbal oils for massage. I have collected the information on over 155 such herbal oils in Chhattisgarh. To prepare these oils, the healers adopt similar methods. The herbs or herbal mixture are mixed in base oil and allowed to boil. When all the watery contents evaporate, the boiling is stopped and oil is stored for future use. According to the traditional healers, both the contents of oil and way of massaging are equally important. In Chhattisgarh, most of the healers engaged in preparation of these herbal oils prefer its use under their supervision. The natives of Northern Chhattisgarh consider the common herb Lason (Garlic) very effective in treatment of fatigue. The Lason cloves are given internally one in every hour till complete relief. The use of Babool Gond (Gum Arabic) is also popular for this purpose in many parts of Chhattisgarh specially in Chhattisgarh Plains. Babool (Acacia nilotica) is one of the important non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. It has both industrial and medicinal importance and uses. To use this Gond in treatment, the Gond is fried with the help of cow ghee. After frying, the Gond swells. The double amount of sugar is added in swollen Gond and this combination is stored for future use. The specific quantity of this combination is given to the persons having the problem of fatigue. Its popularity in the region clearly indicates its effectiveness. The natives of Parsa tree (Butea monosperma) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use its Gond like Babool Gond. It is a matter of scientific investigation and research that which one is more effective. The traditional healers have simple answer. The natives of Babool rich areas must use Babool Gond and the natives of Parsa rich areas must use Parsa Gond. Many healers suggest the addition of Char (Buchanania lanzan) in these preparations to make it more effective. The traditional healers of Narharpur region recommend the use of Bael (Aegle marmelos) leaves. The juice is extracted and after adding sugar for taste, it is given internally for instant relief. The use of above mentioned herbs and herbal combinations is very popular among natives and traditional healers. As they have to work regularly and there is no provision of French leave, these herbs and herbal combinations help them a lot to get rid from fatigue.

Thank you very much for reading the article.