Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of constipation : The results of recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India

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

The problem of constipation is universal problem. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh believe that constipation is the root cause of many health problems. They give special emphasis on treatment of constipation before starting the treatment of specific diseases. The detailed surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh revealed that both the natives and traditional healers are well aware of herbs and herbal combinations useful in treatment of constipation. I have written a lot on this aspect in previous articles. This article is a supplement to these articles.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the fruits of Imli in interesting way. They collect one kg of Imli fruits and dip it in two liters of water. This solution is kept on fire. When half quantity (of initial quantity) of solution remains, they add two kgs of sugar in the solution. After completion of this process, solution is collected and stored for future use. According to the traditional healers this herbal solution is a boon for the patients having the problem of constipation. The patients are advised to use this solution diluted with normal water internally daily before going to bed. The treatment is continued till complete cure. Bastar region is well known for natural population of Imli (Tamarind) trees. Most of the healers suggest the patients to use this solution at night but many healers recommend its use during morning time, when stomach is empty. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the herb named Fudhar in treatment of constipation. The root bark of Fudhar is used for this purpose.

The healers prefer white flowered species for the collection of roots. The healers of different parts use Fudhar root bark in different ways. In general, it is used with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). Both herbs are mixed in equal proportion and converted into powder. The healers keep this powder with them for future use. The patients are advised to take half teaspoonful of powder with lukewarm water daily night to get rid from constipation. The healers informed that it is used upto a month and in majority of cases, this simple use treats the patients in effective ways. The scientific name of Fudhar is Calotropis gigantea. It is common wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves in treatment of constipation. They suggest the patients to eat more and more fresh leaves daily in order to get rid from this trouble. Many natives consume the leaves with a piece of Adrak (Ginger) or rock salt. In general, about 50 leaves a day are recommended by the healers. The insect and disease free leaves are used for this purpose. In Chhattisgarh, many species of Tulsi occur naturally but the natives use only Ocimum sanctum for this purpose. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region use the seeds of Sirsa and fruits of Harra in treatment of constipation. Both seeds and fruits are powdered and mixed in equal proportion. One teaspoonful of this mixture is given to the patients two hours after the dinner with lukewarm water. It is given upto fifteen days only. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. Both Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) and Harra (Terminalia chebula) are common medicinal trees in Chhattisgarh. In previous article, I have mentioned many Harra based herbal formulations including Triphala used in treatment of constipation. I am not repeating it again in this article.

It is common belief among the natives of Chhattisgarh that the intake of Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare) after meals helps in its digestion and prevents the problem of constipation. The natives are aware of these beneficial effects. This is the reason you will find Saunf in almost every home in Chhattisgarh. I am describing its botany in brief. According reference literatures, Saunf is a tall glabrous, dark green, annual herb having height upto one meter; Leaves decompound, ultimate segments linear; Flowers in large umbels, bracts and bracteoles absent, yellow; Fruits ellipsoid, ridges, prominent, furrows vittate, carpophore two-partite. The traditional healers of Pendra region use the fruits of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) in treatment of constipation. The fruits are collected and dried in shade. After drying it is converted into powder. Few pinches of powder mixed with a glass of lukewarm cow milk is given to the patients. Besides its utility in treatment of constipation, it is considered as promising sex tonic. The recent surveys revealed that the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations useful in treatment of constipation. The most important observation is that they are still using it with confidence and faith.

Thank you very much for reading the article.