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

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

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialized in treatment of Burns always keep the ash of Pipal branches. The ash mixed with cow ghee is applied externally on affected parts immediately as first aid measure. It stops the process of blister formation. This is simple as well as promising method but this is really surprising that this use is limited to few traditional healers only. The natives are not aware of this simple use.

The popularity of this use among the healers clearly indicates its effectiveness. Pipal (Ficus religiosa) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh and it is not difficult to prepare this combination. The traditional healers and natives of Bhopalpatnam region use the fleshy stem of Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) externally for the same purpose. It is popular among house wives. This is the reason, the natives plant this herb in home gardens. Hadjod is used both internally and externally in treatment of many common disease also. The natives of Semal tree rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the floss (Rui) of Semal in treatment of burns. The floss is dipped in water and applied externally on affected parts in form of paste. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. The scientific name of Semal is Bombax ceiba. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh always keep dry fruit powder of Bael (Aegle marmelos) with them. This powder is used for many purposes including in treatment of burns. In treatment, fruit powder is used with Sarson ka Tel (Mustard oil). One part of fruit powder and two parts of Mustard oil are mixed. In case of burns, the combination is applied externally. The healers always suggest the patients particularly to the house wives to keep this useful combination with them. The natural forests of Chhattisgarh are well known for rich population of Bael trees.

The use of Piaz as first aid remedy is very common among housewives in Chhattisgarh Plains. The raw juice is applied directly in affected parts without any delay. Being used as vegetable and spice, Piaz is always present in normal kitchen. The natives continue the application of Piaz (Onion) juice till complete cure. From my grandfather's diary, I got information on use of Hari Mirch (Capscicum annum) fruits in treatment of Burns. The aqueous paste is prepared by mixing fresh Mirch in water and applied directly in affected parts. The use of Mirch in affected parts? It was beyond my imagination but when I tried it in many cases, I got good results. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the use of Hari Mirch in treatment of Burns has been mentioned. I am proud to write that the natives are still using it successfully. Like Bael fruit powder, the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains also use the young reddish leaves of Neem with Sarson oil. The combination is boiled and when all watery contents evaporate, boiling is stopped. This oil is kept for future use. In case of burns, it is applied externally. Before ending the article I would like to mention the powerful effects of common table salt (Namak) as first aid remedy. Although it is painful, but the natives apply the table salt directly in affected parts. It is not only very popular use but also the effective use. I have already written a lot on traditional medicinal knowledge and uses of common herbs and herbal combinations in treatment of Burns. This article is a supplement to previous articles.

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