Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Jaundice : The results of recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations useful in treatment of Jaundice. In previous articles, I have mentioned many of such promising traditional uses. I have also described that now the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh provide mental satisfaction with their treatment by giving the example of traditional healer of Bhuthia village of Saraipali region. During the year, 2000-2002, we conducted a small ethnobotanical surveys in Narharpur, Dhamtari, Kondagaon, Bastar, Kanker, Bagbahera, Durg, Raipur, Rajnandgoan and Pendra regions of Chhattisgarh focused on herbs used in treatment of Jaundice.

Through this survey, we got some additional information that are not mentioned in previous articles, I am giving these details in present article. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains suggest the patients to consume matured Kela fruits (Banana) with pure honey during treatment of Jaundice. This combination is considered as promising liver tonic. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region use the roots and young twigs of Andi (Ricinus communis) internally. The roots are dried and covered into powder. This powder is given with Shahad (Honey). The traditional healers of Bagbahera region suggest the use of Pippali (Piper longum) fruit powder. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region, use the young twigs of Andi in place of its root powder in specific cases. The young twigs are given with fresh curd. According to the traditional healers, this use develops the symptoms of dullness and dizziness in many patients. This is the reason, the patients having good vital force are only instructed to use this combination. The healers consider this formulation more potential as compared to above mentioned formulations in treatment of Jaundice. The traditional healers of Pendra region use the leaf juice of Andi for the same purpose. The juice is given with sugar. As the healers have other promising herbs, they use the leaf juice less frequently. The traditional healers of Durg region use the Kaitha leaves in treatment of Jaundice internally. The juice is extracted from fresh leaves of Kaitha (Feronia elephantum) and mixed with fresh cow milk. The solution is stored for future use. This combination is given daily to the patients till complete cure. The natives of this region consider the juice of fully matured Anar (Pomegrante) fruits best for the patients having Jaundice.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are well aware of the use of Neem bark and leaves for this purpose. They use these parts in different ways. I am giving details of commonly adopted method. The juice of fresh bark is extracted and with honey and Sonth (dried ginger) it is given internally to the patients. The Neem leaves are dipped in water and juice is extracted. A glass full of juice is given to the patients with sugar. Sugar is not added for taste. It is a part of this combination. Many healers suggest the use of lukewarm juice for more better results. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the Imli (Tamarind) bark for this purpose. The bark is collected and after drying in shade, converted into powder. This powdered bark is given with fresh goat urine internally. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. In place of goat urine, many healers use cow urine. The healers also use the Harra fruits (Terminalia chebula) for this purpose. The fruits are dipped in cow urine upto 21 days and daily one fruit is given to the patients. According to the healers, by this simple use the patients can get rid from Jaundice in very less time. With the help of above mentioned medicinal herbs and herbal formulations the traditional healers of these regions are treating the patients having Jaundice successfully.

Thank you very much for reading the article.