Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Headache in Chhattisgarh, India. : The results of recent surveys

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

Through ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected information on traditional uses of over 150 common herbs used in treatment of Headache. Almost all traditional healers I have met so far are aware of common remedies to treat Headache. In present article, I am giving details of some promising traditional uses of herbs, I have noted through these surveys.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the fresh root juice of Andi (Ricinus communis) in combination with whole herb juice of Bhengra (Eclipta alba) in treatment of headache. Both juice are mixed in equal proportion. The patients are suggested to put three drops of this combination into the nostrils. According to the healers this simple treatment helps the patients to get rid from headache immediately in most of the cases. The fruit juice of ornamental herb Maulsari (Mimusops elengi) is also used in same manner. As home remedy, the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use the Aonla fruit powder in combination with cow ghee and sugar daily morning. A teaspoonful powder is used normally. Wild Aonla fruits (Phyllanthus emblica) are preferred as compared to the cultivated Aonla fruits for this use. Externally the traditional healers of Mungeli region use the leaves of Munga (Moringa oleifera) in treatment. The healers prepare aqueous paste by mixing leaf juice and Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) and this juice is applied in painful parts as treatment. The aqueous paste of Jaiphal (Myrstica fragrans) is also in use for the same purpose. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use the Mehndi (Lawsonia alba) leaf juice for the same purpose. The juice is applied externally in painful parts. The natives of Bastar region use the Lason (Garlic) cloves externally in treatment of headache. Crushed cloves in form of paste is used. With this external use, the natives take four Lason cloves internally with lukewarm water. According to them, both treatments cures the patients in very less time.

The vegetable growers of Durg region informed me about the use of Lauki fruit pulp in treatment of headache. The pulp is applied in form of paste externally on painful parts. Lauki (Lagenaria sinceraria) is under cultivation as vegetable crop in this part of Chhattisgarh. Externally, the use of Pudina (Mentha arvensis) leaves are also popular in this part of the state. The natives of Bilaspur region use the Sonth (dried Ginger) powder with cow milk externally in treatment of headache. It is considered as promising pain-killer. The natives of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the Pipal leaves in unique way. They suggest the patients to chew four leaves and after some time, spit out the leaves. According to the natives this chewing helps in reducing the pain. The traditional healers of this region are also aware of this use. They informed me that leaf juice if taken internally, can give more promising results as compared to above mentioned way. I have already written a lot on this trouble in my previous articles. This article is a supplement to this article. It is not wrong to say that to document the exhaustive list of herbs used in treatment of headache, is not less than the headache but I am trying my best to compile these information's.

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