Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Boil in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use over 200 species of herbs both internally as well as externally in treatment of boils. In general, it is not considered as problematic trouble. The natives are aware of many home remedies that have potential to suppress the boils. In case of complication they consult the traditional healers. The traditional healers try to suppurate the immature boils through herbs. According to them the cleaning of body is essential. At very early stage, they give herbs to suppress it. With the regular treatment, they give emphasis on blood purification.

In present article, I am giving details of some promising traditional uses, I have noted during the ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The natives of Chhattisgarh suggest the patients having this trouble to extract the fresh juice of Kela (Banana) fruit and take it with sugar. Sugar is added just for taste. According to the natives, the use of Kela juice prevents repeated attacks. To suppress the small boils, the traditional healers of Narharpur region, use the bark of Bhelwa tree (Semecarpus anacardium). The barks are collected and dried in shade. After mixing lime (CaCO3) water in the powdered bark, an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally till complete suppression of the boils. For the same purpose, the traditional healers of Bagbehera region use the roots of Thura (Euphorbia nerifolia) externally. The aqueous paste of roots is applied. It is specially used in treatment of small boils common in little children. The traditional healers of Doomar (Ficus glomerata) rich regions of Chhattisgarh use the freshly collected latex to suppress the boils. After applying latex, the healers cover it with a small piece of paper. Although the healers are unable to give scientific explanation regarding use of paper but according to them, in presence of paper latex works more effectively. I am aware that paper is also a herbal product. May be the combination of Bamboo (used for paper preparation) and Doomar latex have some synergestic effects.

The herb collectors of Gandai region informed that the flowers of Dhawai (Woodfordia fruticosa) can be used externally in treatment of boils. For use, Dhawai flowers are boiled in base oil and when all watery contents evaporate, the boiling is stopped and oil is collected for future use. As base oil Til (Sesamme) oil is used. The traditional healers of Gandai region are also well aware of this use but they prefer the use of Jwasa oil in place of Til oil as base oil. Jwasa (Alhagi comelorum) is not a native to Chhattisgarh. The healers purchase dry herb from local herb shops and use it to prepare Jwasa oil. It is a matter of scientific investigation that which oil is more effective as base oil ? To suppurate the immature boils the healers of Pendra region use the oil of Bhelwa. The oil is applied externally on boils. Within two-three hours after application the process of suppuration starts. The latex of Champa (Michelia champaca) is used externally to suppress the small boils by the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. It is considered as one of the promising remedies. Champa is well known ornamental tree in Chhattisgarh planted for its fragrant flowers.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the herb Nirgundi both internally and externally in treatment of boils. Internally, the juice of leaves is used. The patients are advised to take this juice upto long time. Externally the poultice of leaves is applied on boils. According to the healers the internal and external use of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) not only cures the patients in less time but also prevents the repetition of the trouble. For the treatment of boils common in rainy season, the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use Bhengra herb. Bhengra grows as common weed in rice fields in this season. By boiling the herb in base oil, the healers prepare a herbal oil. This oil is used externally in treatment of boils. The natives do not use the dry herb in off-season. In winter season, the nature gives them another remedy in form of Bemchi herb. Bemchi is a common weed of winter crops in Chhattisgarh. The leaves of Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) are used in form of aqueous paste. The natives are aware of the use of Dhikuar(Aloe vera) gel in treatment of boils. The traditional healers of Kondagoan region use the common herb Jhagadhin (Gloriosa superba) roots in treatment. The aqueous paste of root is applied externally. As root is considered toxic, the healers take special precaution during its use. Jhagadhin herb occurs naturally in this part of Chhattisgarh. As mentioned early, the healers suggest the use off blood purifying herbs with the regular treatment. For information on these herbs, I suggest you to read the previous article. The exhaustive list of herbs used in treatment of boils is enough to confirm that why the natives do not take this trouble seriously.

Thank you very much for reading the article.