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

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

In my previous article on Gonorrhea, I have mentioned the use of many promising herbs used in treatment by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. You will be surprised to know that in recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have got even more information of traditional uses. I am feeling fortunate to document all these uses through the present article because I am aware that Gonorrhoea is a problem having global distribution and the patients are in search of side-effects free promising remedies that can root out the trouble effectively. I am hoping (also praying) that the patients from different corners of the world will get valuable information from this article and also one day, the traditional knowledge of other parts of the world, will benefit the natives of Chhattisgarh in same manner.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the decoction of Bar roots in treatment. Many healers give this decoction with Shahad (Honey). Bar (Ficus benghalensis) is a common tree of religious and medicinal importance in Chhattisgarh. Like Bar, Babool is also a common tree in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use all parts of this herb both internally as well as externally in treatment of many common diseases. In treatment of Gonorrhea, the traditional healers use Babool seeds in unique way. The seeds are germinated and given to the patients daily morning upto seven days. Many healers add the sugar for taste. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. The scientific name of Babool is Acacia nilotica.

The traditional healers of Nagri-Sihawa region use the Bhelwa herb with precaution in treatment. The seeds are rubbed in fresh cow milk and aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is given to the patients till complete cure. In general, the patients get relief within a week. The scientific name of Bhelwa is Semecarpus anacardium. Among the traditional healers of Bastar region the use of Imli (Tamarind) bark is very popular. The use the ash of bark alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of Gonorrhoea. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the inner bark of Aam (Magnifera Indica) in combination of Lime (CaCO3) water internally in treatment. The bark is mixed with lime in ratio of 4:1 (by weight). This treatment is continued till complete cure. The natural forests of Chhattisgarh are well known for rich population of wild Aonla trees (Phyllanthus emblica). The traditional healers prefer wild fruits as compared to big size cultivated fruits for the preparation of medicine. In treatment of Gonorrhea the healers use dry fruit. In general, the decoction is given internally as treatment. Many healers add Shahad (Honey) in this decoction. According to them the addition of Shahad increases its potential. In normal cases, the healers use Aonla leaf juice. The leaf juice is given internally with whey as treatment. Like the sprouts of Babool, the traditional healers of Gandai-Salewara region of Chhattisgarh use the sprout of Khair (Acacia catechu) in treatment.

I have noted during the surveys in this region that very few healers are aware of this use. Sisham is known for its high quality wood. For the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Sisham is a valuable medicinal herb. They use it both internally and externally in treatment of many common diseases. In treatment of Gonorrhea its leaves are used. The traditional healers extract the juice from leaves and with sugar give it internally. Daily a teaspoonful juice is given once in a day till complete cure. As the name of Sisham is coming for the first time in my article, I am describing its botany. According to the reference literatures, Shisham (Dalbergia sisoo) is a medium to a large sized trees having height upto 30 meters; Bark thick, grey, somewhat furrowed longitudinally, exfoliating in narrow strips; leaves imparipinnate; leaflets 3-5, alternate, broad ovate, acuminate, glabrescent, petiolules 3-5mm long, racemes in short axillary panicles; Pods narrowed at the base; indehiscent, glabrous, one to four seeded; Seeds kidney shaped, thin and flat. Flowering time March-April in Chhattisgarh conditions. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of utility of Semal roots (Bombay ceiba) in treatment of Gonorrhea. The roots are known as Semal Musli in trade. The root is collected and after drying, it is cut into small pieces. Every day the patients are suggested to take two teaspoonful of root pieces with cow ghee internally. According to the healers, this combination root out the trouble promisingly in very less time. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the leaves of Kamhar are in use. The leaves are dipped in water and next morning the leachate is given to the patients empty stomach. The scientific name of Kamhar is Gmelina arborea. The traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region recommend the use of Bakain fruits in treatment. The fruits are given with rice water internally. Bakain (Melia azedarach) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. This supplement list is very exhaustive. Through repeated surveys I am trying to get information regarding details of every formulations. I am confident that very soon I will be able to provide complete details of these formulations.

Thank you very much for reading the article.