Herbal dishes of Chhattisgarh, India. IV. Jivanti Laddu

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

The natives of Chhattisgarh use this preparation both for taste and as medicine. These Laddus are a boon for the patients having the problem of any types of Bavasir (Piles). In these Laddus, Jivanti herb is used in combination with other herbs. Many of these herbs are available in Chhattisgarh, but for some ingredients the natives are dependent on local herb shops. During my ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India, I have noted that natives and traditional healers of almost every part are aware of this preparation. They add or delete one or more herbs but basic ingredients are same throughout the state.

Required Material :- Root tubers of Jivanti, Fruit pulp of Bhelwa, Sonth (dried Ginger), Vidhara seeds and Gud (Jaggery). Method of preparation :- All herbs are converted into powder form and mixed in equal proportion. After mixing double amount of Gud (Jaggery) is added and Laddus are prepared.

The patients are advised to take one Laddu a day with a glass of fresh water. Although this preparation have special use but due to its delicious taste, it is popular among the natives specially the children never miss the chance to eat it. Jivanti (Holostemma annularis) is an extensive hairless perennial climber. According to reference literatures, its roots are tuberous, about 3 cm across, whitish inside. It tastes sweet; Latex white, thick, sticky becoming and elastic residue on drying (like other Latex); Leaves opposite, egg-shaped, base deeply heart shaped, apex bluntly acuminate, margin entire, hairless, papery; Flowers bisexual, 5-7, in axillary cymes, pinkish purple, fleshy, distinctly stalked. Follicles 1 or 2, lance-shaped, turgid, hairless, slightly fire-ridged; seeds many, avoid, about one cm long, flat, winged along the margin, with silky white hairs at apex. Another ingredient Bhelwa (Semecarpus anacardium) is a common medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. For the botany, reported and traditional medicinal uses of Bhelwa, Vidhara and Sonth, I suggest you to read previous articles.

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