Some promising home remedies used in treatment of Asthma in Chhattisgarh, India

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

I have written two articles focused on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Asthma in Chhattisgarh, India previously. In present article, I am giving details regarding some home remedies used by the natives as initial measures in treatment of Asthma. I have collected the information on this important aspect through small surveys conducted in different cities and villages of Chhattisgarh with the help of questionnaire.

The members of SOPAM and readers of my articles at different parts helped me in collection of these information's. The surveys were focused on senior housewives who have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs. The traditional healers were not included in these surveys. Through these surveys, I have collected information on some simple but promising home remedies that are in use in the state. As home remedies, the natives use common herbs found in surroundings or more specifically, herbs that are used in routine life. Most of the natives claimed that Asthma, at initial stages, can be managed by the herbs they use in their Kitchens. During the time of attack, the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use Piaz juice in combination with Shahad (Honey). Three teaspoonful of Piaz juice and Shahad each are mixed and patients are advised to take it.

It is common belief among natives that regular use of this combination upto two months helps in prevention of further attacks. Piaz is local name of Onion (Allium cepa). I have seen its practical uses many times. Like Piaz, Lason (Garlic) is also used. One part of Lason and Namak (Common salt) are mixed and added in two parts of cow ghee. The whole solution is allowed to boil. After boiling, the solution is stored for future use. The patients having the problem of Asthma are advised to take half teaspoonful of this solution twice a day. It is specially recommended to the children.

The natives of Durg region use the fresh juice of Sem (Dolichos lablab) for many health benefits. According to them, the juice of immature pods is a boon for the patients having the problem of Asthma, Acidity, Dyspepsia and throat diseases. The juice can be used with other therapies also. Sem in under cultivation as vegetable crop in this part of Chhattisgarh. According to the natives of Chhattisgarh, the Tasir (Nature) of Sarson Tel (Mustard oil) is hot. They use it externally for massage. During attack, the oil mixed with common salt is massaged gently on chest. It helps the patients to get easy breathe. Sarson is under cultivation as oil seed crop in Chhattisgarh. The natives of Narharpur region use the leaves of Andi (Ricinuss communis) in special way. The housewives take a leaf of Andi and put it between two chapattis and roast it on fire. After roasting, the leaf is given to the patients to keep it inside the mouth and swallow the juice slowly. According to the housewives, this special method acts fastly during attack. They are aware that in some cases, patients feel uneasy after swallowing the juice. In such cases, they suggest the patients to increase the regular uptake of cow milk. As patients get immediate relief, in general they do not bother the uneasy feelings. The natives of this region, use the Gud (Jaggery) in combination with Sarson Tel internally in treatment of Asthma. Both ingredients are mixed in equal proportion and kept for future use. According to the natives, in long term it gives more better results.

The natives of Ambikapur city informed about the unique use of Haldi (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder. Two teaspoonful of Haldi powder is taken and four teaspoonful of cow ghee is added. Haldi is fried in Cow ghee and the combination is kept for future use. During the time of trouble, the patients are advised to take half teaspoonful of combination thrice a day. It reduces the intensity of attack immediately. Its use with lukewarm cow milk increases its effect. For long term use, the natives prepare it in large quantities. The use of Adrak juice (Ginger) is also popular among the natives. The natives take one kg of Adrak rhizome and extract the juice. In this juice, one kg of sugar is added. The combination is boiled in low flame. After boiling it is stored for future use. In time of use, the combination is divided into six equal parts. One part is given to the patients daily morning empty stomach. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. During this use the patients are advised to take light food and increase the intake of cow milk. The natives also use the small pieces of Adrak in preparation of Herbal tea commonly used in treatment of Asthma.

The natives of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) tree rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the leaves, internally as home remedy to treat Asthma. The leaves are collected, dried in shade and converted into fine powder. Half teaspoonful of leaf powder is mixed in a teaspoonful of Shahad (Honey) and given to the patients. It is given twice a day upto atleast 15 days. It is considered useful in both prevention and treatment of Asthma. Through above mentioned initial measures the natives try to provide relief to the patients, but in case of complications they immediately approach to the traditional healers. As the problem of Asthma is becoming global problem, I am expecting that the valuable traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs, the natives and traditional healers are having, can be very useful for the Asthma suffers around the globe.

Thank you very much for reading the article.