Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common health troubles of children in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh take special precaution and care while treating the child patients. They have separate sets of herbs used in treatment of child patients. This observation motivated me to write a separate article on this aspect. In present article, I am giving the details of information's I have noted during ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India. Pipal (Ficus religiosa) is well known religious as well as medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. All parts of Pipal are used as medicine. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the parents to give matured fruits of Pipal to their children to improve the voice quality. For sound sleep, the traditional healers use the Lasa of Pipal. Few pinches of Lasa is mixed in milk and given to the children. It results in sound sleep. This use is popular among natives, also. In treatment of mentally handicapped children, the traditional healers use the leaves of Pipal in unique way. With the help of leaves they prepare plates and cooked rice is served hot in these plates to the patients.

According to the healers, this simple use of Pipal leaves cure the trouble in very less time. This was surprising information for me. Later when I tried it practically, I found it promising. In general, the healers use this method once in a week preferably on Sundays. Within three to four Sundays, the patients start showing positive response. The use is continued till complete cure. The healers also recommend this simple use in case of child patients having the problem of stammering. By describing this unique knowledge, I am becoming emotional and feeling proud that the nature has given me chance to work in this part of the earth. In treatment of hoarseness of voice, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also use the bark of Kadamb tree. After crushing the fresh bark in cold water, the healers extract the juice. This juice is given with sugar to the patients internally to get rid from this trouble. The scientific name of Kadamb is Anthocephalus cadamba. It is a moderate-sized graceful deciduous tree common in Chhattisgarh. In treatment of diarrhea, the traditional healers use many common herbs alone or in combination with other herbs. The traditional healers of Sarguja region, use the leaves of Andi in combination with excreta of rat. Leaves and rat excreta are mixed with the help of Nimbu (Lemon) juice and aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally around the umbilicus of child patients as treatment. Many healers apply it in anus also. The healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the bark of Anar (Pomegranate) herb internally. The aqueous juice is given till complete cure. The healers of this region, also use the Aam ki Guthli (Mango stone) internally. The stone is roasted and converted into powder. This powder is given in combination with Shahad (Honey). The healers use the fresh stones only for this purpose.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the Harra (Terminalia chebula) fruits internally in treatment of constipation. The small Harra fruits are used for this purpose. In treatment of Amoebic dysentery, the traditional healers recommend the use of Bael fruit and Doomar latex separately. Bael fruit pulp (Aegle marmelos) is given internally. As it is tasty, the child patients eat is without any problem. Doomar latex (Ficus glomerata) is given with sugar. In general, three to four drops of fresh latex are given. In treatment of common cough and cold, the healers of Bilaspur region use the flowers of Maulsari (Mimusops elengi). The flowers are dipped in water at night and next morning the leachate is given to the patients internally empty stomach. The treatment is continued upto one week. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. In treatment of small boils common in summer season, the healers recommend the use of Parsa fruits (Butea monosperma) externally. The fruits are mixed with Neem leaf juice and applied externally on boils. The above mentioned traditional medicinal uses are unique specially the use of Pipal leaves in treatment of mentally handicapped children. Like the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the natives also use some home remedies for these troubles. I will give the details in coming articles.

Thank you very much for reading the article.