Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as home remedies in treatment of Hypertension in Chhattisgarh, India

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

In general, the natives consult the traditional healers in case of hypertension because they are aware that it is difficult to treat this trouble with the help of home remedies. But surprisingly, the many senior natives use many common herbs for this purpose. During the ethnobotanical surveys focused on home remedies, I got this important information.

In present article, I am giving the details of this limited information. In general, the senior natives, suggest the patients having the problem of hypertension to eat more and more raw Piaz (Onion) in different forms. According to them, Piaz possess unique medicinal properties useful in treatment of Hypertension. Lason (Garlik) is well known around the world for its use in treatment of this trouble. Many Lason based formulations are available in markets. The senior natives use it in simple way. They suggest the patients to extract the juice of Lason bulb and mix ten drops of juice and a teaspoonful of Shahad (Honey). This combination is given thrice a day. The senior natives strictly instruct the patients to avoid use of salt (Namak). Like Piaz, during its cropping season, the natives suggest the patients to include Mooli (Radish) in their routine meals. According to the natives, both raw Piaz and Mooli are the boon for the patients having the problem of Hypertension. The natives use the white flowers of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) also for this purpose. The patients are advised to boil ten flowers of Fudhar in a glass of milk and take the milk internally once in a day. It is considered as promising home remedy. The traditional healers are also aware of this effective use. Fudhar is a common wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. I have mentioned in previous articles, that by mixing the fruits of Harra (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica) and Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), in different proportions, the natives prepare a herbal combination known as Triphala. The natives consider it beneficial for many common diseases. It is also used in treatment of hypertension. The patients are advised by the natives to take a teaspoonful of Triphala powder with a glass of lukewarm water daily night. Besides, these home remedies, the senior natives suggest the patients to maintain the good health. India is well known for Yoga. Yoga is popular among natives. The natives having the problem of Hypertension devote more time in Yoga. The natives suggest the patients to avoid sleeping in day time. The use of indigenous fruits is also in their recommendations. The use of water during meals is avoided strictly. In general, these instructions are given by the traditional healers but it is good sign that the natives of Chhattisgarh are also aware about these precautions.

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