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

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

I have written a lot on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of liver related troubles in Chhattisgarh by the traditional healers. Through recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have listed out many home remedies that are in use in the state. In present article, I am giving the details. The natives of Shahtoot tree rich regions of Chhattisgarh, consume its delicious fruits with taste. They suggest the patients having liver related troubles to eat more and more fruits. It is considered as beneficial for this vital organ. The use of Shahtoot have other health benefits also. The scientific name of Shahtoot is Morus alba. The natives of Bael (Aegle marmelos) tree rich areas of Chhattisgarh, use its leaves in treatment of Liver pain, as indigenous pain-killer. The juice is extracted and with common salt, it is used. In general, two teaspoonful of juice is given at a time and treatment is continued till complete relief. The senior natives of Chhattisgarh suggest the use of special chutney prepared from Piaz (Onion) bulb. The senior natives also prepare a special pickles (Achar) using Mooli (Radish) and give it to the patients having Liver trouble. I have observed its use in treatment of Liver pain, successfully and that is why I am fan of this delicious home remedy. The natives of Chhattisgarh use the young leaves of Neem tree in treatment of Liver related troubles. The natives of different parts, use it in different ways. In general, they collect 20 Neem leaves and boil it in a glass of water. This solution is filtered and five teaspoonful of solution is given at a time. In acute attack, the dose is repeated in every three hours. Neem is well known medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. The natives use the fruit powder of Pippali (Piper longum) in combination with Shahad (Honey) as supplement to main treatment. The natives of Chhattisgarh also use the Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves as supplement. The leaves are boiled and decoction is given internally as treatment. The natives of forest and rural areas, use the wild fruits of Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) for this purpose. They prepare different dishes using Aonla fruits. According to them, its intake in any form have many health benefits. It is considered as good Liver tonic. In treatment of dropsy, the natives of farming community are aware of the use of common weed Makoi. Its scientific name is Solanum indicum. The whole herb is collected and dried in shade. After drying, the natives prepare its decoction by boiling it in water. The decoction is given internally. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this unique use. The natives of Narharpur and surrounding areas use the tubers of Patal Kumhda (Pueraria tuberosa) in treatment of liver related troubles as home remedy. The freshly extracted juice is given as treatment with sugar.

Many of the above mentioned home remedies have yet not written in document form. Through the ethnobotanical surveys. I am trying my best to document all these information's in form of research articles.

Thank you very much for reading the article.