Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herbs in Chhattisgarh, India : Interactions with the traditional healers of Narharpur and Dhamtari regions

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

Dhamatari and Narharpur regions of Chhattisgarh are having rich natural forests. Many rivers flows from these regions and finally they join with Mahanadi river. The natives and traditional healers of these regions have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs. These days I have to visit these regions very frequently as I am engaged with Herbal Health Resort project of Raipur based businessman. During night stays, I get enough time to interact with the healers and natives. Many nights we visit to nearby forests in search of medicinal herbs and insects. In last three months, I have collected a lot of information about common herbs. In present article, I am giving the details. I have found rich natural population of Rauvolfia tetraphylla in forersts near to Madham Silli Dam. The healers of this region collect and use it in treatment of hysteria. They use it in the name of repelling away the evil spirits from female patients. In modern science, we are aware that the attack of evil spirits is not more than the attack of hysteria, a common problem in Chhattisgarh. They give specific little dose of its root powder with rose water (Gulab Jal) as treatment. I have not observed Rauvolfia serpentina species in this area. I have mentioned in my previous articles that the traditional healers of Bastar region use the roots of R. serpentina in treatment of hysteria. The use of R. tetraphylla for this purpose is new information for me. I would like to mention here that the healers informed that the natural population of R. tetraphylla is decreasing in this region due to over exploitation. When I discussed this problem to forest officers, they suggested me to check the information According to them, R. tetraphylla is not found in this region. You can simply imagine the situation. I decided to stop further discussion as they are not aware of flora of their working areas. During visits, I saw many houses having Andi herbs in badis. When I asked the natives, they informed me about many medicinal uses and home remedies that can be prepared by the use of different parts of Andi herb. They commonly use it in treatment of painful swellings.

The Andi leaves with Andi seed oil are slightly roasted and the hot leaves are applied externally on painful swellings. The natives also informed me about its simple use in case of vaginal pain. In such case, they simply dip a piece of Rui (Cotton) in Andi oil and put it inside the vagina. According to them it is very effective treatment. They also use it during the time of pregnancy. The scientific name of Andi is Ricinus communis. Near to Narharpur town, I have seen many Nirgundi shrubs. I have also observed it in dense forests of this region. For treatment of puerperal fever, that begins after delivery many times, the traditional healers of this region use the leaf juice of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo). The patients are advised to take the juice internally. The healers also suggest the use of special curry prepared from Nirgundi leaves. Both Dhamtari and Narharpur region are rich in natural population of Bahera trees (Terminalia bellirica). The traditional healers of these regions use the fruit pulp and bark of Baheda in treatment of painful swellings. The aqueous paste is prepared and applied externally on painful swellings for immediate relief. Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) in are common wasteland herb in these regions. The traditional healers of these regions use it in kidney related troubles. The roots are boiled in water and decoction is prepared. This decoction is given with Sonth (Dried ginger) in treatment. It is considered as promising treatment for Renal Calculi (Pathri). According to the healers, it flushes out the stones without causing any damage to kidneys. In treatment of Gout, the traditional healers use the bark of common tree Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens). The decoction of bark is given internally of as treatment. The bark of old trees are collected for this purpose. The healers use its seeds in form of aqueous paste in treatment of Migraine also. I prefer this method of survey very much because by seeing the big questionnaire and typical questions most of the respondents hesitate to give replies frankly. During my visits, I never keep these tools, even the note pad and store the information's I receive, in my mind. I also inform and share my knowledge with the natives and healers. They welcome the new information on herbs. For example when I presented the roots of R. serpentina to the healers using R. tetraphylla in treatment of hysteria, he tried it on his patients and found it more effective. He thanked me and promised me to inform about some new formulations in my next visits. You can understand the real experience and feelings only after visiting these healers with me.

Thank you very much for reading article.