Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses . XXXXXI. Tejbal (Zanthoxylum armatum, family Rutaceae)

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

According to reference literatures, Tejbal is a small tree found in Punjab, Kumaon and Khasi Hills of India. It is not reported in Chhattisgarh. But the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh claim that Tejbal is present the state also. According to them, it is present in Pendra region, near to Amarkantak hills. The healers of Bastar region also have same claim. I have yet not seen it in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. Through the ethnobotanical survey conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I have collected many traditional medicinal uses of this herb. In present article I am giving the details. The traditional healers identify the true Tejbal with help of its bark and roots. For test, they chew a piece and by specific taste, they identify it without any problem. They informed me that Tejbal is used in little doses. Its overdose can be harmful. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use it mainly in treatment of respiratory diseases. It is considered as good appetizer. Its regular use improves the voice quality. Its Tasir (Nature)is hot. Tejbal is not in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. Also it is not under cultivation as medicinal crop. According to reference literatures, Tejbal (Z. Arnatum syn. Z . Alatum) is a shrub or small tree, all parts pungent aromatic; branches and stem prickly, the older with corky base; leaves unequally pinnate; Leaflets 2-6 pairs, lanceolate, glabrous or pubescent, Calyx with 6-8 acute segments; Petals O, Stamens 6-8 ; Ripe carpels 1-3, reniform or ovoid, the size of a small pea, reddish, when fresh tubercled. Flowering time April-June whereas fruiting time August to November in Chhattisgarh conditions. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the use of bark, fruits and seeds as carminative, stomachic and anthelmintic have been reported . Through the ongoing ethnobotanical surveys I am trying to gather more information on its traditional medicinal uses in Chhattisgarh.

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