Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as Hair remover in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use many common herbs externally as Hair remover. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh I have collected few important information on traditional uses of herbs for this purpose. I am giving the details in present article. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the roots of Ghabel or Samander sokh (Argyria nervosa) alone or in combination with other herbs as hair remover. The roots are burnt and ash is collected. After cutting unwanted hairs, the aqueous paste of ash is applied externally, in order to avoid the hair growth again. It is also applied directly on hairs to remove it. The healers of Kanker region use Ghabel roots in combination with Ajwain (Carum copticum). The method of use is same. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use the fresh latex of Doomar (Ficus glomerata) for this purpose. I have mentioned in my previous articles that the natives of Southern Chhattisgarh use medicinal ant Oecophylla in treatment of many coromon dieases. During recent ethnobotanical surveys, I got information on the use of its eggs. The natives rub the fresh eggs in specific parts for this purpose. The natives of Chhattisgarh use the Jonk (Leech) as hair remover. The Leech are collected dried and converted into powder. The powder mixed with goat urine is used for this purpose. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains recommend the use of whole herb juice of Bathua (Chenopodium album) in combination with other herbs for this purpose. They also suggest the use of Onion bulb juice with black salt and vinegar. The traditional healers of Narharpur region use the roots of Andi (Ricinus communis) for this purpose. The aqueous paste is applied externally. The healers also use the Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica) seeds. The seeds are dipped in water overnight and next morning, leachate collected are used for this purpose. The traditional healers of Tilda region use dead Bichhu (Scorpion) for this purpose. They boil the dead Bichhu in Sarson (Mustard) oil and when all watery contents evaporate, boiling is stopped. This oil is applied on unwanted hairs to uproot it and also to prevent further growth. The healer of Mudpar village Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma informed me about the use of bark of Lasora as promising remedy. He informed me that the decoction of its bark is applied externally. The scientific name of Lasora is Cordia dichotoma. He uses fresh bark for this purpose. Although the healers and natives have limited information on this aspect but I have noted that through these limited information they are managing the problem successfully. These uses are becoming popular in urban areas also.

Thank you very much for reading the article.