Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in Hair care in Chhattisgarh, India : The results of recent ethnobotanical surveys

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

Through recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected a lot of information on traditional uses of common herbs and herbal formulations used in Hair care. In previous articles, I have written a lot on this aspect but it seems that I have to conduct more specific surveys and write many more articles, to document all the available information in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed me that the seeds and barks of common tree Kusum are boon for the patients having the problem of premature hair falling. The healers of this region are known for specialization in use of herbs for hair care. They suggest the patients to apply the herbal oil having Kusum plant parts near the roots of hairs and in hairless spots. For preparation of oil, they collect the seeds and bark of Kusum and after shade drying, burn it. The ash is collected. The ash of seeds and bark are mixed in equal proportion. This mixture is mixed in base oil and used in treatment. As base oil, Til (Sesamum) oil is used most commonly. The popularity of this herbal oil among the natives clearly indicates its effectiveness. According to them, the use of oil not only makes the hair healthy but also promotes new hair growth. When I disclosed the formula to many natives, they said that the formula is not so simple. The healers add more herbs in oil. But when I tried home made herbal oil. I found it effective. The scientific name of Kusum is Schleichera oleosa (Syn. S. trijuga syn. Pistacia oleosa, family Sapindaceae). Its fruits having acidic taste are very popular among the natives, specially among children. The senior natives of this region informed that the fruits of medicinal tree Harra (Terminalia chebula) can be used for good hair growth. They collect the fruits from trees and boil it in base oil. When cracks occur in fruits, boiling is stopped. The oil is stored for future use. The natives use this oil daily after taking bath. According to them, it is effective against lice and dandruff also. Makoi is a common wasteland as well as field weed in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers and natives use its fruit as natural hair dye. The fruits are collected and juice is extracted. Equal quantity of juice and Til oil are added and applied externally on hairs to make white hairs, black. Many healers suggests that its application inside the nostrils (few drops) can help in making the hairs healthy and stronger. The scientific name of Makoi is Solanum indicum. The traditional healers of Bastar region informed me about the use of Neem oil both internally and externally for hair care. Internally, the regular intake of Neem oil is suggested upto one month. During this period, the patients are advised to take more and more cow milk. According to the healers, the intake of milk helps in absorption of Neem oil in body organs. Externally, Neem oil is applied on hairs. This use is popular among natives. During visits to rural and forest areas, while interaction with the natives you can identify the specific smell of Neem oil coming from the hairs. Due to its typical smell, its internal use is not much popular. Also, the natives living in urban areas hesitate to use it. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use the leaves and seeds of Methi (Fenugreek) to prepare a herbal oil for hair care. They take the equal quantity of Methi seeds and leaves and mix with double quantity of base oil and keep the oil for one week as such. After one week it is filtered and use to massage the hairs gently. As base oil Til oil is used but many natives use Nariyal (Coconut) oil also. According to the natives of this region, this herbal oil stops the premature graying and also make the hair healthy. As native to Chhattisgarh, I would like to disclose the formulation of combination, I am using for my hairs. To wash the hairs, I use the combination of Basan (Chickpea flour) and Dahi (curd). It acts as chemical shampoo and softens the hairs. It keeps the hair free from dandruff. I am using it since last ten years without any problem. In general, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the natives to live tension free life, to maintain the healthy hair growth but now a days the mental tension is becoming a part of life specially in urban areas. This is the reason the healers aware of this problem, give herbs to reduce the stress at first and after this, start treatment for hairs.

Thank you very much for reading the article.