Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Fevers : Interaction with the traditional healer of Mudpar village, Chhattisgarh, India

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

Through frequent visits and interactions with the traditional healer of Mudpar village Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma, I got information on different herbs used in treatment of many diseases. I have categorized these information's according to the disease. In present article, I am giving details of herbs, he uses in treatment of fevers. I have seen its practical uses during these visits. In treatment of Remittent fever, he uses the roots of Chirchita. The aqueous extract of roots is given internally as treatment. The roots collected before flowering are considered best. Chirchita is a common wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. I have mentioned in my previous articles that in many parts of Chhattisgarh, the external use of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera) roots is popular. The natives and healers tie the roots with the help of red string around the wrist to treat fevers. Shri Verma is also aware of this use but he prefers internal use and considers it more promising. In treatment of hyperpyrexia, he uses the root bark of Nishoth. The bark is powdered and with Gud (Jaggery) given internally in every hour. Many times he also gives it with Shahad (Honey). When the temperature goes down, the use of bark is stopped and other herbs are given. He always keep this herb with him. He is aware about the harmful consequences of high fever. The scientific name of Nishoth is Ipomoea turpethum. It is well known medicinal herb found in Chhattisgarh forests. In treatment of fevers due to respiratory troubles, he uses the roots of Arusa. The roots are collected and by boiling it in water, decoction is prepared. This decoction is used internally during fever. Arusa (Adhatoda vasica) is a common medicinal herb used in treatment of diseases of respiratory system. In treatment of Malarial fever, he uses the leaves of Karanj in combination with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). He mixes the leaves and Kali Mirch in 5:1 ratio. He uses his own unique method to weigh the herbs to prepare the combination. When I weighed the herbs in scientific instrument, the weight of leaves was 120 gms and Kali Mirch was 25 gms. After mixing the herbs, he prepares small globules (at a size of Chickpea seeds). The patients are advised to take three globules, before rise in temperature. According to him, this preventive dose helps in preventing the attack of fever. For regular practice his students prepare the globules for future use. He informed me that globules can be stored upto 6 months, not more than the six months. There is no alternative to freshly prepared globules, in terms of efficacy. Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) is common roadside tree in Chhattisgarh. In treatment of Remittent fever, he also uses Neem leaves and Kali Mirch. Twenty Neem leaves are collected and by removal of Lamina, midribs are collected. Twenty midribs are mixed with twenty Kali Mirch. This herbal mixture is boiled in a glass of water and decoction is prepared. This decoction is given to the patients. According to him, this is promising treatment but requires much time for desirable effects. In treatment of common viral fevers, he uses the leaves of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) in different ways. The use of decoction is common among all uses. The leaves are given internally in combination with Kali Mirch also. He also suggest the patients to take herbal tea prepared by using Tulsi leaves. In high fever, he suggests the patient to take bath with Tulsi leaf decoction, in order to reduce the high temperature. Besides these herbs, he also uses Pippali (Piper longum), Sonth (Dried Ginger), Hing (Asafoetida), Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica), Giloi (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of fevers. Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma,a is specialized in treatment of many common diseases. In modern terms we can name him as General practitioner. Without the help of modern diagnosis tools, he treats the patients with the help of traditional medicinal knowledge. I will write more on him and his knowledge in coming articles.

Thank you very much for reading the article.