Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Kanth Mala (Scrofula) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Scrofula. Through the ethnobotanical surveys, conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I have collected a lot of information on this aspect. I am giving the details in present article. The common herbs are used both internally as well as externally. The traditional healers of Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) tree rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the Sirsa roots and bark separately in treatment. The healers use the seeds in specific way. The seeds are collected and converted into powder. The powder is mixed with pure honey (Shahad) in 1:2 ratio. This combination is kept in earthen port and after covering its mouth, the pot is buried inside the soil for a week. After one week, the pot is taken out and combination is kept under open sky in exposure to direct sunlight for another week. After this duration, the combination is given to the patients internally. According to the healers, although this method of preparation is time taking and requires lot of patience but it is very effective in treatment of Scrofula. The Sirsa bark is used externally. By mixing Sirsa bark with Lauki (Lagenaria siceraria) fruit pulp, Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) and Zeera (Cumin), the healers prepare an aqueous paste. This paste is applied on swellings. According to the healers, both uses i.e. internal use of Sirsa roots and external use of Sirsa bark, cures the patients in very less time. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the fresh latex of Bar (Ficus benghalensis) externally on swellings. This use is common among natives also. Bar is a common medicinal as well as religious tree in Chhattisgarh. During winter season, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the flower heads of Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus). The flowers are collected and dipped in water overnight. Next morning, the patients are advised to take the extract internally empty stomach. According to the traditional healers, its long term use give promising results. In general, the healers prefer the use of freshly collected flowers but in case of urgency, they also use the dried but properly stored flowers. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the seeds of Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus) in combination with Sonth (dried Ginger). Both herbs are mixed in 1:3 ratio. This combination is further mixed in cow urine and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on swellings. Kulthi is a traditional pulse crop in this part of Chhattisgarh but now due to introduction of new improved pulse species, the area under this crop is decreasing at alarming rates. The healers of this region also use another pulse Masoor (Lens esculenta) in combination with Dhania (Coriander) seed powder and Vinegar (Sirka) externally. Both herbs are mixed with the help of Vinegar, aqueous paste is prepared and used. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region of Chhattisgarh use the leaves of Charota (Cassia tora) in combination with Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum). Both herbs are mixed, an aqueous paste is prepared and applied in same manner on swellings. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use the seeds of Mooli (Radish) as home remedy in treatment of Scrofula. The seeds are mixed with the help of cow urine, to prepare the aqueous paste. The natives also apply the Sarson (Mustard) seeds for the same purpose. Many of he above mentioned traditional medicinal uses have not been reported in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. I am proud to write that these uses have discovered and developed by the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh.

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