Some less known traditional medicinal uses of common herbs used in treatment of Hichki (Hiccup or Hiccough) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

In treatment of Hichki, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use some specific herbs both internally and externally. In general, they do not disclose the formulations. This is my third article on Hichki. In present article, I am giving the details of herbs and herbal formulations that are less known to the natives and also to many other healers. These herbs and herbal formulations are used in case of complication. In general, through home remedies and common herbs manage this trouble without any problem. I have collected the information on these unique formulation through regular visits and interactions with the traditional healers. I have also seen the practical uses of many herbs. Many of these uses have yet not been reported to references literatures. I am feeling proud to document the traditional knowledge through this article. In treatment of Hichki, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use many herbs in dry form. The herbs are burnt and the patients are advised to inhale the fumes coming. Many healers have developed Herbal Cigarettes using dry herb for the convenience of the patients. The healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the dry leaves of Aam (Magnifera indica) for this purpose. The leaves of indigenous Aam trees are preferred. The leaves from trees having fruiting stage are not used. The healers also use the dry husk of Chana (Chickpea) and Rahar (Cajanus cajan) in same way. The traditional healers of Durg region use the whole herb of Urd (Vigna mungo) in same manner. The herb before fruiting is used. Chana, Rahar and urd are popular pulse crops in Chhattisgarh. The healers of Bastar region use the Coconut (Nariyal) Coir (Boonch) internally in treatment of Hichki. The coir is burnt and ash is collected. This ash is mixed in water and when it settles down completely, water is taken internally as treatment. This use is also popular among the healers of Bhopalpatnam region. The traditional healers of Mungeli region use the seeds of Karayal (Nigella sativa) with Makkhan (Butter). Both ingredient are mixed and the patients are advised to take it in little doses at definite intervals till complete relief. I have already mentioned the use of Babool spines (both dry and wet) in form of decoction in treatment of Hichki. The healers add Shahad (Honey) in this decoction to make it more effective. This use is popular among the traditional healers of Babool (Acacia nilotica) rich areas of Chhattisgarh i.e. the rice belts. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also use Zeera (Cumin) by boiling it in Sirka (Vinegar). The healers of Bilaspur region use the seeds of Kamal (Lotus) in treatment. Its seeds are given with water internally. I always ask the healers that among all these traditional uses which one is most promising and which one is least. They reply that all uses are effective. That is why all uses are popular. In many cases, they select the herbs on the basis of patient's vitality and intensity of problem but it is not common observation in all cases. The healers also say that the long list of traditional uses give them opportunity of using the common herbs. All herbs are not found in all areas. They are very true. This unique approach is one of reasons responsible for the success of our traditional healers.

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