Some less known traditional medicinal uses of common herbs used for safe delivery in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used for safe delivery. The herbs are used to hasten the process of delivery. In previous articles, I have written a lot on use of herbs in form of Herbal Mala, Locket etc. popular among the natives of Chhattisgarh. In present article, I am giving details of some less known traditional medicinal uses. The traditional healers of Bamboo rich regions of Chhattisgarh use new Bamboo leaves for this purpose. The decoction is prepared by boiling the leaves in water. For more promising results, they add Mehndi (Lawsonia alba) leaves in Bamboo leaves, in equal proportion, and use it in form of decoction. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region always keep the Kenchuli (out skin) of snake with them. In order to hasten the process of delivery, they burn the Kenchuli and suggest the woman to inhale the fumes. This use is also popular in other parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Mungeli region use to decoction of Karayal (Nigella sativa) for this purpose. The decoction is prepared by boiling the seeds in water. The traditional healers of Durg region informed me about the use of Doomar (Ficus glomerata) roots for this purpose. The fresh roots are boiled in water and decoction is used in same manner. As Doomar is very common tree in Chhattisgarh, the healers prefer to collect the fresh roots in case of need. In general, they avoid the use of stored roots. Like the roots of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera), the healers of Tilda region suggest the patients to tie the roots of Sarphonk around the waist. According to them, this use helps in Safe delivery and checks excessive bleeding. The roots are collected before flowering stage. The roots spreading in north direction naturally are used. To tie the roots, the healers use red string. I have written about many such unique uses in my previous articles. I have observed that these uses alone are not capable of managing the problem. It is used as supplementary to main herbs. But the popularity of these uses among the healers clearly indicates its effectiveness. The scientific name of Sarphonk is Tephrosia purpurea. It occurs as wasteland plant in Chhattisgarh. The healers of Gandai region use the Indrayan roots externally for Safe delivery. The roots are mixed with cow ghee and paste is prepared. This paste is applied inside the vagina to hasten the process of delivery. The traditional healers of Jashpur region use the roots of wild Banana for this purpose. The roots are tied around the waist with the help of black string before delivery. After completion of delivery process, the roots are removed. The healers do not consider the roots of cultivated Banana useful for this purpose. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region use the roots of Andi (Ricinus communis) for this purpose. The roots are mixed with cow ghee and given internally. The use of Andi seed oil is also popular among the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the Lemon (Citrus medica) herb for this purpose. Its roots are tied around the waist like the roots of Chirchita and Sarphonka. The healers mix the roots in equal quantity of Mahua (Madhuca latifolia) bark and with Shahad (Honey) and ghee, this combination is given internally. The traditional healers of Rajim region informed me that they use the dry peels of Kharbooz (Musk melon) for this purpose. The peels are put on fire and woman is suggested to inhale the fumes. The healers also use it in combination with Saunf internally in form of decoction. The use of decoction of Pudina (Mentha virdis) herb is also popular among the healers. Through on-going surveys, I am getting more information on this aspect. The natives also have rich traditional knowledge on this aspect. I will write more about this knowledge in future articles.

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