Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of respiratory troubles in Southern Chhattisgarh, India

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

Last week, I received the filled questionnaire from different parts of Chhattisgarh specifically from Southern parts. Since few months I traveled Southern Chhattisgarh extensively, interacted with the traditional healers and natives and collected a lot of new information on traditional medicinal uses of common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of many common diseases. I have sent simple questionnaire to small towns where I have not visited during this survey. Through this recent surveys, I got new information on herbs used in treatment of respiratory troubles particularly in treatment of Asthma. I am giving these details in present article. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use the common wasteland herb Fudhar very frequently in treatment. I have written a lot on different ways by which Fudhar is used in treatment of Asthma but surprisingly through this survey, I got additional as well as effective use of Fudhar plant parts. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region use the immature bud of Fudhar in combination with Pippali (Piper longum) and common salt. These ingredients are mixed in 2:1:1 ratio and small globules (at the size of Ber, Ziziphus mauritiana fruits) are prepared. The patients having the problem of Asthma are advised to take one globule once in day in normal days. During the period of attack, two-three globules are given. The healers of Kondagaon region prepare a herbal combination in which Fudhar root bark is used as main ingredient. In this combination along with Fudhar root bark, Munga (Moringa oleifera) root bark and Pippali fruits are used. During winter season, when the winter weed Gorakh mundi emerges the traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use the Mundi heads (Sphaeranthus indicus) with the leaves of Fudhar in treatment of Asthma. I have mentioned in previous article about the use of Mundi herb alone for this purpose. The traditional healers of Bijapur region use the roots of Kala (Black) Fudhar in combination with Ajwain (Carum capticum) internally. I have yet not seen the rare species of Fudhar Known as Kala Fudhar in this part. In reference literatures related to flora, the Fudhar herb having black plant parts is not mentioned. The healers informed me that Kala Fudhar possess more medicinal properties as compared to the normally occurring Fudhar. The scientific name of Fudhar is Calotropis gigantea. In every fourth article, you will find the name of this herb. It is used both internally and externally in treatment of many common diseases and natives and healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this valuable herb. The healers truly say that the mother Nature has given us Fudhar as a gift. It is boon for the poor natives because they have not to pay charges for its use. When I read my research papers published several years back in which I have mentioned it as a problematic weed, I feel shame. The traditional healers of Bijapur region, prepare special herbal combination by using specific method. They mix the juice of Adrak (Ginger), Piaz (Onion), Lason (Garlic) and Dhikuar (Aloe Vera) with Shahad (Honey). All liquids are mixed in equal proportion. After mixing, they put the solution in earthen pot and bury the pot inside the ground, after covering its mouth. After thirty days, the pot is dug out and solution is given to the patients. This method seems very simple but there are many hard rules. The pot is buried on Purnima (Full moon day). The pot is buried under Pipal (Ficus religiosa) trees only. It is protected from water. No one is allowed to visit that place upto a month. The healers perform special worship before burring the pot and also before giving it to the patients. The solution is not given to pregnant woman. Indigenous species of Onion, and Adrak are used. These hard rules make this solution valuable. The preparation of this solution requires lot of patience. This is the reason the healers use it specially for the serious patients. I have used this precious solution and experienced its miraculous effects. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this solution. They add or delete one or more herbs in this solution. The healers have no scientific explanation for these hard rules, but they informed me that the shade of Pipal tree and phases of Moon play a vital role in making the solution effective. The traditional healers of Bijapur region recommend its use upto limited period. According to them, its long term use have many harmful effects but they add that these harmful effects can be easily nullified by the use of other common herbs. In general, the natives use the solution under supervision of the traditional healers. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh suggest the natives to eat the fruit pulp of Ritha (Sapindus emarginatus) in order to get protection from respiratory troubles. Ritha is a common medicinal tree in this part of Chhattisgarh. During this survey, I got information on use of Vajradanti herb in treatment of Asthma. The healers collect the small herb of Vajradanti and dry it in shade. After drying it is converted into powder. In general, the healers suggest the patients having the problem of respiratory system to take a fistful of powder empty stomach daily morning. According to the healers, its use in specific months in a year, from childhood, helps the children to remain free from respiratory troubles upto long time. The use of Vajradanti in this way, is not reported. The scientific name of Vajradanti is Barleria priontes. It is valuable herb for the natives and healers of this region. The senior natives of Jagdalpur region informed about the unique use of Gahun (Wheat) seeds and Haldi (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder in treatment of respiratory troubles. They put the Gahun seeds into fire and collect the ash. Gahun ash and Haldi powder are mixed in equal proportion and combination is kept for future use. A teaspoonful of this combination is taken daily morning with water empty stomach. According to the senior natives, its long term use, makes the respiratory system enough strong to face different troubles successfully. Through Shri B.Rao Godbole, I got information on herbal combination used by the traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region. In this herbal combination, Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) seeds, Haldi powder, Pippali fruits, Ama Haldi (Curcuma amada) podwer, Kali Mirch (Black Pipper), black salt (Kala Namak), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylenica) and Bhatkatiya (Solanum xanthocarpum) are used. Based on the vitality of patients and the seriousness of trouble they mix the herbs in different proportions. In general, all the herbs are mixed in equal proportion. The healers consider this combination as promising combination in treatment of Asthma. All herbs used in this formulation are locally available in nearby forests. I will give the details regarding herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of other diseases, in coming articles. The new slot of information clearly indicates that I have to go far and write continuously to document the traditional knowledge of Chhattisgarh in this small life.

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