Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XXXXXX. Mitha Neem (Murraya koenigii, family Rutaceae)

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

Mitha Neem is one of the common herbs in home gardens of Chhattisgarh. Like other parts of India, the natives of Chhattisgarh also use its aromatic leaves for flavouring curries. Although it is not native to Chhattisgarh, but I have seen it growing in wild and waste places. According to the natives, it spreads very rapidly in nature. The natives of rural and forest areas fulfill their requirement from Mitha Neem growing in home gardens or in surroundings but the natives of urban areas purchase this herb from local markets. It is also under cultivation as commercial crop in many parts of Chhattisgarh but not as extensive cultivated crop. The natives use the leaves just for taste but for the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Mitha Neem is a valuable medicinal herb. They use it in treatment of common diseases. According to the healers, its use with curries is a boon for the patients having the problem of Piles. The healers suggest the patients also to use the fresh juice of Mitha Neem leaves internally to get rid from Piles, specially the bleeding piles. In general, Mitha Neem is considered and used as blood purifier and alone or in combination with other herbs used internally in treatment of skin related troubles. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the leaves of Mitha Neem in combination with other herbs in treatment of Leprosy. Its use is very popular among the healers. The natives engaged in Tantra activities, use the dry leaves to repel away the evil spirits. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the natives burn the dry leaves to repel away the flies and mosquitoes in rainy season. The innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh engaged in commercial production of Indian medicinal and aromatic crops are using Mitha Neem herbs as guard crop by planting it in the periphery of crop fields. According to reference literatures there is a heavy demand of its leaves in international markets. Unfortunately, the farmers of Chhattisgarh are not aware of this huge demand. The climatic and edaphic factors of Chhattisgarh are suitable for its commercial cultivation. I personally feel that there is a strong need of its promotion among the farmers of Chhattisgarh. I am giving the details regarding its botany, I have noted from reference literatures. Botanically, Mitha Neem (Murraya koenigii syn. Bergera koenigii) is a deciduous, strong-scented shrub or small tree; bark brownish; Leaves after 30 cm long; leaflets 9-25, usually oblique-ovate obtuse, acuminate, notched at tip, crenulate; Flowers in corymbs or panicles, white; Sepals acute; Petals linear, oblong, obtuse; Ovary 2 celled, style cylindric; Fruits ovoid, rugose, black when ripe; seeds embedded in mucilage. Flowering and fruiting between December to July in Chhattisgarh conditions.
This is positive sign that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. I am confident when the information on medicinal uses in form of popular articles will reach to the natives, they will use the leaves for many purposes other than its use to give flavour to the curries. I am feeling proud to write that this article is the first written document on traditional medicinal uses of Mitha Neem in Chhattisgarh, India.

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