Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used for Abortion 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 useful in Abortion. Unfortunately, the early workers have not written much on this important aspect in Chhattisgarh. 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 traditional healers of Mungeli region of Chhattisgarh, use the bark of common medicinal tree Munga (Moringa oleifera) for this purpose. A decoction is prepared by boiling the bark and Gud (Jaggery) in water. This decoction is given internally for Abortion. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the seeds of common winter weed Bathua (Chenopodium album) for this purpose. They boil the 25 gms. of seeds in half litre of water. When half quantity (of initial quantity) of solution remains, boiling is stopped and decoction is given internally. Many healers use whole herb in place of seeds for this purpose but the use of seeds is more common. The healers of this region also use the aqueous paste prepared by mixing the fresh flowers of Jason (Hibiscus rosasinensis) in water. This paste is applied externally on Pedu for this purpose. The traditional healers of Gunderdehi village informed me about the use of Anar fruit rind for this purpose. According to him, the rind is put in fire and woman needing Abortion is advised to inhale the fume. I have yet not seen its practical use. Anar (Punica granatum) is a popular fruit tree in Chhattisgarh, commonly planted in home gardens. The traditional healers of tribal belts of Chhattisgarh use Indrayan for this purpose. The fruits are squeezed and juice is collected. A piece of cotton having the juice is kept inside the vagina. It is popular among the healers. The scientific name of Indrayan is Citrullus colocynthis. The healers also use a young twigs of Andi (Ricinus communis). The twigs are dipped in Andi seed oil and kept inside the vagina in same manner. The healers of Kanker region informed me about the use of Punarnava roots. The root piece is kept side the vagina. Many healers dip the root piece in herbal solutions before use. They use many common herbs for this purpose. Ghikuar (Aloe vera) is one of these herbs. The healers of Untkatara (Echinops echinatus) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the aqueous paste prepared by rubbing its roots in water externally for Abortion. During my surveys in Kondagaon region, I got information on herbal combination prepared by mixing the Gel of Aloe vera, roots of Boerhaavia diffusa and seeds of Madhuca latifolia in equal proportion. By mixing these herbs small globules are prepared and kept inside the vagina. All herbs used in this formulation are locally available.
The natives of Chhattisgarh are also well aware off many of these uses but they use these herbs under strict supervision of the traditional healers because they are aware that the wrong use can result in harmful consequences even death of the patients. Aware of misuse of formulation, in general, the healers hesitate to disclose the formulations. I have also faced the problem in collection of these information's. I am expecting that through on-going surveys, I will be able to collect more information on this aspect.

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