Some less known traditional uses of common herbs in Chhattisgarh, India used in treatment of Spleen related troubles

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

In case of complication in spleen related troubles, the traditional healers of Bastar region prepare a special herbal combination. In this combination they use many common herbs. The seeds of Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Kaner root bark (Nerium odorum), seeds of Kakdi (Cucumis melo var. utilissimus), seeds of Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) and dry flowers of indigenous Gulab (Rosa indica) are taken in equal proportion and with the help of Makoi (Solanum indicum) herb juice, small globules are prepared. This globule is given internally twice a day till complete cure. It is considered as one of the promising herbal combinations. This combination is limited to very few healers and in general they do not disclose it to the patients. The healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are aware of this combination upto some extent but they add more herbs in it. Through the ethnobotanical surveys, I have found the healers of Bastar region using this formulation with confidence and their patients are getting relief in less time. The ingredients used in this combination are commonly available. It is surprising to see the herbs of Kasni in Chhattisgarh. But it is present in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh where new agricultural technologies have reached. Kasni is introduced in Chhattisgarh as weed with fodder crops and spread all over the state. The traditional healers still remember that in early days they were purchasing the seeds of Kasni from herb shops or through herb vendors but when they found it around the crop fields, they started its use. Although in reference literatures of weed sciences, the mixture of weed seeds with crop seeds is not considered good practice but many times this bad practice supports the healers. The spread of Kasni is not very rapid and problematic in Chhattisgarh. The healers aware of its use are glad that they are getting genuine material. Another ingredient Makoi is a common field as well as wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers use this herbal combination in special cases and in normal cases, they simply try other herbs. In normal cases, they use Mooli (Radish) very frequently. Its juice is given with common salt internally. Externally, Mooli and Til (Sesamum indicum) seeds are mixed in equal proportion and applied externally in form of aqueous paste. According to the healers, both internal and external use of Mooli as a time, cures the trouble in very less time. The healers also use Mooli alone and by mixing it in Sirka (Vinegar) apply it in externally in same manner. Mooli is a popular vegetable crop in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region, suggest the patients having the problem of spleen to prepare a special Herbal Mala having Piaz (Onion) bulb. According to them, the use of this Herbal Mala during treatment helps the patients to get early relief. This was new information for me. Although the healers have no scientific explanation for this use but their confidence and faith in this unique use, have forced me to find out the scientific reasons. In my previous articles, I have mentioned, that the natives keep the Onion bulb with them during summer days in order to protect them from hot winds and sunstroke. This traditional use is in existence since time immemorial. Through this article. I would like to request the researchers to help me to find out the scientific explanations. The traditional healers of Northern hilly region of Chhattisgarh use the dry leaves of Kareel (Capparis decidua) in combination with Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) internally in treatment of spleen related troubles. I have yet not observed this use in other parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region, use the roots of medicinal herb Chita (Plumbago zeylenica) in combination with Sirka (Vinegar) in treatment. The roots are dried and converted into powder. With the help of Sirka, an aqueous paste is prepared and applied externally. According to the healers, they are using this combination since generations without modification. In general, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the patients to increase the consumption of Ajwain (Carum copticum) during treatment. This herb is considered very promising in these troubles.

As above mentioned traditional uses are limited to few healers, the patent drugs based on these formulations are not available in markets. Many healers are against the commercialization. According to them, during commercial manufacturing, the companies ignore the importance of traditional collection procedures and in most of the cases, sub standard herbs are used. They are very true. This is the reason you can find clear difference in effects between the combination prepared by the healers and the same combination available at market.

Thank you very much for reading the article.