Some less known uses of common herbs in Chhattisgarh, India used in treatment of Ringworm.

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

Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India. I have collected information on rarely used herbs and herbal formulations in treatment of Ringworm by the traditional healers. These herbs are used rarely because these are used in case of complicated cases and also the traditional knowledge about the uses is limited to very few healers. In general, the healers want to keep this 'secret' as secret forever but aware of my documentation work, many healers disclosed the formulations for the benefits of whole humanity. In previous articles, I have written a lot on this aspect, but it is not possible to document all the information in few articles. Also only through regular visits and interactions the healers understand the seriousness of work and start to talk without hesitation. Although this article is a supplement to previous articles on Ringworm but you will find more future articles on this aspect. I have mentioned the use of Charota plant parts in treatment of Ringworm both internally and externally, alone or in combination with other herbs, in my previous articles. The traditional healers of Charama region, use the Charota seeds in combination with flowers of Fudhar in treatment. Both plant parts are mixed in equal proportion and after adding Dahi (Curd) in this mixture, an aqueous paste in prepared. This paste is applied externally on affected parts. The healers are aware that alone Charota seeds with Dahi are sufficient to treat general cases but to make the formulation more strong they add Fudhar flowers. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are not aware of this unique combination. The scientific name of Charota is Cassia tora and Fudhar is Calotropis gigantea. Both herbs occur as wasteland weed in Chhattisgarh. Charota is rainy season weed whereas Fudhar is perennial weed. The traditional healers prefer fresh seeds because the older or badly stored seeds loose medicinal properties. The white flowered species of Fudhar is considered best for this combination. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the seeds of Imli (Tamarind) in combination with Singhara (Trapanatans) fruit powder externally in treatment of Ringworm. It is used in advanced stages when all common herbs fail. Both herb parts are mixed in equal proportion and converted into aqueous paste with the help of Nimbu (Lemon juice). This traditional use is also limited to few traditional healers.

In this region, Imli trees grow naturally in abundance. Singhara is an aquatic herb. For the botany of these herbs, I suggest you to read the previous articles. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region, use the rare species of Haldi, Kali Haldi (Curcuma caesia) in treatment. In general, common Haldi (Curcuma longa) is used. Kali Haldi rhizome is burnt and ash is collected. The ash mixed with Chuna (CaCO3) and Paan leaf juice (Piper betle) is applied externally in affected parts. The healers consider it as one of the promising treatments. According to them, this combination can treat all cases but it must not be used at initial stages. The traditional healers of Sarguja region informed me about the unique herbal combination. In this combination, they mix the roots of Palak and Juhi in equal proportion and by using Nimbu juice prepare the aqueous paste in same manner. Palak is a popular vegetable crop in Chhattisgarh. The medicinal properties of its roots have not been studied and this is the reason very less information's are available in reference literatures. The scientific name of Palak is Spinacia oleracia. Juhi is an ornamental herb, planted in home gardens for its fragrant flowers. The scientific name of Juhi is Jasminum auriculatum. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region use the seeds of Karayal (Nigella sativa) for this purpose. They mix the seeds in Sirka (Vinegar) and prepare paste. This paste is applied externally. To make the combination more strong the healers mix the roots of Kasaundi (Cassia sophera) in equal proportion. When the roots are used, in place of Sirka, the healers use Nimbu juice for preparing the paste. The traditional healers of Kondagaon region use the seeds of Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica ) for this purpose. The seeds are used externally with Sirka. They also use the fresh latex of common medicinal tree Doomar (Ficus glomerata) for this purpose. The use of Kuchla is considered as more promising as compared to the use of Doomar latex.

Most of the above mentioned use have not been described in detail in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. The healers have disclosed these formulations for the welfare of whole world. Their valuable knowledge is spreading through my articles. I am thankful to the God for giving me chance to serve the whole world for through this noble cause.

Thank you very much for reading the article.