Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. 63. Dhawda (Anogeissus latifolia)

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

Although Dhawda is common tree in Chhattisgarh but the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh are not much aware of its medicinal uses and properties. The natives use its Gond (Gum) is different preparation. Although in industrial terms, this Gond is considered as promising substitute to Babool (Acacia nilotica) Gond (Gum Arabic) but according to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, from medicinal point of view, the nature of both Gonds are different and this is the reason they do not use Dhawda Gond as substitute to Babool Gond and vice-versa, in their routine practice. They are not ready to consider one as superior and other as inferior in terms of medicinal properties. According to the reference literatures, in trade Dhawda gum is known as Gum Ghatti. It is used in petroleum industry as drilling mud conditioner and in explosive industry. Among the natives of Chhattisgarh this tree is well known as timber yielding tree having good demand. Through the ethnobotanical surveys, conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India, I have noted few (but important) medicinal uses of Dhawda. I am giving the details in this article. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, use the roots, fruits and bark of Dhawda as medicine but bark is used most commonly. They use bark alone or in combination with others herbs in treatment of many common diseases. Its use in treatment of Jaundice is very popular among the traditional healers. The healers use its bark both internally as well as externally in treatment of Piles. Externally it is used in two ways. The decoction is prepared by boiling the bark in water and patients are advised to wash the anus with the decoction. In second way, the bark is burnt and anus is exposed to coming fumes. The traditional healers use the decoction internally as treatment. In general, both internal and external uses are followed to get rid from Piles in less time. The healers also use it as appetizer. The fruits of Dhawda are used in treatment of diarrhoea. Its use in treatment of respiratory diseases is also popular. Like bark, roots are also used in treatment of liver related troubles. I am describing its botany, I have noted from reference literatures. Botanically, Dhawda is a tree having height upto 25 meters; bark grayish, white smooth; Leaves alternate or sub-opposite, elliptic or ovate-elliptic, glabrous, apex obtuse, base obtuse or truncate; Inflorescence axillary and terminal; flower heads 2-5, racemose; Flowers yellow; Fruits glabrous, persistent calyx-stalk 4-6 mm long, curved. Flowering and fruiting time Aug-April in Chhattisgarh conditions. Dhawda holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, Dhawda is stomachic, increases biliousness, cooling, improves taste and appetite and useful in treatment of anemia, discharges, skin troubles, erysipelas etc. its leaves are useful in treatment of ear related troubles. According to Unani system of medicine, its bark is bitter, astringent to the bowels and useful in treatment of liver complaints, chronic diarrhoea and eye-sores. Dhawda is in list of medicinal herbs having fair demand in national and international markets. Its name is present in the list because of the demand of its gum. According to the herb collectors and traders of Chhattisgarh, the demand of other parts is very less. Its presence in other parts of India, is one of the reasons responsible. Through the on-going surveys, I am trying my best to gather more information and its traditional uses in Chhattisgarh.

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