Interactions with the herb collectors of Chhattisgarh, India having traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of 9. Bavasir (Piles).

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

The herb collectors of Chhattisgarh collect all parts of Kukronda specially its roots for trading .Kukronda (Blumea lacera) is one of the common weeds in Chhattisgarh that occurs in starting of winter season and remains upto starting of summer. The herb collectors are aware of different medicinal properties and use of this herb. Its use in treatment of Piles is popular among them. The leaf juice is applied externally on Piles in order to reduce the bleeding and also the pain. The aqueous paste of leaves is also applied in same manner. The root is kept inside the mouth. According to the herb collectors both internal as well as external use cures to problem of Piles effectively. The leaves and roots collected before flowering is considered as best. As this is a weed, in different locations one can find the plants at different stages. This is the reason, the potential leaves and roots are available round the season and they never miss the chance to utilize it. The herb collected also informed me about the use of Kaner Jad (Thevetia nerifolia roots) in treatment of Piles. The roots are collected frequently by them for trade. They prefer the Kaner herbs growing in wild to collect the roots. The roots are collected and after crushing it in cold water, an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on Piles. According to the herb collectors, it is useful paste but less powerful in comparison to Blumea roots. The herb collectors of Gandai region informed me about the herbal combination used in treatment of Piles. In this herbal combination, the leaves of Bhang (Cannabis sativa), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Neel (Indigofera sp.) Neem, Bakain (Melia azedarach) and Imli (Tamarind) are mixed in equal proportion and after adding water in it, the mixture is boiled. The patients having the problem of Piles are suggested to expose the anus in fumes coming from the mixture. In case of complicataions, the herb collectors add more herbs like Doobi (Cynodon dactylon), in the mixture. All ingredients used in this formulation occur as common herbs in this part of Chhattisgarh. According to the herb collectors, this combination is not only cheap but also very effective. The herb collectors further informed me about the use of Sun seeds (Crotolaria juncea) in treatment. The seeds are burnt and ash is collected. This ash is applied externally in form of paste. Sun in under cultivation as fibre yielding crop in many parts of Chhattisgarh, hence its availability is not a problem. The herb collectors of Narharpur region informed me about the use of Indrajau seeds (Wrightia tinctoria) as purgative in treatment. The seeds are taken internally with cold water. Its intake cures the problem of bleeding Piles effectively. In general, the herb collectors of this region, take the Harra (Terminalia chebula) fruit powder with sugar internally in order to manage the problem. According to them its daily use in this form stops the problem to come into aggressive form. Many collectors roast the Harra in cow ghee and take it with sugar. This tree is common in this part and its different parts are the great source of income for the herb collectors. The herb collectors of Charama region, use Aonla fruits and Mehndi leaves for treatment. The Aonla fruits are converted into powder and equal proportion of Mehndi leaves are mixed. This mixture is soaked in water overnight and next morning, leachate is taken empty stomach. This leachate is considered promising in treatment of Piles. Aonla fruits of wild origin are preferred. This region is well known for rich natural population of both Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) and Mehhndi (Lawsonia alba). Both herbs are in trade also. Like the fruit of Harra, the herb collectors of Narharpur region are using, the fruits pulp of Kanja (Karanj, Pongamia sp.) Are also considered promising in treatment. The pulp is taken with sugar once in a day, till complete cure. The herb collectors of Durg region, informed about the use of Bambri (Acacia nilotica) flowers in treatment. The fresh flowers with sugar are taken. The herb collectors of Southern Chhattisgarh informed that Doomar fruits can be used for this purpose. According to them, both green and dry fruits are useful. It is taken internally with Sugar. Doomar (Ficus glomerata) is a common medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I have observed that the natives, traditional healers and herb collectors, all have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Piles. I have written a lot on this aspect but as I conduct new surveys, it seems that many new informations are waiting for me. You can expect more articles on this aspect.

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