Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about flowers of indigenous herbs used to treat common diseases by natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, India

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

In Gandai region of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers very frequently use the flowers of Dhawai to treat acute and chronic troubles of piles specially the bleeding piles. During my visit to this forest region, I have noted abundance of Dhawai plants. Dhawai is an important non-timber forest produce of Chhattisgarh and like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), it is also exported to other countries from Gandai region. For piles, traditional healers use Dhawai flowers both internally and externally. During my ethnomedico survey. I noted that many natives are also aware of its use in piles. It is common recommendation to put Dhawai flower in water whole night and next morning patients are advised to drink the leachate (i.e. presence in water). According to the traditional healers, use of Dhawai flower in this way is beneficial for all even to the person having no problem of piles. This is good remedy for constipation. The traditional healers informed me although they recommend it to every one having constipation but in Gandai area generally normal person avoid to take it regularly. When I talked to the natives, they informed that regular use of Dhawai as preventive is beneficial for constipation but produces dizziness and anxiety. But it is not common symptom found in every case When I discussed this problem, with the traditional healer of Raipur region, he told me that the natives of Gandai region are adopting incomplete process. According to him, after taking the leachate, one must take a teaspoonful of sugar, in order to suppress or eliminate the harmful effects. I informed the traditional healers of Gandai, about sugar intake, they readily adopted this and today they are using it without any after effects. Dhawai flower with leaves of Rahar (Cajanus cajan), Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) and Lodrh (Symplocos paniculata) is put on fire and the patients suffering from piles are advised to keep the affected part (i.e. anus) in fumes for quick relief. Many traditional healers use the leaves of Nirgundi (Vitex nigundo) and Kukronda (Blumea lacera) in this combination. During by train journey from Raipur to Delhi, a senior Ayurved practioner of Bhopal informed me that in this combination one can use the Bhang leaves (Cannabis sativa) successful. According to him, Dhawai flower is an essential component in this combination and there is no substitute. Other herbs can be added or replaced according to the availability of herbs. Now I am studying the number of combinations in use in different parts of India.

Common and popular names of Hulhul (Cleome viscosa) around the world.
Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1) Arabic	Bantakalan, Oddar
2) Bengal	Hurhuria
3) Kanarese	Huchassavi, Nayibela
4) French	Herbe puante
5) Gujarati	Talvani, Tilwan, Tinmani
6) Hindi	Hulhul, Hurhur, Jangliharror
7) Marathi	Kanphodi, Harhuria, Kanphuti
8) Portuguese	Bredo mamma
9) Sanskrit	Adityabhakta, Arkabhakta, Arkakanta, Manduki, Mandukparni, Raviprita, Suteja, Tilpatri
10) Sinhalese	Ranmanissa, Walaba
11) Tamil	Nayikudagu, Nayivelai
12) Telugu	Kukhavavulu, Kukhavaminta
13) Urdu	Hulhul

The flowering and Fruting Time of Some Indian Herbs

S.No.	Name	Flowering & Fruiting Time
1	Cocculus hirsutus	Sept.-Dec.
2	Cocculus pendulus	Nov.-Dec.
3	Tinospora cordifolia	Feb.-Apr.
4	Nymphaea nouchali	Oct.
5	Nymphaea pubescens	Oct.
6	Argemone mexicana	Nov.-May
7	Fumaria indica	Nov.-Feb.
8	Coronopus didymus	Sept.-Feb.
9	Eruca vesicaria	Dec.-Feb.
10	Farsetia hamiltonii	Mostly Aug.-Jan. or throughout when perennating.
11	Farsetia macrantha	Aug.-Jan.
12	Lepidium sativum	Jan.-March
13	Raphanus sativus	Oct.-Feb.
14	Sisymbrium irio	Nov.-Feb.
15	Cadaba fruticosa	Nov.-March; Fr. April-Aug.
16	Capparis decidua	Mar.-Apr. and also Sept.-Oct. Fr. : May-June or Nov.
17	Cleome gracilis	Aug.-Dec.
18	Cleome gynandra	July-Dec.
19	Cleome gynandra	Oct.-Nov.
20	C. vahliana	Almost througout the year.
21	Cleome viscosa	July-Oct.
22	Dipterygium glaucum	Sept.-Nov.
23	Mareua oblongifolia	Nov.-Dec. Fr. : Dec.-Jan.
24	Viola cinerea	Sept.-Nov.
25	Polygala erioptera	Aug.-Oct.
26	Polygala erioptera	Sept.
27	Polygala irregularis	Sept.-Dec.
28	Polycarpaea corymbosa	Sept.-Dec.
29	Spergula fallax	Nov.-Mar.
30	Stellaria media	Jan.-Apr.
31	Portulaca meridiana	July-Feb.
32	Portulaca oleracea	Aug.-Dec.
33	Portulaca quadrifida	Sept.-Dec. (rarely throughout the year)
34	Portulaca tuberosa	Sept.-Nov.
35	Talinum protulacifolium	Aug.-Oct.
36	Tamarix aphylla	Dec.-April
37	Tamarix dioica	Nov.-Feb.
38	Tamarix ericoides	Nov.-Feb.
39	Tamarix troupii	Aug.-Nov.; Fr. Dec.-Feb.
40	Bergia ammannioides	Sept.-Dec.
41	Bergia suffruticosa	Oct.-Dec.
42	Abelmoschus moschatus	Fl.:Nov. : Fr. : Nov.-Jan.
43	Abutilon bidentatum	Oct.-Nov.
44	A bidentatum
45	Abutilon fruticosum	Sept.-Jan.
46	Abutilon indicum	Oct.-April.
47	Abutilon indicum	Oct.-Nov.
48	Abutilon pakistanicum
49	Abutilon pannosum	Oct.-May.
50	Abutilon ramosum	Aug.-Oct.
	Alhthaea ludwigii	Jan.-March.
	Hibiscus caesius	Aug.-Oct.
	Hibiscus cannabinus	Aug.-Oct.
	Hibiscus lobatus	Aug.-Oct.
	Hibiscus obtusilobus	Sept.-Oct.
	Hibiscus ovalifolius	Aug.-Nov.
	Hibiscus palmatus
	Malva parviflora	Dec.-March
	Malvasatrum coromandelianum	Aug.-Jan.
	Pavonia arabica	Aug.-Oct.
	P. arabica glutinosa	Sept.-Nov.
	P. arabica var. massuriensis	Aug.
	Pavonia odorata	Oct. (BH)
	Pavonia procumbens	Sept.-Nov.
	Pavonia zeylanica	Sept.-Nov.
	Sida acuta	Sept.-Oct.
	Sida alba	Sept.-Jan.
	Sida cordata	Almost througout the year but mainly at the end of rainy season.
	Sida cordifolia	Sept.-Dec.
	Sida ovata	Oct.-Jan.
	Sida rhombifolia	Aug.-Oct.
	Sida tiagii	Aug.-Dec.
	Bombbax malabaricum	Feb.- March.
	Helectres isora	Sept.-Nov.
	Melhania denhamii	Sept.-Nov.
	Melhania futteyporensis	Aug.-Feb.
	Melhania futteyporensis	Nov.(BH)
	Malhania magnifolia	Aug.-Dec.
	Sterculia urens	Nov.-April
	Waltheria indica	Sept.-Feb.
	Corchorus aestuans	Aug.-Dec.
	Corchorus depressus	Almost throughout the year.
	Corchorus fascicularis	Oct.-Nov.
	Corchorus olitorius	Aug.-Oct.
	Corchous tridens	Sept.-Dec.
	Corchorus trilocularis	Oct.-Nov.
	Corchorus	Sept.-Nov.
	Grewia abutilifolia	July-Oct.
	Grewia damine	Sept.-Nov.
	Grewia tenax	Aug.-Oct.; Fr. Sept.-Dec.
	Grewia villosa	July-Oct.
	Triumfetta pentandra	Aug.-Oct.
	Fagonia bruguieri	Sept.-March
	rechingeri	Sept.-March
	Fagonia indica	Sept.-March
	Fagonia schweinfurthii	Almost throughout the year.
	Peganum harmala	March-Oct.
	Seetzenia lanata	Aug.-Nov.
	Tribulus lanuginosus	Almost throughout the year.
	Tribulus pentandrus	Aug.-Nov.
	macropterus	Aug.-Oct.
	pterophorus	Aug.-Oct.
	Tribulus rajasthanensis
	Tribulus terrestris	Aug.-Dec.
	Zygophyllum simplex	Oct.-Nov.
	Erodium cicutarium	Sept.-Oct.
	Monsonia heliotropioides	Sept.-Nov.
	Monsonia senegalensis	Sept.-Nov.
	Oxalis corniculata	More or less throughout the year
	Oxalis corymbosa	Nov.-Jan.
	Oxalis latifolia	Sept.-Oct.
	Limonia elephantum	Fl. : Mar.-April, Fr. L June-Oct.
	Ailanthus excelsa	Fl.:Dec.-Feb.; Fr. : Feb.-April
	Balanites aegyptiaca	October (BH)
	Boswellia serrata
	Commiphora wightii
	Azadirachta indica	Mar.-May
	Maytenus emarginata	Oct.-Feb.
	Ziziphus glabrata	Fl.:Sept.-Oct.; Fr.: Dec.-Jan.
	Ziziphus mauritiana	Sept.-Dec.
	Ziziphus nummularia	Fl. : Aug.-Oct.; Fr. : Oct.-Dec.
	Ziziphus truncata	Oct.-Nov.
	Ziziphus xylopyrus	Oct.-(BH)
	Cardiospermum halicacabum	Sept.-Nov.
	Rhus mysorensis	July-Sept.
	Moringa concanesis	Nov.-Jan.
	Moringa oleifera
	Abrus precatorius	Oct.-Nov.
	Aeschynonene indica	Aug.-Nov.
	Alhagi maurorum
	Alysicarpus glumaceus	Fl.: Aug.-Oct.; Fr. : Oct.-Nov.
	Alysicarpus heterophyllus	Sept.-Feb.
	Alysicarpus longifolius	Sept.
	Alysicarpus monilifer	Aug.-Oct.
	Alysicarpus monilifer	Nov.
	Alysicarpus procumbens	Oct.-Nov.(BH)
	Alysicarpus styracifolius	Oct.(BH)
	Alysicarpus vaginalis	Oct.-Nov.
	Atylosia scarabaeoides	Aug.-Nov.
	Butea monosperma	Fl.:Feb.-April; Fr.: April-June.
	Clitoria ternatea	Fl. : July-Nov.; Fr. : Apr.-June
	Crotalaria burhia	Aug.-Jan.
	Crotalaria medicaginea	Aug.-Dec.
	Crotalaria retusa	Oct. (BH)
	Cyamopsis tetragonoloba	Sept.-Nov.
	Dalbergia sissoo	Feb.-May
	Derris indica	Nov.-June
	Goniogyna hirta	Aug.-Nov.
	Indigofera argentea	Almost throughout the year.
	Indigofera astragalina	Sept.-Nov.
	Indigofera caerulea	Aug.-Nov.
	Indigofera cordifolia	Aug.-Nov.
	Indigofera hochstetteri	Aug.-Oct.
	Indigofera linifolia	Aug.-Oct.
	Indigofera linnaei	Sept.-Dec.
	Indigofera oblongifolia	Sept.-March
	Indigofera sessiliflora	Sept.-Nov.
	Indigofera tinctoria	Sept.-Nov.
	Lathyrus aphaca	Feb.-March
	Lathyrus sativus	Jan.-March
	Macrotyloma uniflorum	Oct.-Nov.
	Medivago laciniata	March-April.
	Medicago sativa	July-Dec.
	Melilotus alba	Jan.-March
	Melilotus indica	Dec.-March
	Psoralea odorata	Nov.-March
	Rhynchosia aurea	Aug.-Oct.
	Rhynchosia minima	Aug.-Oct.
	Rhynchosia pulverulenta	Sept.-Dec.
	Rhynchosia schimperi	Aug.-Sept.
	Sesbania bispinosa	Sept.-Nov.
	Sesbania sesban	Oct.
	Taverniera cuneifolia	Sept.-Oct.
	Tephrosia falciformis	Aug.-Oct.
	Tephrosia leptostachya	Aug.-Oct.
	Tephrosia purpurea	July-Dec.
	Tephrosia strigosa	Aug.-Oct.
	Tephrosia subtriflora	Aug.-Nov.
	Tephrosia uniflora	Sept.-Nov.
	Tephrosia villosa	Nov.-Feb.
	Tephrosia wallichii	Aug.-Dec.
	Trigonella corniculata	Feb.-April.
	Trigonella foenum-graecum	Jan.-April
	Trigonells hamosa	Jan.-March
	Trigonella monantha	Feb.-March
	Trigonella occulta	Feb.-March
	Vicia sativa	Jan.-April
	Vigna aconitifolia	Aug.-Nov.
	Vigna mungo	Sept.-Oct.
	Vigna radiata	Sept.-Oct.
	Vigna trilobata	Sept.-Nov.
	Zornia gibbosa	July-Oct.
	Bauhinia racemosa	Fl.:May-June; Fr.:Aug.-Nov.
	Cassia auriculata	Almost throughout the year.
	Cassia italica	Aug.-Jan.
	Cassia obtusifolia	Oct.Dec.
	Cassia occidentalis	Oct.-Dec.
	Cassia pumila	Aug.-Dec.
	Cassia sophera	Sept.-Jan.
	Delonix elata	Fl.:Mar.-July; Fr.:Upto Nov.
	Parkinsonia aculeata	Fl.:Dec.-March;Fr.: Apr.-June.
	Acacia jacquemontii	Fl.:Dec.-Feb.; Fr.: Mar.-May.
	Acacia leucophloea	Ft.:Sept.-Nov.; Fr.: Nov.-March.
	Acacia nilotica	Fl.:May-Oct.; Fr.: Dec.-April
	Acacia pennata	Sept.-Nov.
	Acacia senegal	July-Jan.
	Dichrostachys cinerea	Aug.-Nov.
	Leucaena latisiliqua	Feb.-May
	Albizia lebbeck	Fl.:June-Aug.; Fr.: Aug.-Nov.
	Mimosa hamata	Fl.:Aug.-Nov.; Fr.:Dec.-Feb.
	Pithecellobium dulce	Nov.-April
	Prsopis chilensis	Almost throughout the year.
	Prosopis cineraria	Fl.:Dec.-Apr.; Fr.:Mar.-June.
	Prosopis glandulosa	Aug.-Oct.
	Neurada procumbens	Oct.-Dec.
	Potentilla supina	Jan.-March
	Anogeissus caronata	Aug.-Nov.
	Anogeissus pendula	Fl.:Sept.; Fr.: Oct.-Nov.
	Anogeissus rotundifolia	Fl.:Sept.-Oct.; Fr.: Dec.-Jan.
	Ammannia baccifera	Aug.-Nov.
	Ammannia desertorum	Sept.-Oct.
	Ammannia multiflora	Oct.-Nov.
	Bistella digyna	Oct.-Jan.
	Ludwigia perennis	Aug.-Sept.
	Trapa natans	Sept.-Nov.
	Citrullus colocythis	Almost throughout the year.
	Citrullus fistulosus	July-Nov.
	Citrullua lanatus	Aug.-Dec.
	Coccinia grandis	Almost throughout the year.
	Corallocarpus conocarpus	Oct.-Dec.
	Corallocarpus epigaeus	Aug.-Nov.
	Ctenolepis cerasiformis	Oct.-Dec.; Fr.: Nov.-Feb.
	Cucumis callosus	Aug.-Nov.
	Cucumis melo	Fl.:Aug.-Nov.; Fr.: Nov.-Jan.
	Cucumis melo var. momordica	Fl.:Aug.-Nov.; Fr.: Nov.-Dec.
	Cucumis prophetarum	Aug.-Jan.
	Dactyliandra welwitschii	Aug.-Nov.
	Luffa acutangula	Aug.-Oct.
	Luffa echinata	Aug.-Oct.
	Momordica balsamina	Almost throughout the year, but more profusely Aug.-Nov.
	Momordica Charantia	July-Nov.
	Momordica dioica	Sept.-Dec.
	Mukia leiosperma	Nov.
	Mukia maderaspatana	Aug.-Dec.
	Opuntia elatior	Fl.:Apr.-June; Fr.:May-July.
	Corbichonia decumbens	Aug.-Oct.
	Gisekia pharnacioides	Aug.-Nov.
	Glinus lotoides	Fl.:Nov.-Feb.; Fr.: Dec.-March.
	Limeum indicum	Aug.-Oct.
	Mollugo cerviana	Sept.-Nov.
	Mollugo nudicaulis	Sept.-Nov.
	Sesuvium sesuvioides	Oct.-Dec.
	Trianthema portulacastrum	Aug.-Dec.
	Trinathema triquetra	Oct.-Dec.
	Adina cordifolia	Sept.-Nov.
	Borreria articularis	Aug.-Nov.
	Borreria pusilla	Aug.-Oct.
	Dentella repens	Nov.-May.
	Hedyotis corymbosa	Aug.-Nov.
	Kohautia aspera	Aug.-Nov.
	Mitragyna parvifolia	June-Aug.
	Acanthospermum hispidum	Sept.-Dec.
	Ageratum conyzoides	Almost throughout the good year.
	Ageratum houstonianum	Dec.-April
	Bidens biternata	Aug.-Oct.
	Blainvillea acmella	Aug.-Nov.
	Blumea lacera	Dec.-March
	Blumea obliqua	Almost throughout the year.
	Caesulia axillaris	Aug.-Oct.
	Carthamus oxycantha	May-July.
	Cotula hemisperica	Oct.-Feb.
	Dicoma tomentosa	Oct.-Dec.
	Echinops echinatus	Dec.-April.
	Eclipta prostrata	Almost throughout the year in suitable habitats; otherwise Sept.-Dec.
	Glossocardia setosa	Oct.-Nov.
	Gnaphalium luteo-album	Dec.-Feb.
	Gnaphalium polycaulon	Nov.-march
	Gnaphalium pulvinatum	Dec.-Feb.
	Ghaphalium pensylvanicum	Jan.-March.
	Grangea maderaspatana	Almost throughout the year.
	Lactuca runcinata	Oct.-Dec.
	Lagascea mollis	Oct.-Jan.
	Launaea procumbens	Oct.-March.
	Launaea remotiflora	Sept.-Nov.
	Launaea resedifolia	Almost throughout the year.
	Oligochaeta ramosa	Oct.-March.
	Pentanema indicum	Sept.-Nov.
	Pegolettia senegalensis	Sept.-Oct.
	Pluchea lanceolata	Oct.-March.
	Pluchea wallichiana	Nov.-March
	Pulicaria angustifolia	Sept.-Nov.
	Pulicaria crispa	Sept.-Mar.
	Pulicaria rajputanae	Oct.-Jan.
	Pulicaria wightiana	Aug.-Dec.
	Sonchus asper	Nov.-Jan.
	Sonchus oleraceus	Dec.-March.
	Sphaeranthus senegalensis	Jan.-March.
	Tridax procumbens	Oct.-Nov.
	Verbesina encelioides	Oct.-Feb.
	Vernonia cinerascens	Oct.-Jan.
	Vernonia cinerea	Sept.-Nov.
	Xanthium strumarium	Sept.-Dec.
	Anagallis arvensis	Dec.-April.
	Dyerophytum indicum	Nov.-Feb.
	Plumbago zeylanica	Nov.
	Salvadora oleoides	Fl.:Mar.-April; Fr.: May-June.
	Cathaeanthus pusillus	July-Oct.
	Wrightia tinctoria	Fl.:Mar.-April; Fr.: Aug.-Dec.
	Calotropis gigantea	Oct.-July.
	Calotropis procera	Almost throughout the year.
	Caralluma edulis	Fl.:Feb.-Sept.; Fr.: March-May.
	Ceropegia bulbosa	July-Oct.
	Glossonema varians	Aug.-Nov.
	Leptadenia pyrotechnica	Fl.: Agu.-Dec.; Fr. : Nov.-March.
	Pentatropis spiralis	Fl.: Oct.-Jan.; Fr.: Dec.-Feb.
	Pergularia daemia	Aug.-Dec.
	Sarcostemma acidum	Aug.-Nov.
	Wattakaka volubilis	Fl.:Apr.-July.; Fr. : Aug.-Feb.
	Cryptostegia grandiflora	Fl.:July-Jan.; Fr.: Jan.-April.
	Enicostema axillare	June-Dec.
	Hoppea dichotoma	Sept.-Dec.
	Arnebia hispidissima	Sept.-March
	Coldenia procumbens	Mar.-June.
	Heliotropium bacciferum	Aug.-May.
	Heliotropium curassavicum	March-Dec.
	Heliotropium ellipticum	Nov.-April
	Heliotropium marifolium	Throughout the year.
	Heliotropium ovalifolium	Nov.-April.
	Heliotropium paniculatum	Sept.-Nov.
	Heliotropium rariflorum	Sept.-Dec.
	Heliotropium strigosum	Oct.-Dec.
	Heliotropium subulatum	Oct.-April.
	Heliotropium supinum	Feb.-April.
	Nonea edgeworthii	Jan.-March.
	Sericostoma pauciflorum	Almost throughout the year.
	Trichodesma ampelxicaule	Aug.-Dec.
	Cordia gharaf	Fl.:Mar.-April; Fr.: May-June.
	Ehretia aspera	Mar.-May.
	Argyreia nervosa	Aug.-Nov.
	Convolvulus arvensis	Sept.-March.
	Convolvulus auricomus	Oct.-Nov.
	C. auricomus	Oct.-Nov.
	C. auticomus	Sept.-Oct.
	Convolvulus blatteri	Oct.-Nov.
	Convolvulus deserti	Aug.-Nov.
	Convolvulus microphyllus	Aug.-Dec.
	Convolvulus rhyniospermus	Aug.-Nov.
	Concolvulus rottletianus	Oct.-Nov.
	Convolvulus scindicus	Feb.
	Convolvulus stocksii	Sept.-Nov.
	Cressa cretica	Nov.-March.
	Evolvulus alsinoides	Aug.-Nov.
	Ipomoea aquatica	Oct.-Dec.
	Ipomoea carica	Throughout the year.
	Ipomoea carica	Sept.-Nov.
	Ipomoea carnea	Sept.-Jan.
	Ipomoea coptica	July-Sept.
	Ipomoea dichroa	Sept.-Nov.
	Ipomoea eriocarpa	Aug.-Nov.
	Ipomoea hederifolia	Sept.-Oct.
	Ipomoea indica	Oct.-Nov.
	Ipomoea nil	Aug.-Nov.
	Ipomoea obscura	Oct.-Jan.
	Ipomoea pescaprae	Aug.-March.
	Ipomoea pestigridis	Sept.-Nov.
	Ipomoea quamoclit	Aug.-Oct.
	Ipomoea sindica	Aug.-Nov.
	Ipomoea turbinata	Sept.-Nov.
	Ipomoea verticillata	July-Aug.
	Merremia aegyptia	Sept.-Nov.
	Merremia dissecta	Almost throughout the year.
	Merremia emarginata	Oct.-Feb.
	Merremia quinquefolia	Aug.-Dec.
	Merremia rajasthnensis	Aug.-Sept.
	Rivea hypocrateriformis	Aug.-Dec.
	Seddera latifolia	Oct.-March.
	Cuscuta chinensis	Aug.-Oct.
	Cuscuta hyalina	Aug.-Nov.
	Cuscuta reflexa	Fl.: Nov.-Jan; Fr.: Jan.-March.
	Datura ferox	Sept.-Dec.
	Datura innoxia	Sept.-March.
	Datura metel	Sept.-Jan.
	Datura stramonium	Sept.-Dec.
	Lycium barbarum	Oct.-Jan.
	Nicotiana plumbaginifolia	March-Oct.
	Lycopersicon lycopersicum	Nov.-Feb.
	Physalis minima	Aug.-Nov.
	Physalis minima	Oct.-march.
	Physalis peruviana	Sept.-Nov.
	Solanum albicaule	Aug.-Dec.
	Solanum incanum	Sept.-Dec.
	Solanum indicum	Oct.-Nov.
	Solanum nigrum	More or less throughout the year
	Solanum surattense	Almost throughout the year.
	Withania coagulans	Nov.-March.
	Withania somnifera	Almost throughout the year.
	Anticharis glandulosa	Sept.-Nov.
	Antichris senegalensis	Aug.-Oct.
	Bacopa monnieri	Jan.-June.
	Dopatrium junceum	Aug.-Oct.
	Glossostigma diandrum	Nov.-Feb.
	Kickxia ramosissima	Sept.-Nov.
	Lindenbergia muraria	Sept.-Feb.
	Lindernia parviflora	Nov.
	Peplidium maritimum	Oct.-Dec.
	Schweinfurthia papilionacea	Oct.-Dec.
	Scoparia dulcis	Almost throughout the year.
	Sopubia delphiniifolia	Oct.
	Striga angustifolia	Aug.-Oct.
	Striga gesnerioides	Aug.-Oct.
	Striga gesnerioides	Oct.-Jan.
	Verbascum chinense	Jan.-April
	Veronica agrestis	Jan.-March.
	Veronica anagallis-aquatica	Dec.-March.
	Cistanche tubulosa	Oct.-March.
	Orobranche aegyptiaca	Jan.-March
	Orobanche cernua	Dec.-April.
	Tecomella undulata	Jan.-April
	Pedalium murex	Aug.-Dec.
	Sesamum indicum	Aug.-Nov.
	Sesamum mulayanum	Aug.-Oct.
	Martynia annua	Aug.-Sept.
	Proboscidea louisiana	Aug.-Nov.
	Adhatoda zeylanica	Almost throughout the year.
	Barleria acanthoides	Sept.-Nov.
	Barleria cristata	Oct.-Jan.
	Barleria hochstetteri	Nov.-Oct.
	Barleria prionitis	Sept.-Dec.
	Blepharis repens	Feb.-April.
	Blepharis sindica	Aug.-Nov.
	Dicliptera verticillata	Aug.-Nov.
	Dipteracanthus patulus	July-Oct.
	Hemiadelphis polyspermus	Jan.-March.
	Hygrophila auriculata	Sept.-Dec.
	Indoneesiella echioides	Sept.-Nov.
	Justicia heterocarpa	Aug.-Nov.
	Justicia procumbens	July-Oct.
	Justicia quinqueangularis	July-Oct.
	Justicia simplex	Oct.-Nov.
	Justicia vahlii	July-Oct.
	Lepidagathis bandraensis	Almost throughout the year, but more profuse during monsoon.
	Lepodagathiss cristata	Oct.-Jan.
	Lepidagathis trivervis	Almost throughout the year.
	Peristrophe paniculata	Sept.-Dec.
	Ruellia tuberosa	Oct.-Dec.
	Bouchea marrubifolia	Sept.-Dec.
	Clerodendrum phlomidis	Oct.-Nov.
	Phyla nodiflora	Almos all the year round.
	Lantana indica	Oct.-Dec.
	Lavandula bipinnata	Nov.-Feb.
	Leucas aspera	Oct.-Nov.
	Leucas cephalotes	Oct.-Dec.
	Leucas nutans	Oct.
	Leucas stricta	Oct.
	Leucass urticaefolia	Oct.-Nov.
	Ocimum americanum	Aug.-Oct.
	Salvia aegyptiaca	Aug.-Dec.
	Salvia santolinifolia	Sept.-Nov.
	Plantago exiqua	Nov.-March.
	Plantago ovata	Jan.-March.
	Boerhavia diffusa	Almos throughout the year.
	Boerhavia elegans	Sept.-Dec.
	Commicarpus verticillatus	Aug.-Feb.
	Achyranthes aspera	Aug.-Dec.
	Achyrathes aspera	Sept.-Dec.
	Aerva persica	Aug.-Jan.
	Aerva pseudotomentosa	Oct.-Feb.
	Aerva sanguinolenta	Oct.-Nov.
	Alternathera pungens	Almost throughout the year.
	Alternanthera sessilis	Throughout the year.
	Amaranthus blitum	Oct.-Nov.
	Amaranthus graecizans	Aug.-Nov.
	Amaranthus hybridus	Oct.-Dec.
	Amaranthus spinosus	Aug.-Nov.
	Amaranthus tricolor	Oct.
	Amaranthus viridis	Almost throughout the year.
	Celosia argentia	Fl.:Aug.-Nov.; Fr.: Oct.-Jan.
	Digera muricata	Aug.-Dec.
	Gomphrena celosioides	Almost throughout the year.
	Nothosaerva brachiata	Oct.-Nov.
	Pupalia lappacea	Aug.-Jan.
	Pupalia orbiculata	Oct.-Nov.
	Chenopodium album	Oct.-Feb.
	Chenopodium ambrosioides	July-Oct.
	Chenopodium murale	Oct.-Feb.
	Haloxylon recurvum	Oct.-Nov.
	Haloxylon salicornicum	Aug.-Dec.
	Salsola baryosma	Nov.-Feb.
	Suaeda fruticosa	Nov.-Jan.
	Suaeda nudiflora	Nov.-Dec.
	Calligonum polygonoides	Apr.-May.
	Emex spinosa	Jan.-March.
	Polygonum plebeium	Oct.-march.
	Polygonum plebeium	Oct.-Nov.
	Rumex dentatus	Sept.-Dec.
	Aristolochia bracteolata	Sept.-Feb.
	Grevillea robusta	Mar.-Apr.; May-July.
	Peperomia pellucida	Sept.-Dec.
	Acalypha ciliata	Aug.-Oct.
	Andrachne telephioides	Dec.-Mar.
	Chorozophora prostrata	Feb.-May.
	Chrozophora rottleri	March-May.
	Euphorbia caducifolia	Fl.:Jan.-Feb.; Fr.: Feb.-April.
	Auphorbia chamaesyce	Almost throughout the year.
	Euphorbia clarkeana	Oct.-Dec.
	Euphorbia dracunculoides	Sept.-Jan.
	Euphorbia elegans	Oct.
	Euphorbia geniculata	Sept.-Nov.
	Euphorbia granulata	Sept.-Dec.
	Euphorbia heyneana	Aug.-Dec.
	Euphorbia hirta	Almost throughout the year.
	Euphorbia indica	Sept.-Nov.
	Euphorbia jodhpurensis	Sept.-Nov.
	Euphorbia thymifolia	Oct.-Nov.
	Micrococca mercurialis	Aug.-Oct.
	Phyllanthus amarus	Almost throughout the year but more profusely during rains.
	Phyllanthus debilis	Oct.-march.
	Phyllanthus fraternus	July-Oct.
	Phyllanthus maderaspatensis	Aug.-Nov.
	Securinega leucopyrus	May-July.
	Ficus arnottiana	Feb.-April.
	Ficus bengalensis	June-Sept.
	Ficus drupacea	Apr.-June.
	Ficus religiosa	Apr.-June.
	Hydrilla verticillata	Oct.-Feb.
	Vallisneria spiralis	Nov.-Feb.
	Crinum pratense	Oct.-Nov.
	Asparagus racemosus	Nov.-Dec.
	Asphodeluss tenuifolius	Nov.-Feb.
	Dipcadi erythraeum	Aug.-Sept.
	Eichhornia crassipes	Oct.-May.
	Amischophacelus axillaris	Aug.-Oct.
	Commelina albescens	Aug.-Nov.
	Commelina benghalensis	Aug.-Dec.
	Commelina diffusa	Aug.-Dec.
	Commelina erecta	Oct.-Nov.
	Commelina forskalaei	Aug.-Nov.
	Commelina paludosa	Sept.
	Cyanotis cristata	Nov.
	Najas australis	Oct.-Jan.
	Najas welwitschii	Oct.-Dec.
	Jancus bufonius	Nov.-March.
	Typha angustata	Aug.-Dec.
	Lemna perpusila	Not seen
	Wilffia arrhiza	Not seen
	Potaamogeton crispus	Oct.-Jan.
	Potamogeton nodosus	Mar.-Aug.
	Potamogeton pectinatus	Aug.-Nov.
	Cyperus alopecuroides	Oct.-march.
	Cyperus alulatus	Aug.-Nov.
	Cyperus arenarius	Sept.-Dec.
	Cyperuss atkinsonii	Sept.-Nov.
	Cyperus bulbosus	Aug.-Oct.
	Cyperus clarkei	Aug.-Oct.
	Cyperus compressus	July-Oct.
	Cyperuss conglomeratus	Sept.-Nov.
	Cyperuss cuspidatus	Oct.-march.
	Cyperus difformis	Oct.-Nov.
	Cyperus flavidus	Aug.-Sept.
	Cyperus iria	Sept.-Dec.
	Cyperuss laevigatus	Oct.-Dec.
	Cyperus michelianus	Oct.-Nov.
	Cyperuss niveus	Nov.
	Cyperus nutans	Oct.
	Cyperus pangorei	Aug.-Nov.
	Cyperus pumilus	Sept.-Nov.
	Cyperus rotundus	Sept.-Dec.
	Cyperus rotundus	Oct.-Nov.
	Cyperus triceps	Sept.-Oct.
	Eleocharis atripurpurea	Oct.-Nov.
	Eleocharis geniculata	Aug.-Feb.
	Fimbristylis barbata	Sept.-Nov.
	Fimbristylis bisumbellata	Oct.-Nov.
	Fimbristyliss ferruginea	Oct.-Nov.
	Fimbristylis quinquangularis	Oct.-Nov.
	Fimbristylis spathacea	Aug.-Sept.
	Fimbristyliss tenera	Oct.-Nov.
	Mariscus squarrosus	Spet.-Dec.
	Mariscus sumatrensis	Almost throughout the year.
	Scirpus affinis	Sept.-Oct.
	Scirpus littoralis	Oct.-Nov.
	Scirpus roylei	Sept.-Nov.
	Scirpus supinus	Oct.
	Scirpus tuberosus	Oct.-Jan.
	Aeluropus lagopoides	Sept.-Dec.
	Andropogon pumilus	Sept.
	Apluda mutica	Sept.-Nov.
	Aristida adscensionis	Aug.-Oct.
	Aristida adscensionis	Oct.-Dec.
	Aristida funiculata	Sept.-Nov.
	Aristida hystricula	Sept.-Oct.
	Aristida mutabilis	Sept.-Dec.
	Aristida royleana	Sept.-Oct.
	Aristida setacea	Almost throughout the year.
	Arthraxon lanceolatus	Oct.-Feb.
	Bothriochloa pertusa	Oct.-Dec.
	Brachiaria ramosa	Aug.-Oct.
	Brachiaria reptans	July-Sept.
	Cenchrus biflorus	Aug.-Dec.
	Cenchrus ciliaris	Aug.-Dec.
	Cenchrus pennisetiformis	Aug.-Dec.
	Cenchrus prieurii	Sept.-Nov.
	Cenchrus prieurii	Oct.-Dec.
	Cenchrus rajasthanensis	Aug.-Jan.
	Cenchrus setigerus	Aug.-Nov.
	Chloris barbata	Aug.-Dec.
	Chloris prieurii	Aug.-Oct.
	Chloris quinquesetica	Aug.-Dec.
	Chloris virgata	July-Oct.
	Chrysopogon fulvus	Aug.-Nov.
	Crypsis schoenoides	Nov.-Jan.
	Cymbopogon jwarancusa	Aug.-Dec.
	Cymbopogon martinii	Aug.-Dec.
	Cymbopogon parkeri	July-Nov.
	Cymbopogon schoenanthus	Aug.-Dec.
	Cynodon dactylon	Throughout the year.
	Dactyloctenium aegyptium	Sept.-Jan.
	Dactyloctenium sindicum	Sept.-Jan.
	Desmostychya bipinnata	Oct.-Jan.
	Dichanthium annulatum	Aug.-Dec.
	Digitaria bicornis	July-Nov.
	Digitaria biformis	July-Nov.
	Digitaria ciliaris	Sept.-Nov.
	Digitaria pennuta	Sept.-Dec.
	Dignathia hirtella	Aug.-Sept.
	Echinochloa colonum	Sept.-Nov.
	Echinochola crusgalli	Almost throughout the year.
	Eleusine coracana	Sept.-Nov.
	Elyonurus royleanus	Oct.-Nov.
	Enneapogon brachystachyus	Aug.-Dec.
	Enneapogon cenchroides	Oct.-Nov.
	Enneapogon persicus	Sept.-Dec.
	Enneapogon schimperanus	Oct.-Dec.
	Eragrostiella bifaria	Aug.-Oct.
	Eragrostis cilianensis	Aug.-Dec.
	Eragrostis ciliaris	Oct.-Feb.
	Eragrosis diarrhena	Oct.-Dec.
	Eragrostis gangetica	Oct.-Nov.
	Eragrostis minor	Oct.-Nov.
	Eragrostis pilosa	Oct.-Dec.
	Eragrostis tenella	Sept.-Dec.
	Eragrostis tenella	Oct.-march.
	Eragrostis tremula	Nov.-Jan.
	Eragrostis unioloides	Nov.-Jan.
	Eragrostis viscosa	Aug.-Feb.
	Eremopogon foveolatus	Sept.-Dec.
	Eriochloa nubica	Sept.
	Hackelochloa granularis	Sept.-Dec.
	Heteropogon controtus	Sept.-Nov.
	Iseilema prostratum	Aug.-Oct.
	Lasiurus esaudatus	Oct.-Nov.
	Lasiurus sindicus	Almost throughout the year.
	Latipes senegalensis	Aug.-Oct.
	Melanocenchris abyssinica	Aug.-Oct.
	Melanocenchris jacquemontii	Aug.-Oct.
	Ochthochloa compressa	Sept.-Dec.
	Oropetium roxburghianus	Aug.-Oct.
	Oropetium thomaeum	Aug.-Oct.
	Panicum antidotale	Oct.-Dec.
	Panicum trypheron	Aug.-Oct.
	Panicum psilopodium	July-Dec.
	Panicum repens	July.
	Panicum turgidum	July-Nov.
	Paspalidium geminatum	July-Oct.
	Paspalum paspaloides	Sept.-Jan.
	Paspalum scrobiculatum	Aug.-Oct.
	Paspalam vaginatum	July-Oct.
	Perotis hordeiformis	Aug.-Oct.
	Perotis indica	July-Oct.
	Phragmitess karka	Almost throughout the year.
	Polypogon monspeliensis	Dec.-Mar.
	Rhynchelytrum villosum	Aug.-Oct.
	Saccharum bengalense	Almost throughout the year.
	Saccharum spontaneum	Oct.-Feb.
	Schoenefeldia gracilis	Aug.-Oct.
	Sehima nervosum	Sept.-Oct.
	Setaria intermedia	Aug.-Nov.
	Setaria verticillata	Sept.-Nov.
	Sorghum halepense	Oct.-Jan.
	Sorghum verticilliflorum	Aug.-Oct.
	Sporobolus coromandelianus	Aug.-Nov.
	Sporobolus diander	Aug.-Nov.
	Sporoboluss helvolus	Oct.-Nov.
	Sporobolus ioclades	Aug.-Nov.
	Sporoboluss maderaspatanus	Oct.
	Sporobolus tenuissimus	July-Aug.
	Sporobolus tremulus	Oct.-Dec.
	Stipagrotis hirtigluma	Oct.-Dec.
	Stipatrostis pogonoptila	Oct.-march.
	Tetrapogon tenellus	Sept.-Nov.
	Tetrapogon villosus	Aug.-Nov.
	Targus roxburghii	Aug.-Nov.
	Tripogon jacquemontti	Sept.-Dec.
	Urochloa panicoides	Aug.-Sept.
	Urochondra setulosa	Nov.
	Vetiveria zizanioides	Nov.-Jan.

The flowering and Fruting Time of Some Indian Herbs. would like to mention here that freshly collected Dhawai flower is preferred by the traditional healers of Gandai region. They avoid the use of old and stored flowers, commonly available with local traders. In urban areas, far from natural habitat of Dhawai, the patients have no option and they purchase it from local herb shop. Many of them complained me that Dhawai flowers purchased from local herb shops, are not showing or giving desired effects. To solve their problems, we have decided to encourage the local people to plant the desired and useful herbs in home gardens. For this mission, we have prepared a special questionnaire and with the help of traditional healers, herb experts and Ayurvedic practitioners of the state, we are planning and recommending different herbs to patients suffering from different diseases. For patients having no space for home garden are advised to collect the herbs from nearby forest plantation. As Chhattisgarh is declared as "Herbal state" the forest officers are taking keen interest in herbal plantation. The process of forming traditional healers forum is in progress and I am sure that to gather we can achieve the target of conservation and propagation of traditional medicinal knowledge successfully. Many allopaths, taking herbs for their treatment unofficially, are opposing our mission officially saying the traditional healers quack or neem-hakim. Possibly the pressure of multinational drug companies active in our country is the responsible factor.

In forest villages, the Dhawai flowers are used in same manner as Aloe gel in case of burns and scalds. You will find the special oil prepared from Dhawai flowers in every house specially in kitchen. In case of burns, this oil is applied externally. The traditional healers of Bastar informed me that in general the Dhawai flowers are burned in Sarson Ka Tel (i.e. Mustard oil) and oil is prepared. Again there is a lot of variations in methods of preparation. Many traditional healers use the leaf juice of Arandi (Castor) in place of Dhawai Flower whereas the traditional healers of Dhamtari use both Castor leaf juice and Dhawai flower in equal proportion. I personally feel that there is a strong need, for scientific evaluation of these special oils having different herbs. In many parts of Chhattisgarh , Dhawai flowers with the gum of Semar is used to treat diarrhoea also. As Ayurveidc medicine, many medicinal properties of Dhawai are well mentioned in reference literatures. According to Ayurveda, it is pungent, acrid, cooling, alexiteric, uterine sedative, anthelmintic and useful in treatment of leprosy, erysipelas, blood disorders, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, dysentery, thirst and toothache. Many ethnobotanical uses of Dhawai have been documented by early workers from different parts of India. Along with flower, the use of bark as medicine is also mentioned but unfortunately I have not got any such information in my ethnomedico surveys in Chhattisgarh. In Northern parts of India,, the natives use Dried flowers with curdled milk for dysentery and with honey for menorrhagia. From reference literatures of botany, I have noted the botanical description of this useful herb. The scientific name of Dhawai is Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. Syn. Lythrum fruticosum L. Syn. Woodfordia floribunda Salisb. (Family Lythraceae). It is large deciduous straggling shrub. Bark pale-brown, peeling off in fibres, young parts with small black glands. Leaves sub sessile, linear-lanceolate, 3-10 cm long, flowers in fascicled axillary racemes. Calyx tube long and red. Petals small red. Stamens much exserted; filaments filiform, red, ovary 2-celled. Fruits ellipsoid and enclosed by persistent calyx-tube. Seeds numerous, wedge-shaped, brown and smooth. In Chhattisgarh conditions, flowering time varied between December to May. As mentioned earlier, Dhawai flower is an important non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. The traders of Dhamtari informed me that it is always in high demand. According to them, beside medicinal uses it is also exported for tannins (from the leaves) and dye (from the flowers).

Parsa, Dhak or Tesu (Butea monosperma) is well known tree for beautiful flowers and multiple uses. Since centuries the natives are living with these important trees. It is well known in other parts of India, also. In the festival Holi (the festival of colours), from generations, the colour (or dye) of Butea is in use from generations. Now the synthetic colours are taking place of the natural Butea colour and the cases of skin allergies during the festival are increasing year by year. Few years back, the prestigious organisation National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (India) started a mission to reintroduce the colours of natural herbs like Butea among Indians and they launched " Herbal Gulal and Colours" Like Dhawai flower, Butea is also an important non-wood forest produce, and almost every plant part is in heavy demand in national and international markets. The traditional healers and natives both are well aware of traditional medicinal uses of different parts of Butea, in Chhattisgarh. Working as herb expert in state level biodiversity action plan, last month I got one shocking information about decreasing population of Butea in some parts of state due to unscientific exploitation and collection of useful roots. During the festival of Deepawali (the festival of light) it is common practice to white wash the home. In India, whitewashing is done with the help of hand made brushes. These brushes are prepared by the roots of trees and according to rural youths engaged in white washing , the Butea root is best for preparing ideal brush. As the Butea is in abundance and easily available, the youths collect it and this destructive collection is creating problems in survival of Butea trees. In early days, when the population is less there was no problem but today the increasing population pressure is becoming a curse for not only Butea trees but also for many other herbs. When I talked to some rural youths, they informed me that they are aware of this destructive collection but they have no alternative. Many of them told me that they are not aware of decreasing Butea population in the state. I feel that there is a strong need to take timely steps. The most important step is to provide a promising alternative to rural youths so that they can reduce the pressure on Butea. The governmental and non-governmental organisations can take this responsibility. The second step must be to aware the common people to avoid the workers using Butea brushes. This target is also achievable. There is also a need of strict supervision and monitoring on natural habitat of Butea trees. During my surveys to different parts of the state, I have noted two important uses of Butea flowers as ethnomedicine. Like Dhawai Flower, the traditional healers advise the patients suffering from Gonorrhoea to drink the leachate of Butea flower. In severe and chronic cases, they recommend this leachate twice a day. Many healers add gram or wheat seeds with Butea flower. According to the healers, the only purpose of adding the gram or wheat seeds is to provide strength to the patients and the addition of these seeds do not alter the miracle effects of Butea flowers. In case of urine retention, the traditional healers of state recommend the patients to apply the fresh juice of Butea flower externally for quick relief. From the natives living in urban areas. I have heard that Butea flowers are useful in diabetes but I have still not got confirmation from any of traditional healers. In reference literatures related to Ayurveda, Butea flowers hold a reputed position as medicine. According to Ayurveda, the flowers are useful in leprosy, strangury, gout, skin troubles, thirst, inflammations and burning sensations.

Although in Chhattisgarh occurrence of Hulhul is reported everywhere by early workers but in my surveys I have seen isolated patches of Hulhul plants. In reference books on weeds, Hulhul is reported as harmful weed but in Chhattisgarh, it is considered as most valuable medicinal herb. The natives and traditional healers are well aware of medicinal properties and uses of Hulhul and I am proud to say that it is still in use. According to the natives and traditional healers, every part of Hulhul is useful. During my visits to Bagbahera region, I have noted specific use of Hulhul flowers. The traditional healers of this region, advise the youths to use the leachate of Hulhul flower daily morning in order to get extra strength and to maintain good sexual health. The flowers are collected and dried it in shade and after drying it is crushed in to powder. The traditional healers advise the patients to dip a teaspoonful of this powder in water and next morning take the leachate. You will be surprised to know that the rural youths are adopting this practice sincerely from generations. The natives serve special sweet dish prepared with Hulhul flowers to newly married couples. The purpose is to give them extra strength. The flowering time of Hulhul in Chhattisgarh condition is between September to June. The traditional healers collect the flowers in these months and used it round the year. Botanically it is an annual erect herb (height 30-90 cm); stems grooved and glandular, hairy’ Leaves 3-5 foliate; petioles of lower leaves longer, gradually becoming shorter upwards, leaflets elliptic -oblong, terminal the largest,; flowers axillary in lax racemes, yellow; petals four, oblong-obovate, veined. Fruits capsule, erect, hairy, obliquely striate, tapering towards both ends; seeds brownish black, transversely striate, sub globose. According to Ayurveda, it is useful in the treatment of malaria, poor digestion, skin diseases and blood disorders, piles, lumbago etc.

The traditional healer of Bagbahera told me about the use of Bajra flowers in case of dog-bite. Bajra (Pearl millet) is not under cultivation in this region. According to the healer, he has gained this knowledge from his forefathers but due to unavailability of Bajra flowers,, he is not using it. In Chhattisgarh, Chameli (Jasminum arborescens) is common ornamental plant in home gardens. The natives are well aware of medicinal uses of herbal oil prepared from different parts of Chameli herb. Specific oils to increase sexual desire are prepared using leaves and flowers of this fragrant herb. The oil is applied externally on male genitals. According to the traditional healer of Durg region the oil prepared from flower is more potential as compared to oil prepared from leaves. Many traditional healers of state advise the patients suffering from Jaundice to take Babool (Acacia nilotica) flowers with sugar, empty stomach daily morning. Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) and Dhatra (Datura stramonium) are common roadside plants in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healer of Charama region, uses the flowers of both herbs with other herbs in treatment of sex related diseases. In case of night blindness, the traditional healer of Bastar, recommend his patients to apply the fresh juice of Kasaundi flowers (Cassia sophera). He also uses the shade dried Neem flowers for the treatment of eye diseases. He claims that by using his drugs one can get rid from glasses for ever. The traditional healers of Nagri-Sihawa region recommend their patients suffering from the problem of chronic constipation and piles, to take the juice of Kusum flower (Schlechera oleosa; family Sapindaceae), commonly found in this region. Many traditional healers use it externally also.

Besides, flowers of wild herbs, the flowers of different fruit and ornamental herbs, essential parts of home gardens in Chhattisgarh, are also used as medicines by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. I will describe these uses in separate article. I have noted that many of the uses described above, are not mentioned in available literatures. Also , the traditional healers have modified the old formulas according to their need and ease. There is a strong need to document the information related to these newly developed formulas.