Table - 5 : The traditional uses of some important weeds

S. No

Weeds

Traditional Uses

1

Achyranthes aspera

a. Crushed leaves are used to stop bleeding

b. Crushed roots in case of scorpion, snake and insect bite due to its anti-venom properties.

c. Root to treat dysentery, fever and to facilate quick and easy delivery.

2

Leucas aspera

a. Whole plant (Panchang) possess anit-venom properties,

b. Fresh leaves are used as vegetable (before flowering).

c. Plant juice is used for treating jaundice.

3

Cassia tora

a. Leaves in the form of vegetable is used as a medicine to treat rheumatism

b. Seed contians 23.7% protein. Local people fortify animal feed with cassia seeds to increase milk production the Seeds are also used for treating headache.

c. Bengali community use it for green manuring.

d.Earn money or salt by selling cassia seeds to retailors.

4

Xanthium strumarium

a. Fruits are used for the treatment of conjuctivitis

b. Leaves boiled and used as vegetable with young floral tops and also used in scrofula and herpes.

c. Whole plant used for manuring.

d. Tribals earn money by selling its fruits to retailors.

5

Sida acuta

a. Stem used for making brooms.

b. Leaves used for preventing suppuration of boils

6

Cyperus rotundus

Earn money from selling nuts which are used for its "aroma" Nuts are also good food for pigs. Baiga (local medical man) use it for preparation of various formulations.

7

Phyllanthus niruri

Whole plant for treating "jaundice". It is also useful in preparing various Ayurvedic formulations.

8

Scoparia dulcis

Sweet leaves are used for sweetening bitter medicinal formulations,. In hot summers, it is used for treating sun stroke

9

Oxalis spp.

Leaves used for treating skin troubles.