Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Pathri (Renal Calculi) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

A few decades back, Kulthi was one of the most popular crops in tribal belts of Chhattisgarh. Kulthi is still under cultivation in remote areas. But the area under this useful pulse crop is decreasing very rapidly in the state. For farmers, Kulthi is still a beneficial crop but farmers are now under pressure of HYV (High Yielding Varieties) programme. Due to intensive extension programmes by the Agriculture Department of state, the new high yielding crops are taking the place of traditional crops. Every year regional research stations release two to three new varieties claiming that these are high yielding as well as resistant against diseases and insects. These new crops and high yielding varieties are increasing the consumption of chemical inputs like fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides etc. Due to over use of fertilizers, the land and water are loosing its natural properties and due to excessive use of agrochemicals the insects and pathogens are becoming more stronger day by day. You will find the well established offices of almost every multinationals working in the field of agriculture, in the state. As you know, Chhattisgarh is the rice bowl of India. According to the rice experts, Chhattisgarh is one of the origins of rice species.

Common Indian Names of Poi (Basella rubra)
Languages/Regions	Names
1) Gujarati	Pothinivd, Valchi bhaji
2) Hindi	Poi, Mayalki Bhaji, Lalbachala
3) Kanarese	Kempubasale
4) Malyalam	Mayalu, Velbondi
5) Sanskrit	Kalamni, Pichila, Putika, Vrischikapriya

A few decades back Dr. Richaria, an eminent rice scientist, surveyed and collected over 20,000 different types of wild and cultivated rice species from different corners of Chhattisgarh. He devoted his life for this great work. At present, the only Agricultural university, in the state, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, is maintaining this huge germplasm. Due to this huge and unique collection, Chhattisgarh holds a reputed position in world bio diversity map. During my ethnomedico surveys in different parts of the state, I have observed that many farmers are still cultivating the traditional crops and varieties. Many traditional healers aware of the medicinal uses of these crops are also cultivating it in order to fulfil their requirement. It was good observation that many old farmers are growing new High Yielding varieties and new crops to sell it in market and cultivating traditional crops for their own consumption.

You will be surprised to know that now when majority of farmers are adopting HYV and new crops, suddenly the government have found that the traditional crops are best, and today, the whole machinery is engaged in convincing the farmers to restart the cultivation of traditional crops and varieties. The farmers are in dilemma. The traditional healers specialised in the treatment of Pathri, grow Kulthi crop for their patients. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, disclosed the bare fact that as the area under this crop is reducing, the number of patients suffering from this trouble is increasing significantly. According to them, in early days Kulthi as Dal (Pulse) is an integral part of daily diet and from generations, the healers are aware that regular use of this Dal prevents the formation of Pathri in kidney. Now, in place of Kulthi Dal, other Dals viz. Arhar (Cajanus cajan), Moong (Vigna radiata), Urd (Vigno mungo) etc. are in use. Unfortunately, these Dals are not useful in Pathri problem. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, use Kulthi herb in different ways to treat the Pathri trouble.

The use of Kulthi in treatment of Pathri trouble is mentioned in reference literatures. The modern investigation have also proved its efficiency and efficacy against Pathri. In reference literature, the use of seeds is described in detail but in Chhattisgarh, whole herb and individual parts, both are used to treat Pathri trouble. The traditional healers of Bastar region, prepare a Kadha (Decoction)from fresh herb of Kulthi. Kulthi herb before flowering is preferred. On the basis of severity, the dose is decided by the traditional healers. In general, One tola (One tola = 11.6gms) decoction is given to the patients. According to the healers, a single dose is enough to flush out the Pathri but in complicated cases, they advise to repeat the doses till relief. The traditional healers of Durg region, recommend the use of Kulthi seeds and Mooli seeds. Mooli (Raphanus sativus; family : Cruciferae) is under cultivation in this region as vegetable crop. The Kulthi and Mooli seeds are boiled in water and when one third part of total amount taken, remains in pot, the patients are advised to drink this solution in order to get quick relief. According to the traditional healers, in absence of Mooli seeds, one can use the seeds of Shaljam (Brassica rapa; family: Cruciferae). The traditional healers from Kulthi growing region, use the fresh root juice of Kulthi herb to treat Pathri. The patients are advised to take this juice daily morning till relief. Many healers use the combination of Murethi roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra; Family : Papilionaceae), Kulthi seeds and Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare; Family : Umbelliferae), for preparation of decoction and to make it tasty, they add salt and Ghee. The traditional healer of Gunderdehi, told me that there are many methods but according to him, alone Kulthi is capable of treating this trouble successfully.

In my surveys, I have noted over 30 formulations in which different parts of Kulthi are used as main and secondary ingredients. I personally feel that there is a tremendous scope in this field and after systematic evaluation of all these combinations, the potential combination can be identified easily. The traditional healer of Bastar, Mr. Vishal Bharat, disclosed the fact that all these combinations are not for same types of patients. According to him, basically the Tasir (the nature) of Kulthi is hot and he has observed that regular use of Kulthi seeds as Dal can cause harmful effects in human body. In order to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of Kulthi, different combinations have been developed. He instructed me to conduct a detailed study on this important aspect. He said that the combinations have came from forefathers but unfortunately the details regarding when and how, these combinations must be used have not came. Mr. Bharat showed confidence in my surveys and said that do not be late, because we are loosing the valuable knowledge every day inform of the departure of senior healers from this world. Mr. Vishal Bharat was very true. Unfortunately, on 9th of Novmeber, 2002, this legend passed away without transferring many valuable traditional knowledge to his next generation .

Although Kulthi is not under cultivation in large area but the buyers and traders of nearby metros are aware of cultivation. Every year, they supply many truck loads of Kulthi seeds to the healers of not only India but also to neighbouring countries. Before describing the traditional medicinal knowledge related to other herbs, I would like to mention the medicinal properties of Kulthi seeds described in reference literatures. According to Ayurveda, seed is bitter, acrid, hot (one must avoid its use during hot summers), dry , astringent to bowels, fattening, anthelmintic, antipyretic and useful in treatment of Pathari, tumours, asthma, bronchitis, hiccup, urinary discharges, heart-troubles, disease of the brain and eyes; intestinal colic, piles, leucoderma, inflammation, liver troubles etc. In different parts of India, this herb is used to treat many other diseases. In Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use this herb in treatment of piles, acidity, and blood disorders mainly. I will describe these uses in detail in my future articles.

Barun is a common tree found in natural forests of the state. It is also planted as ornamental tree in home gardens. For traditional healers of Chhattisgarh , it is valuable herb for the treatment of Pathri troubles. The traditional healers use the bark of Barun tree for this purpose. The decoction and aqueous extract both are used. The traditional healers told me that regular intake of decoction and aqueous extract can flush out all the Pathris within a week. Many healers use the combination of roots and barks in order to make the decoction more strong. I am describing its botany in short. Barun is small tree with full foliage during anthesis; Petiole 5-12 cm long, with distinct glands ; Leaflets thinly coriaceous, the lateral ones asymmetric, with a short acute acumen, midrib reddish; nerves 5-10 pairs, reticulation district; Inflorescence bearing 10-40 flowers; pedicels 3.5-7cm long petals clawed, the limb; Fruits globose, rough with minute flat papillae; seeds smooth and dull brown . Flowering time in Chhattisgarh condition varies between March to July.

Although Gokhru is not common herb in Chhattisgarh, but the traditional healers of state are aware of its use in case of Pathri troubles. I have observed its natural occurrence in Mahanadi (Nadi-river) region. During my visit to Rajkot (Gujrat) region. I got an opportunity to meet the traditional healer specialised in the treatment of Pathri. He informed me that Gokhru is best remedy in Pathri. He gives the powder of whole herb with pure honey and instruct his patients to add sheep’s milk in their daily food. The traditional Healers of Chhattisgarh using Gokhru for treatment, purchase it from local shops. In Chhattisgarh, many herbs are known as Gokhru. Besides Gokhru Tribulus terrestris), the sellers sell Acanthospermum hispidum and Xanthium strumarium in name of Gokhru. This is the reason the traditional healers prefer to buy whole herb in place of powdered herb. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh, that regular intake of neem leaf juice at specific times, prevents the formation of Pathri. During transitional periods, the natives take a tea spoonful juice of Neem upto 15 days. Besides preventing the Pathri formation, the intake of juice helps the patients or natives in many ways. During winter season, the natives collect the petals of Chrysanthemum indicum and dry it in shade. These dried petals are given to persons having the tendency of Pathri formation. To make it tasty, some sugar is also added in it. The traditional healers are aware of this use. According to them , after flushing out the stones (Pathri) it is necessary to take the preventive regularly.

In general, the healers advise the patients to change their food habits, avoid calcium rich food material and drink more and more water. Many Ayurveda practitioners of state, are popular in treatment of Pathri. Dr. Jaya Bajpai of Raipur city, is one of them. She is among few qualified Ayurveda practitioners , practising Ayurveda after completion of studies. Like traditional healers, these Ayurveda practioners are also facing the problems in getting the genuine herbs. During my ethnomedico surveys in Mandir Hasaud region, I observed the use of the ash of Til herb, as preventive. Til (Sesamum indicum) is popular crop in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healer collects the herb from fields and burn it (after drying). He suggests his patients to take the ash with vinegar (Sirka) in order to prevent the formation of Pathri again. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh that use of Poi and Jangli Chaulai Bhaji as vegetable prevents the formation of Pathri and also helps in flushing it out. Poi is favourite vegetable among Bengali community of Chhattisgarh. It is not grown commercially but you will found it in home gardens. The scientific name of Poi is Basella rubra (family : Chenopodiaceae). I am describing its botany in short. It is a short perennial herb with very long and slender stem; Leaves variable, broadly ovate, thick, entire, with cordate base; Flowers white or red, sessile few, in lax pedunculate spikes; perianth fleshy 5-fid, segments elliptic obtuse; Fruits red, white or black and size of a pea. In reference literatures the medicinal properties of Poi are described.

According to Ayurveda, Poi is acrid, sweetish, heating, soporific, narcotic, aphrodisiac, laxative and fattening and useful in biliousness, leprosy, dysentery, and ulcers. Its use in prevention of Pathri formation is not mentioned in reference literatures. For the prevention of Pathri, the natives use Poi alone or in combination with Jangli Chaulai. Jangli Chaulai is a common wasteland plant in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Amaranthus spinosus (Family : Amaranthaceae). It is an erect glabrous herb upto 60 cm high, often reddish branches grooved with sharp divaricate spines in the leaf-axil, Leaves ovate, lanceolate, obtuse and entire; Flowers in terminal and axillary dense spikes, numerous, unisexual; male calyx acute, bristles pointed; Female calyx oblong, obtuse, apiculate; Fruits capsule, long, ovoid, thickened at the top and rugose. According to Ayurveda, it is cooling, digestive alexiteric, purgative, diuretic, antipyretic, stomachic and useful in blood diseases, biliousness, halucination, rat-bite, piles, bronchitis, leprosy and leucorrhoea. Like Poi, its use in prevention of Pathri formation is not reported.

I personally feel that there is a strong need for scientific investigation. The use of Mooli leaves and its juice in case of Pathari is mentioned in reference literatures. Most of the traditional healers specialised in treatment of this trouble recommend their patient to take regularly the fresh leaf juice of Mooli in order to prevent the attack and also to flush out Pathri.

The traditional healer of Rajnandgaon region, advises the Patients suffering from intensive pain due to Pathri formation, to boil the dried leaves of Til, Mooli ,Shaljam and Blumea in water and allow the fumes directly to affected part, for quick relief. Sometimes the healers add the leaves of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) in this combination to increase its efficacy. My surveys focused on herbs are still in progress. I will write more after completion of surveys. Thank you very much for reading this article.