Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Dast (Diarrhoea) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

Among natives, the use of sonth saunf shakkar is very common as remedy for the treatment of diarrhoea. Since childhood, we are using this combination. Sonth is dried ginger, Saunf-fenel and Shakkar is sugar. The natives mix it in equal proportion and prepare a powder. This powder is used as home remedy in case of diarrhoea. The patients are advised to take only a pinch of this mixture. Only one dose is given and in most of the cases, there is no need of second or third dose. If symptoms still persist, the natives consult the traditional healers for treatment. Although this mixture is very common and popular in Chhattisgarh but in reference literatures, this combination is not described. Since generations, the natives are using this mixture. Another popular treatment is the application of Namak Pani (Salty water) into the umbilicus (Nabhi or Boddi). The natives mix the table salt in water and apply two to three drops of this salty water inside the umbilicus. There is no standard amount of salt and water to be mixed to prepare the salty water. In most of the cases, this small treatment cures not only the diarrhoea but also the cramp and stomach ache. I have tried this treatment successful. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of these uses. Last week I got an opportunity to meet Mr. Patiram Nayak, traditional healer of Junwani, Dalli-Rajhara region, during one day seminar on herbs organised by Tropical forest Research Institute in Raipur city. Mr. Patiram informed me that he is specialised in treatment of diarrhoea, tumours and Bavasir (Piles). During discussion, he told me about many valuable herbs useful in treatment of diarrhoea. According to him, like salty water, one can use the fresh leaf juice of Doomar in order to check the diarrhoea. He advises his patients to apply the juice around the umbilicus. Doomar is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Ficus glomerata. He informed me that the fresh juice of Doobi (Cynodon dactylon) herb can be used in same manner. The bark of Aam tree (Mango) is also useful. Different traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use, Aam bark in different ways. The traditional healer of Mudpar suggests his patients to apply the aqueous extract of Aam bark around the umbilicus whereas the traditional healers of Dhamtari region use the mixture of Aam bark and fresh curd for application. The natives use Aam bark mix with sirka (vinegar). As all the traditional healers are not in contact with each other they have no idea about other’s methods but as ethnobotanist through my regular surveys, I am getting information on use of same herbs in different ways.

Common and popular names of Chui-Mui (Mimosa pudica) around the world
Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1) Assam	Adoribon, Nilajbon
2) Bengal	Kajak, Lajak, Lajjabati, Lajjala
3) Brazil	Sensitiva
4) Kanarese	Hadergitte, Lojja, Mudugudavara
5) English	Bash ful mimosa, Humble plant, Sensitive plant
6) Srilanka	Toddachimunki, Toddavodikkodi
7) French	Herbe Chaste, Herbe pudique
8) Hindi	Lajak, Lajalu, Lajjavati, Lajwanti
9) Iraq	Mustahi-yah
10) Jamaica	Shame weed
11) Malyalam	Tintar mani, Tottavati
12) Marathi	Lajalu, Lajri
13) Maurititius	Lajouny, Tottasiningi
14) Sanskrit	Anjalikaraka, Kandiri, Gondamalika, Asrarodhani, Lajjika, Mahabhita, Prasarini, Shamipatra, Sprikha, Tamra, Svagupta
15) Sinhalese	Hinnidikumba, Nidikumba
16) Spanish	Matavirgen, Mirame y no me togues
17) Tamil	Kasirottam, Samangai, Totta churungi
18) Telugu	Mumghutamara, Peddanidrakanti
19) Urdu	Lajjalu
20) Uriya	Lajkur, Najuko, Dedhasurobarasuni

In many ancient literature, I have read about the use of Aam bark with cow urine. I personally feel that there is a strong need for scientific evaluation and detailed studies in order to evaluate the efficacies of different methods. The traditional healer of Mudhar suggests his patients to drink the aqueous extract of Aam bark along with its application a around the umbilicus. According to him, both internal and external application are essential for complete cure. He prefers desi (indigenous) Aam trees for collection of bark. During his visits to nearby Sirpur forests along with the coast of Mahanadi river, he collects the bark from natural forests. He advises the patients to take aqueous extract once in a day upto three days. As medicine, Aam holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine. In my previous articles, I have written a lot on different ethnomedico uses of various parts of Aam. Many healers use it in treatment of Pelea (Jaundice). The bark is also used in treatment of menorrhagia, leucorrhoea (Safed Pani), bleeding piles and other related troubles. Like the bark of Aam, many healers use the bark of Aonla (Emblica officinalis) and juice of Aonla fruit for external application. The bark is mixed in fruit juice. The use of Aonla bark for this purpose is not reported in reference literatures. This is good to see that the traditional healers and natives are continuing the use of this traditional knowledge in their day today life. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh informed me that in general, the treatment of diarrhoea is very simple and one can be treated with home remedies. In rare cases they use specific herbs for treatment. I have collected the information regarding over 3000 common home remedies that are in use in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I am describing some promising and popular remedies, I have collected through interactions with the natives. The patients suffering from habitual (I am not aware whether it is correct terminology or not) diarrhoea are advised by the natives to include Dhania (Coriander) in their routine diet in any form. Dried Dhania powder is preferred form. One teaspoonful Dhania powder daily after meal is recommended dose. Mr. Vishal Bharat, was not in favour of using Dhania powder regularly. According to him, regular use of Dhania powder can make common man impotent within few days, so one must be very careful while using the dried Dhania powder.

Common and popular names of Helicteres isora
Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1) Arabic	Altwa-al-latu
2) Bengal	Antamora, Antomura, Atmora
3) Myanmar	Khungiche, Thuguaykhyae, Thungeche
4) Kanarese	Bhutakarulu, Edamuri, Kaiyuri, Kavargi, Murudi
5) SriLanka	Kawo, Vullum-puri
6) Hindi	Bhendu, Jonkaphal, Murdasing, Marorphali
7) Marathi	Kewan, Muradsing
8) Persian	Kishtbur kisht, Pechaka
9) Sanskrit	Avartani, Mrigashinga
10) Iran	Pachman-i-puh
11) Sind	Vurkatee
12) Sinhalese	Liniya, Liniyagass
13) Tamil	Vadampiri, Valamburi
14) Telugu	Adosamanti, Gubanarra, Gubalada, Sadala, Syamali, Tada, Kavanchi
15) Urdu	Marorphali
16) Uriya	Murmuria, Orola, Kaval, Modimodi, Murmuri

The natives are not aware of this bitter fact and this is reason they are recommending its regular use in order to cure the problem of habitual diarrhoea. The use of fresh Dhania herb in salad is not much harmful as dried powder, according to Mr. Bharat. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the natives use Dhania herb with Kala namak (black salt). According to the traditional healers of these parts, Kala namak is capable of suppressing or eliminating the harmful effects of Dhania. The information provided by Mr. Vishal Bharat and explanation given by the traditional healers are not mentioned in reference literatures. This is one more new work or new challenge for young researcher. In reference literatures, many medicinal properties and use have been described. According to Ayurveda, the whole herb and fruit, are acrid, cooling, diuretic, antipyretic, stomachic, aphrodisiac (?), stimulant (?),laxative, anthelmintic and useful in treatment of thirst, bronchitis, biliousness and vomiting whereas leaves are hypnotic, analgesic and useful in treatment of hiccup, piles, bleeding gums, thirst, scabies, gleet, jaundice, stomatitis, toothache, eye-pains and tuberculous glands. Dhania’s role in causing impotency is not described. By giving the example of Dhania, I always try to warn the readers to be careful while using the herbs. It is common belief among us that herbs are free from side effects and there is no harm because it is natural but this is not true. Only specialists can tell us that which herb is useful for us and at what doses ? Through this article, I would like to request the researchers and herb experts around the world to focus their attention on this side effect of Dhania powder. I am sure that after confirmation, one can convert the side effect in to beneficial effect. The natives use matured fruits of Kela (Banana) for the treatment of diarrhoea. The patients are advised to take matured fruits with fresh curd during problem as diet. The juice of different parts of piyaz herb (Onion) is also used by the natives. The juice of fresh leaves, and bulbs is collected and applied around the umbilicus externally till relief. The juice of leaves is preferred as compared to the bulbs. The natives use different species of Tulsi, both wild and cultivated, for diarrhoea. The decoction of Tulsi (Ocimum sp.) leaves is prepared and given to the patients. It is general belief in Chhattisgarh that daily intake of ten fresh leaves just after the bath, develops enough resistance in body to fight all common troubles including diarrhoea. Disease and insect infestation free leaves are preferred and used by the natives. Leaves collected before flowering are considered best for the preparation of decoction. There is no standard method for preparation of decoction. In general, the native take 20 fresh leaves in a cup of water and boil it until the water remains half of initial quantity. The patients take this decoction till relief. The decoction is served hot to the patients. According to the traditional healers, the cold decoction can aggravate the symptoms. This is also an interesting information. The natives also use fresh ginger juice for diarrhoea. The half cup of hot water is taken and one teaspoonful of fresh ginger juice is mixed. The patients are advised to take this hot drink in order to check the diarrhoea. In Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the natives prepare a special vegetable using immature fruit of papita (Papaya). This special preparation is served to the patients suffering from diarrhoea. According to natives, matured fruits should not be used as it can aggravate the symptoms. In Chhattisgarh plains, the native use the decoction of Jam Patti (Guava leaves) for the treatment of diarrhoea. This use is not much popular. This decoction is mostly used for dental care.

As diet, the natives of Chhattisgarh prefer Dahi Bhat. Dahi is fresh curd and Bhat means cooked rice. During my ethnomedico surveys in Nagri-Sihawa region of Chhattisgarh, I got an interesting information about use of medicinal rice variety Dubraj in treatment of diarrhoea. The natives prefer this indigenous variety as compared to other varieties. The use of medicinal rice variety Dubraj in treatment of diarrhoea is not mentioned in reference literatures. I am proud to say that this a research finding of natives and this is good to see that they are still using it.

In case of complications, the traditional healers use special herbal combinations to treat diarrhoea. In general , the healers use at least ten herbs in these combinations. Most of the healers avoid to disclose their secret formulas due to fear of exploitation and commercial utilisation. I have noted that in these combinations Gondla or Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) is used most frequently. Babool gond (Acacia nilotica gum) is also used. The traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region use the seeds of Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Aam (Mangifera indica) and Babool gum to prepare a special powder. This powder is given to the patients suffering from diarrhoea. According to the healers, on the basis of need and severity of disease they add more herbs in this powder. Most of these herbs are collected from forests but for few herbs they are dependent on local herb shops because these herbs are not found in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Narharpur region, collect the Boir fruits (Ber; Ziziphus sp.) from indigenous trees and put the fruits in earthen pot. It is kept on fire whole night. Next day the patients are advised to take these fruits in order to check the diarrhoea. Desi Boir (indigenous Ber) varieties are preferred by the healers. With this treatment, the patients are advised to take restricted diet also. Aithi - Chudi is a popular non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. According to the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh, the spirally coiled fruit of this herb, clearly indicates that it is use in griping of bowels and related troubles. In Hindi, griping is named as Marod. Its Hindi name is Morodphlai ( Phali-Pod). The traditional healers of Tilda region use the fruits in treatment of diarrhoea. They collect the fresh fruit and after washing, dip it in well water whole night. The patients suffering from diarrhoea is advised to take the leachate empty stomach next morning. During this treatment, the healer instruct the patients to avoid the use of salty and sour food materials. Although in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine, it is mentioned that fruit root and bark are of medicinal importance but the medicinal properties of root and bark are described in detail. According to these literatures, root and bark are expectorant, demulcent, astringent to bowels and anti-galactagogue. I am describing its botany in short. The scientific name of Aithi-Chudi is Helicteres isora (family : Sterculiaceae). It is a small tree; young shoots clothed with stellate hairs; Leaves biferous, ovate orbicular, obliquely cordate, irregularly crowded , scabrous above; Flowers in axillary clusters 2-6 together, bilabiate, red at first fading to lead colour latter; Fruits follicle of 5-6, beaked, spirally coiled; Seeds numerous and angular. Like Aithi-Chudi, Mahua is also a popular non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, use the bark of Mahua for diarrhoea. The aqueous extract of Mahua bark is collected and boiled in fire. During boiling process sonth (dried ginger) is added. This decoction is given to the patients. This use is popular in forest areas of Chhattisgarh and both healers and natives are aware of this special preparation. Before ending this article, I would like to mention the use of Chui-Mui herb in treatment of diarrhoea. I have collected this information from Ambikapur region. The natives collect this wasteland herb and wash the separated roots in water. The root juice is extracted with the help of stones and with sugar, given to the patients. Within a week, this juice cure this trouble. In healthy days, the natives use this juice in order to prevent the attack of bowel related troubles. The scientific name of Chui-Mui is Mimosa pudica (family Leguminoaseae). In my previous articles, I have written on ethnomedico uses of this herb.

I am getting positive responses from the world community regarding my articles. Many international science journals are approaching and inviting me to submit the articles for publication. I am not in favour of publishing these valuable information to these journals because these journals belong to very limited readers. I am borne to share my research to the world community. I have published over 100 research paper in national and international journals but now I have decided to write only for common readers in their own language and style. I am proud to write the articles on valuable knowledge and experiences of my people and I am fortunate to be a bridge between the world community and the natives of Chhattisgarh. Thank you very much for reading the article sincerely.