Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common herbs suitable for home gardens in Chhattisgarh, India

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

In ancient literatures related to different systems of medicine, it is clearly mentioned that any patient can be treated only with the herbs of his surroundings and there is no need to go far in search of herbs. The herbs planted at home gardens play an important role. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional knowledge about common herbs suitable for plantation in home gardens. They never give preference to exotic herbs and warn the natives, fond of exotic beautiful ornamental plants to be prepare for mental and physical health problems. In general, the healers prefer the herbs having multiple uses for home gardens. According to them, they have gained the knowledge about selection of suitable herbs from their forefathers and since generations, they are strictly following the instructions. Unfortunately, not much has been written in form of scientific document about this valuable knowledge. The healers are agree that they are not following all the instructions and during transfer of this knowledge from one generation to other, many valuable parts are mixing. I personally feel that the documentation of these practices and knowledge, through my articles, can serve the purpose and help the future generations to understand the discoveries and science of their forefathers. Last week, I got an e-mail from an organisation engaged in conservation (?) of traditional knowledge in India. The convenor warned me whether you have taken the permission of natives before documenting their knowledge . He instructed me to give all information to his organisation (Why?) and his organisation is only authorised to release the information. I was shocked. I wrote to him, you are not aware that I am ‘Son of Soil" (native) to Chhattisgarh. The knowledge, I am documenting is our knowledge. As our people are illiterate and poor, the experts and organisations outside from the state are coming and extracting the knowledge in name of documentation and traditional knowledge database. After their visits, they never inform the natives what they have done to their traditional knowledge. Now when a native of Chhattisgarh, has decided to document the knowledge and to aware the world community about valuable traditional medicinal knowledge of Chhattisgarh natives, these organisations are feeling uneasy. I am proud to say that I have yet not taken any financial aid for my surveys and studies and charge no money for documenting this valuable knowledge in form of articles and research papers. If you are aware of funding agencies at international level, any organisation can take a grand project to document the traditional knowledge of Chhattisgarh and can show the investment of millions of rupees. I am not in favour of cheating the funding organisation.

Common Indian Names of Desi Gulab (Rosa damascena)
Languages/Regions	Names
1) Gujarati	Gulab
2) Hindi	Gulab, Sudburj
3) kanarese	Pannira, Tarana
4) Marathi	Gulab
5) Sanskrit	Atimanjula, Soumyagandha, Shatadala, Lakshmipuspha

I have started writing articles at Botanical dot com from 12 th June, 2002. During this short period I have contributed over 75 articles and lost five eminent traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. You will be surprised to know that their valuable knowledge is documented in form of my articles, they have even not disclosed the facts to the next generation. They were worried seeing the activities of modern generation and suspicious about their attitude towards traditional knowledge. I am unfortunate, that I have gained only a drop from their knowledge ocean. Many organisations are active in my state, and claiming that they are protecting the rights of healers but unfortunately all works are in reports because funding agencies (mostly) believe in reports. I am aware of this bitter fact that these so called established organisation can blame me for this documentation, but I have decided to continue this important work for the benefit of world community and I am aware that after my departure from this world, the new generation will acknowledge my work (as usual trend in all over the world). So, I was describing the herbs in home gardens. During my ethnomedico surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I have noted that the healers of different parts recommend different herbs in home gardens. For example, the traditional healers belong to Bengali community of Ambikapur region suggest the natives to plant a Nishindi herb in their home garden near to entry point (Gate). It is common belief in this region, that plantation of Nishindi prevents the entry of ill spirits in home and protect the family from diseases. The natives are aware of utilities of almost every part of Nishindi. I have observed its use in over 50 common diseases both internally and externally. You can get more details about various uses and botany of Nishindi in my previous article on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of rheumatism in Chhattisgarh, India. Before instructing the natives, about the suitable herb in home gardens, the healers generally, ask about common troubles in particular home. Based on this short interaction, they recommend specific herbs. But some herbs are common for all like Neem, Nishindi, Aak etc. While surfing on net. I got an information on "Horticulture Therapy", developed by the horticulturist of western world. In this therapy, the experts first interview the home owner with the help of questionnaire and on the basis of their problem recommend suitable herbs to be plant in home gardens. I am proud to write that this therapy is in existence since centuries in Chhattisgarh and it is still in practice.

As in "Horticulture Therapy" scientists and experts are involved, they have explanation for each recommended herb but in Chhattisgarh, the natives believe, that the healers are aware of science but in fact they are just (most of them) following the instructions of their forefathers. Through this article, I would like to request the Indian researchers at first to accept this valuable traditional knowledge and as second step, try to explain it for next generation. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich knowledge about herbs suitable for not only the home gardens but also for place of work, crop fields and hospitals. I request the readers to go through my previous article on Tree shade therapy for more interesting information on role of herbs in home gardens. During my lectures in different seminars, I have noted the fact that in rural and forest areas of Chhattisgarh, there is no need to aware the natives about this therapy because it is in practice whereas in urban areas, the natives are not ready to replace the exotic ornamentals from their gardens. The traditional healers suggest the natives to avoid planting cactus in home gardens and it is common belief in Chhattisgarh, that the presence of spiny and xerophytic herbs in home gardens can cause disturbances particularly the mental disturbances in family. As a student of science, I was not agree with this belief. When I conducted a small study in order to explain this fact, I got surprising and encouraging results. Many respondents told me that these xerophytic and spiny herbs are shelter of venomous insects and snakes. As home gardens are play ground for little children, these herbs can cause harm to them. Some respondent said the presence of spiny herbs in home gardens make the mood gloomy and causes depression. My university, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur is having a great collection of cactus. Over 2000 species of Cactus are planted in green houses and Dr. Prashant Dubey is taking care of these species. He is also aware of this belief. And according to him, this belief is creating a hindrance in sell of beautiful cactus species in Chhattisgarh. He questions this belief by giving the example of good record of relations among the staff members working at Cactus nursery. According to him, if this belief is genuine, then these 2000 species have enough potential to cause big disturbances in our relations. But I have noted that fact that he has not planted even a single cactus in his home garden. In this article, I am describing different herbs, their suitability (as informed by the natives and healers) and common uses.

It is common belief that the lands having white flowered Fudhar herbs are best and lucky for construction of home. The natives also believe that this herb is an indicator of presence of treasure inside the soil. This is the reason they prefer and give higher price for land having natural growth of white flowered Fudhar. In home gardens, the healers avoid to plant the herbs having latex but Fudhar is an exception. It is planted in boundaries. The healers advise the patients to stand near to this herb for at least one hour morning and evening observing the whole herb. According to them, it is good for the patients having mental troubles. During construction of home, the natives avoid to damage this herb and they design the home so that it can damage least to the herb. Many healers told me that only spontaneously grown Fudhar herb gives best effects. If any one want to plant this herb in home garden, he should follow the strict rules regarding selection of herbs and specific date and time of planting. The healers provide this important information to needy persons without charging any consultancy fees. As this herb is related to wealth, the rich natives engaged in business, take special care of this herb. They regularly worship the herb. Many consultants are also active in Chhattisgarh and exploiting the rich natives taking advantage of their blind faith. The scientific name of Fudhar is Calotropis procera. I have written a lot on ethnobotanical uses of this common but valuable herb in Chhattisgarh. Medicinally white flowered Fudhar species are preferred by the traditional healers. Every part of this herb is used as medicine both internally and externally. When I discuss the role of Fudhar in increasing the wealth, many healers laugh and comment that only plantation or caring cannot result in wealth. According to them, their forefathers have associated the information with Fudhar because they were aware that coming generations will forget the uses of this herb. In order to conserve this herb forever, they have associated the information related to wealth. According to healers, as every part of Fudhar is useful, by understanding the various medicinal uses of this herb with the help of traditional healers, the natives can get good health through this herb and save lot of expenses in terms of doctor’s bill. But the natives specially those living in urban areas are not using this herb for their daily use. They are just planting and caring the herb and thinking that the presence of this herb can increase the wealth . Many healers suggest the natives to irrigate the Fudhar herb with water having the power of Haldi (Turmeric) instead of water alone. In place of water, they prefer well or river water. According to them, the use of Haldi water increases the effects of Fudhar. As researcher of Allelopathy, I feel there is a need to study the effect of Haldi water applied as irrigation on growth as well as medicinal properties of Fudhar herb. I have started some trials, but it is too early to derive any conclusion. Through these trials, I am now assured that Haldi water cannot damage the Fudhar herb. During my is its to nearby forests rich in natural population of both Haldi and Fudhar, I always try to observe keenly the behaviour and growth pattern of both herbs growing side by side. Although it is not important for common readers but I would like to mention that I am also conducting trials to see the effects of Fudhar herb on growth and medicinal properties of Haldi herb. As mentioned earlier, many rich natives worship with this herb, during worship they use water and Haldi powder and apply it near to the roots. Directly or indirectly through this worship, they are contributing in growth of this herb.

Although Bonsai culture is becoming popular in Chhattisgarh, but the traditional healers warn the natives to avoid the use of Bonsai herbs. The Bonsai of Pipal tree is very common in Chhattisgarh. Due to population pressure, the area is decreasing and in urban areas, multi storied building and flat system of living are becoming common . Pipal is a big tree and it is not possible to plant this herb in each compartment of multi storied buildings. To solve this problem, the natives use Bonsai Pipal tree and plant it in small pots. The traditional healers are not happy with this solution and they say that wrong use of deformed tree can result in harmful effects. Pipal is a sacred tree for Hindus and Buddhists. In ancient literatures, it is mentioned that Pipal tree should be planted in western direction of home. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh are aware of this fact. Although Pipal is frequently used in different religious ceremonies in India, but you will be surprised to know that its natural population is decreasing very rapidly in the state. As it is large sized tree with spreading roots, no one is ready to plant large tree nearer to home. It is common observation that the tree planted near the home, penetrates its roots inside the walls and destroys the homes. The ancient experts were aware of this fact. This is the reason they have advised to plant this tree outside the boundary wall. Although the natural population of large sized tree is decreasing but this is also a fact that the number of Bonsai Pipal is increasing in Chhattisgarh. An eminent Bonsai expert of Chhattisgarh Mr. Chandrashekhar Vyas told me that it is difficult process to prepare a Bonsai of Pipal tree. The natives take special care of Pipal tree. Daily morning (except on Saturday) They worship the tree, take one leaf and kept it with them whole day. At evening, they keep the leaf in locker (or place where money is kept). Next morning the same procedure is repeated. On Saturday morning, all six leaves are collected and after worship, flow them in river water. The natives facing downfall in their business are advised to put the leaves in their shops or working places. According to the healers, one should be very careful during planting. The tree planted other than western direction can cause adverse effects. I am trying to explain the science and facts behind this belief. The scientific name of Pipal is Ficus religiosa ( family : Moraceae). Pipal holds a reputed position in almost every systems of medicine in India. According to reference literatures, all parts of Pipal are cooling and useful in diseases of blood, vagina, uterus, leucorrhoea (Safed Pani), burning sensation, biliousness and ulcers. Ripe fruit is alexipharmic and good for gout and rheumatism. The root bark (Jad Ki Chhal) is aphrodisiac and good in stomatitis, ulcers, leucorrhoea and bone fractures. The seeds are useful in urinary troubles.

Although for the agricultural researchers specially for the weed scientists, Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera) is unwanted herb but for the natives and traditional healers it is a valuable herb. From herbal tooth brush to treatment of lethal diseases they use this herb very frequently. As Chirchita possess anti venom and snake repellent properties, the natives prefer this herb in home gardens. If this herb grows spontaneously as weed in home gardens, the natives never root out it. Spontaneously grown herb is considered best as compared to the planted one. Babool (Acacia nilotica) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. Babool trees spontaneously grows in bunds of rice fields and since centuries both herbs are growing to gather without affecting each other’s growth. The natives never root out this herb from rice bunds but as herb in home garden, they avoid this herb. As this herb posses spines, it is general belief in Chhattisgarh, that presence of this herb in home gardens may result in dispute among family members. Dasmool is also a common herb in forests of Chhattisgarh. The natives and traditional healers are well aware of different medicinal uses of Dasmool. As climber, it is preferred in home gardens. As Dasmool is reputed and well established female tonic, the healers instruct their female patients to plant this herb in home gardens and use regularly different parts as medicine. According to the healers, as any home is incomplete without woman, similarly any home garden is incomplete without Dasmool herb. As appearance and growth pattern of Dasmool are good even the natives not aware of its valuable medicinal properties, plant this herb as ornamental plant in home gardens. The use of fresh leaves of Dasmool (Asparagus racemosus) is not much popular in the state, so natives in general give emphasis on medicinal root collection rather than the leaves collection. Although Dasmool is a wild herb, but many nurseries grow and sell this herb, as ornamental herb at very fair prices in the state. Like Babool, any species of Bamboo is also not permitted for plantation in home gardens. According to the natives, the dense growth of Bamboo clusters are best shelter place for venomous creatures and this is the reason no one plant this herb in home gardens. This is very dangerous to convince the natives particularly the natives living in urban areas that the rose that the rose varieties are not suitable for any home gardens. As these species are spiny, the healers instruct the natives to avoid this beautiful herb in home garden. You will be surprised to know that the healers are not against all varieties of roses. They suggest the natives to plant Desi (indigenous) Gulab (Rose) in place of exotic varieties. According to them Desi Gulab is full of valuable medicinal properties and also full of natural aroma. Desi Gulab is used as main ingredient in many popular herb mixtures in India. Desi Gulab (Rosa domscena) is also preferred by the traditional healers. In early days, this species was very common, but now it is becoming rare due to introduced hybrid varieties. I am describing its botany in short. According to reference literatures, it is a perennial shrub attaining the height upto 1.5 meters, stems with stout and hooked prickles, sometimes glandular, hairy; Leaves pinnate, leaflets usually five (sometimes seven), ovate oblong, serrate, stipules scarcely dilated; petioles prickly; Flowers usually corymbose, double, red, pink or white, sometimes striped; pedicels and receptacle glandular hispid; Fruit obovate. The Desi Gulab flowers round the year in Chhattisgarh conditions. In reference literatures, many valuable medicinal properties and uses of Desi Gulab have been described in detail. According to these literatures, the flower of Desi Gulab is bitter, acrid, cooling, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, cardiotonic, expectorant , sweetish and useful in treatment of leprosy, biliousness, burning sensation, eye diseases, headache, toothache, stomatitis, heat of body, chronic fevers, inflammations etc. The syrup prepared from fresh petals, locally known as Gulkand, is very popular in Chhattisgarh. Sometimes back when I disclosed the benefits of Desi Gulab among the participants of seminar organised by Chhattisgarh Horticulture Society, they replied they are eager to plant this rose species in gardens but not aware from where they will get the plants. Unfortunately, this indigenous variety is not available for sale in nurseries. With the help of horticultarists of Chhattisgarh, now we are trying hard to supply this variety to natives.

Among fruit plants, Sitaphal (annona squamosa) herb is not preferred in home gardens. As this herb grows naturally in graveyards, the natives hesitate to plant this herb in home gardens. According to the healers, the natives must not plant this herb but if it grows spontaneously in home gardens, in general, they never instruct, the natives to remove it. Nariyal (Coconut) is not a common tree in Chhattisgarh. The natives and healers are also not aware of its multiple uses, however many natives plant this herb in home gardens. According to them the plantation of this herb in home gardens bring prosperity and good news in home. Many research works have been conducted but the Nariyal planted in Chhattisgarh, never give desirable production. There is controversy in case of Papita (Papaya). According to the healers, this herb is valuable and poor man’s tonic whereas many healers instruct the natives to root out this harmful herb. This is responsible for diseases in family members. I am not agree with them. I have planted Papita in my home garden and as it is poor man’s fruits, you will find this fruit tree is almost every home in Chhattisgarh. The healers considering the Papita as harmful herb, instruct their followers to apply Hing inside the stem and roots in order to destroy this herb completely.

I have noted the fact that the natives and traditional healers, in general, prefer the herbs in home gardens having multiple uses. This is really a bitter fact that due to lack of awareness, now new exotic species are taking place of these important indigenous herbs in home gardens. I am sure that this article will help the world community to understand the rich traditional knowledge about common herbs suitable for home gardens in Chhattisgarh, India.