Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common herbs, insects and soils used in treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

In forest areas, the natives collect the soil having urine of Jangli Suar (Wild boar) and in case of attack, they give this soil to patients. In general, the patients are advice to keep this soil always in their pockets. It is general belief that the soil in side the pocket, prevents the attack of Mirgi. The urine of domesticated boar is not taken. As it is very difficult to get this medicated soil, the natives are department on traditional healers and herb collectors. This use is very common in southern parts of Chhattisgarh. In plains, the traditional healers use the insects of Fudhar for preparation of drugs. Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) is a common weed in Chhattisgarh. Over ten species attack on this herb. The healers collect these species round the year and dry it in shade. The caterpillar of Ak butterfly is considered as most valuable ingredient. The caterpillar is also dried in same manner. Half quantity of dried caterpillar and in rest half quantity mixture of dried insects (all in equal proportion) are mixed. During attack the mixture is burnt and fumes are directed to the patient’s nose. Although for preparation of this mixture, one has to work hard round the year but according to the healers it is very promising mixture. Its popularity in the region, clearly indicates its efficacy. The traditional healers of Sarguja region, use the caterpillar of Ak buttery with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). The dried caterpillars and Kali Mirich are converted into powder and used in same way. As the healers of Sarguja are not aware of the method adopted by the healers of Chhattisgarh Plains (and vice-versa) it is hard to conclude that which combination is superior. The healers of both regions claim that their method is promising. For second method, relatively less efforts are required. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers to conduct studies on this important aspect.

When I contacted Shri Vishal Bharat regarding this unique use, he replied that there are many such combinations and traditional uses. According to him, there is specific time for collection of particular insects. The medicinal properties of Fudhar herb play a vital role in healing properties of insect species and in general the traditional healers avoid to disclose this fact. He also suggested me to conduct a detailed study on this aspect as it is not easy to conclude or to understand this in depth knowledge. I am agree with him. Later I got information on criteria of selection of Fudhar herb for preparation of drug. The insects feeding on unhealthy or old Fudhar herb that is growing in rocky areas are not preferred by the healers. Similarly, the herb from cultivated fields is also not preferred. The insects are collected at different times. The nocturnal insects are collected in early morning (after sufficient intake of plant material) whereas the insects active at day time are collected at evening. The traditional healer practising at Durg city, uses another combination. He uses Khatmal (Bed bug; Cimex sp.) and Gangaruva (earthworm) with the caterpillars of Ak butterfly. The earthworm and caterpillars are dried whereas fresh Khatmal is preferred. For routine use, the healer kill the Khatmal and use the dried powder also. All three creatures are mixed and put into the fire. The fumes are directed to the patient’s nose. These uses are not reported in reference literatures. These uses are limited to the traditional healers as all natives feel uneasy to handle the insects and earthworms. In general, the healers also avoid to disclose, what they are using, but the bottles having dried insects and earthworms can easily be seen with these healers. Besides use of insects and earthworms, the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs also. Most of the herbs or herbal combinations are used externally at the time of attack. But there are few special combinations available with the healers that are given internally in name of cure. In this article, at first I am describing the herbs and herbal combinations used by the healers and after this, I will describe popular home remedies, available with the natives use in treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy).

Among herbs used in case of acute attack, Fudhar is most important. The healers collect the roots and prepare a solution using cow’s milk. Few drops of this solution is applied into the patient’s nose. This is surprising to know that in many parts of Chhattisgarh, the traditional healers use cow urine in place of cow’s milk for preparation of solution. The urine collected from bull or pregnant cow is avoided. The old herbs are preferred as compared to young ones, for the preparation of solution. The use of Parsa roots (Butea monosperma) is also common. In this case, the roots are mixed with water. The roots are collected before flowering season. Many healers, aware of healing properties of Parsa and Fudhar, mix the root in equal proportion. In this mixture, water is used in a solution in place of cow’s milk or urine. In case of children and patients having poor vital force, the healers avoid the use of this combination. According to the traditional healer of Gunderdehi, this solution can be used in normal days also. During my ethnobotanical surveys, in Kanker region of Chhattisgarh, I got information on use of Mahua. The stones of Mahua are mixed with Kali Mirch (Black pipper) and aqueous solution is prepared. This solution is applied into the patient’s nose. This use is limited to Kanker region only. The use of Bhat katiya is common among farming communities. If any person get attack during field work, far from medical facilities, the farmers collect commonly available weed Bhatkatiya or Bhachkatiyya (Solanum xanthocarpum) and extract fresh juice from whole herb. Few drops juice is applied inside the nose as treatment. Dried herb is also used in treatment. Herb is put in fire and fumes are directed into to the patient’s nose. According to traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, addition of some common weeds like Kukronda (Blumea lacera) increases its efficacy. The healers in general do not use this herb in their routine practice because many superior herbs are available with them. As first aid measure or in case of emergency, one can use Bhatkatiya successfully.

Many natives informed me that the root portion is most important and if there is enough time, one must use its roots in place of whole herb. In reference literatures, the use of Bhat Katiya roots with the seeds of Bhang (Cannabis sativa) is mentioned. As Bhang is not a common herb in our region, the natives have developed their own method for treatment. In Gandai region of Chhattisgarh, the healers use common herb Bhagrenda (Jatropha curcas). The juice is extracted and applied in both nostrils. The matured fruits of Sitaphal (annona squamosa) are also used in many parts. The fruits are dried and converted into powders. In case of attack, this powder is used. Now, I am describing the herbs used internally for treatment by the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Among these herbs, the use of Akarkara is very common. Akarkara is reported as naturally occurring herb in Chhattisgarh. Akarkara is also under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers use both wild and cultivated species for the preparation of drugs. I am describing its botany at first. According to reference literatures, it is annual herb with hairy stem and branches; Leaves opposite, ovate, irregularly crenate-serrate, base usually acute; Flowers in heads ovoids, solitary or sub panicled, peduncles reaching ten cm long; involucral bracts oblong-lanceolate; ray flowers and ligules very often absent; the latter when present minute, pappus O; fruit achene, oblong, truncate, compressed. Flowering time November (in Chhattisgarh conditions). I have already described its medicinal uses in my previous articles. The healers collect the whole herb and prepare a solution using Sirka (Vinegar) and other herbs. This solution is given to the patients in name of treatment. I have interviewed many patients taking this herbal solution. According to them, it is promising solution and they are getting relief. The healers also prepare a special combination for treatment. They do not disclose the formula. By interactions and discussions, I have listed out some herbs including Sonth (Dried ginger), Akarkara, Sun seeds (Crotolaria sp.), Pipal (Ficus religiosa). This combination is given to the patients till complete cure. I am satisfied that the secret of unique formula is safe and in use in Chhattisgarh. The healers using this combination have already transferred this traditional secret to their young generations and fortunately , the young generation is following the rules strictly and sincerely.

Now I am describing the home remedies used by natives in treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy). During attack and for treatment, the use of Lason (Garlic) is very common among natives. During attack, the native apply the juice inside the nostril. The patients are advised to boil Lason in milk and take it daily. According to natives, long term use of Lason with milk cures the trouble. The oil prepared from Lason is also used externally. The natives of Rajnandgaon region prepare a herbal combination using three parts of Til seeds and one part of Lason. This combination is given to the patients daily for complete cure. Black seeded Til (Sesamum) is preferred for preparation of this combination. The juice of onion with water is also considered best in treatment of Mirgi. The natives of Pendra region, give the powdered rhizome of Bach (Acorus calamas) to patients. The Bach powder is given either with pure honey or with milk. One teaspoonful of powder is recommended. Overdose may cause complication like vomiting. Bach is a common herb in Chhattisgarh. It is also under cultivation as medicinal crop (For details, please refer to my previous articles). The natives of Sarguja region are specialised in use of Karaunda herb in treatment of Mirgi. The scientific name of Karaunda is Carissa carandas (Family Apocynaceae). It is an evergreen diffuse spiny shrub, occurring through Chhattisgarh. Its fruits are used for pickles, jams and chutneys and plant make good hedge. In treatment, the fresh leaves are used. The leaves (40 in number) are collected and after crushing it is given with Matha (whey) to the patients. According to the natives, within two three months the patients get rid from this trouble. In southern parts of Chhattisgarh, the natives use the leaves of Mehndi (Lawsonia alba; family Lythraceae) in same way. In this region, Mehndi grows as wild herb. Many natives use it with fresh milk in place of Matha (whey). The natives of Chhattisgarh also use the wild species of Tulsi. The juice from leaves is extracted and it is massaged in whole body. The decoction of Anar leaves is also considered good for treatment.

The above described traditional uses clearly indicate that the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs, insects and soils useful in treatment of Mirgi (Epilepsy). Most of these information have not been mentioned in reference literature. I personally feel that there is a strong need for detailed surveys and in depth studies in order to understand this unique knowledge. Thank your very much for reading the article.