Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. 94. Uses of Padri (Stereospermum personatum).

The trees of Padri are present in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh. As medicinal plant Padri holds as reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. Its all parts are used as medicine. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this medicinal tree. I have mentioned in previous articles that its shade is not considered safe for the common natives especially for the patients having gout. The natives use this tree specially its fruits in treatment of snakebite. The fruits are kept in houses, as it is common belief that its presence repels the snakes away. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use its different parts both internally as well as externally in treatment of common as well as complicated diseases. The soil-collected neat to this tree is also considered beneficial for the health troubles. The traditional healers having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer use its different plant parts in treatment. Through meetings and interactions with these healers I have collected many interesting information. I am giving the details in present article.

The traditional healers of Gandai-Salewara region use the seeds both internally as well as externally in treatment of cancer. The healers use the seeds internally in combination with other herbs in treatment of cancer pain. The healers have deep faith in this use. The seeds are not used alone. They use immature seeds in preparation of herbal oil. The seeds are boiled in base oil and when all watery contents evaporate the boiling is stopped and special oil is used externally. This oil is considered as a boon for the patients having cancerous wound especially at advanced stages. The healers prepare it by themselves and use it under strict supervision. This oil is not available as commercial product in the market. During the surveys I have observed that many herb vendors collect this oil from the healers and supply it to the healers of other states.

In treatment of throat cancer the traditional healers of Jashpur region use the flowers. The flowers are collected and dried in shade. The dried flowers are burnt and the fumes are directed to the affected part. It acts in promising ways at initial stages. The healers use it as supplement treatment along with main treatment of throat cancer. They also use the bark in treatment of cancer pain. The inner bark is collected and juice is extracted. The juice is given internally to the patients. The healers informed that in most of the cases it acts in miraculous way. It is having some effects on cancer growth also. It stops the spread of cancer to some extents. The healers collect the bark by themselves. Old trees are preferred for the collection. The old trees injured due to lightening are considered very useful. The healers treat the trees with specific herbal extracts and leachates before the collection of bark This treatment makes the bark rich in medicinal properties. The trees are treated with these extracts even after the collection of bark. This treatment helps the trees to recover from the injuries.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the bark externally in treatment cancerous wounds. The bark is used in form of decoction. The patients are advised to wash the wound with the help of this decoction. It is considered useful in treatment of wound at initial stages. The bark is not used in combination with other herbs. Both inner as well as outer barks are used for this purpose.

The traditional healers of Pendra region use Padri roots in treatment of cancer. The roots are added in powder form in different herbal combinations commonly used by the traditional healers. The roots are used as medicine for cancer. Many times the roots are added to nullify the harmful effects of other herbs.

The traditional healers of Kanker region prepare special herbal oil for the patients having cancer especially at initial stages. This Mala is considered beneficial for them. The roots are used to prepare this Mala. The root pieces are used in odd number. The red colored string is used for the preparation of Mala. The healers prepare this Mala from their own hands. Every week the Mala is changed. Old Mala is buried near Neem tree .The Mala is tied loosely around the neck in a way so that the root pieces remain in touch with body. The natives informed that this Mala protects from evil spirits. The traditional healers are aware of its beneficial effect on cancer patients. I am in process of preparing film on this specific use.

For dressing the wound the traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region use its aromatic fruits but as other promising alternative are available the fruits are used less commonly. From documentation point of view it is an important information.

The patients having any type of cancer are advised by the traditional healers to avoid the shade of this tree. This shade is not considered safe for the common natives also.

The traditional healers use many herbal extracts and leachates in order to enrich Padri trees with medicinal properties. I have written a lot on this Traditional Allelopathic Knowledge in my previous articles. I am not repeating it here.

Through the on-going surveys I am trying to get more information on this aspect. I am focusing the surveys in regions having rich natural population of Padri. The natives and traditional healers of these regions are having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. You will find the details in coming articles.






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