Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. 97. Uses of Rahar (Cajanus cajan).

Rahar is well known Pulse crop throughout India. It is undercultivation in fairly large areas. In Chhattisgarh Rahar Dal is popularly consumed by the natives. It is consumed with Bhat (Cooked Rice). Rahar is under cultivation in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh. The natives are less aware of its medicinal uses. Although it is not raised as medicinal crop but all parts of Rahar are used both internally as well as externally in treatment of common diseases. I have written a lot about its traditional medicinal uses in my previous articles. At present very few traditional healers are aware of its use. Although much knowledge is available in form of my articles but these is need to conserve this knowledge and to popularizes its medicinal uses among the natives of young generation. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer use Rahar plant parts as medicine. Through interactions and meetings with these traditional healers I have collected many interesting information on this aspect. I am giving the details in present article.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the immature seeds in treatment of mouth cancer. The seeds are boiled in water to prepare the decoction. The patients are advised to gargle with this decoction. This decoction is considered beneficial at initial stages of mouth cancer. The healers suggest its use as supplement treatment along with main treatment of mouth cancer. The healers avoid the use of mature seeds. I am trying to get more information regarding this specific choice.

The traditional healers of Durg region use the husk in treatment of lung cancer. The husk is burnt and fumes are directed to the affected parts. I have mentioned in previous articles that the traditional healers use this husk in this way in treatment of Asthma. Its use in treatment of lung cancer is new information for me. The healers are not in favor of its long- term use. They use it up to fifteen days and in case of good results they continue the use.

The traditional healers of Bagbahera region informed that the seeds are used in treatment of skin cancer. They prepare aqueous paste by mixing seeds with Dahi (Curd) and apply it internally on affected parts. They informed that at initial stages it acts in promising ways. The healers recommend its daily use. It is recommended along with main treatment of skin cancer.

The traditional healers of Bilaspur region informed that Rahar leaves can be used in treatment of cancerous wounds. The leaves are used in form of decoction. As other promising alternatives are available the traditional healers use it less commonly. I am aware that from documentation point of view it is an important information.

The farmers are aware that the soil around the Rahar plant is rich in natural chemicals. This is the reason they spread this soil in new fields ready for cultivation of other crops. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of therapeutic values of this soil. They use this soil internally in treatment of blood cancer. The soil is not used alone. It is added in herbal combinations as major ingredient.

The traditional healers of Ambikapur region prepare special herbal oil by boiling Rahar roots in base oil. When all watery contents evaporate the boiling is stopped and special oil is kept for future use. This oil is considered beneficial for the treatment of cancerous wound. The patients are advised to apply it on wound many times in a day. It acts in promising ways at initial stages.

In general the patients having any type of cancer are advised by the traditional healers to consume Rahar Dal daily in small amount. The healers informed that this use helps in developing natural resistance. It is given in relatively larger doses at advanced stages of cancer.

The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use many species of insect attacking on Rahar plants in treatment of cancer. I have mentioned in previous articles about medicinal uses of many of these insects. I am in touch with the traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh and trying to get more information on this important aspect.

The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed that the whole herb juice of new Rahar plant is useful in treatment of cancer especially at initial stage. This use is not much popular among the healers. I am trying to get the reasons responsible for its less use.

In order to enrich Rahar plant parts with medicinal properties the traditional healers use different herbal extracts and leachates. I have written a lot about this Traditional Allelopathic Knowledge in my previous articles. I am not repeating it here.

The traditional healers collect Rahar plant parts from the fields where organic farming is in progress. Most of the healers grow it in their own fields in order to get genuine and pure plant parts. They are not in favor of using improved varieties of Rahar as medicine. Through the on-going surveys I am in process of getting more information on traditional medicinal uses of Rahar. You will find the details in coming articles.


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