Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. 98. Uses of Gunja (Abrus precatorius).

The forests of Chhattisgarh are rich in natural diversity of Gunja plants. In reference literatures few types of Gunja species have been described but in Chhattisgarh many unique types of Gunja are present in wild. These types are different not only on the basis of seed color but also in plant structure. Most of these types are having no botanical identity. The process to identify these types is in progress. Gunja holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in India. It is considered as toxic plant and this is the reason the experts use it with much care. Its all parts are used as medicine. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. The healers use it both internally as well as externally in treatment of common and complicated diseases. The rare types are used more frequently than the known types. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer use it in treatment. Through the 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 Charama region use the leaves in treatment of skin cancer. The leaves are used alone. Different healers use the leaves in different ways. In general the leaves are boiled and decoction is prepared. The patients are advised to wash the affected part with the help of this decoction. It acts in promising ways at initial stages of skin cancer. It is used as supplement treatment along with main treatment of skin cancer. Many healers are in favor of use of leaf juice.

The traditional healers of Jashpur region use the leaves in treatment of throat cancer. The leaves are used internally. At initial stages the leaves are used alone whereas at advanced stages the healers use it in combination with other herbs. Most of the healers are in favor of its use in combination. They prefer its long- term use. The old leaves are used.

In general the traditional healers suggest all the patients having any type of cancer to take Gunja flowers internally once in a week. It is given under strict supervision. It produces vomiting and loose motions. The healers informed that these flowers purify the body. After using the flowers the patient's body give more response to the routine remedies.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the aqueous extract of roots in treatment of blood cancer. It is used at advanced stages. It is given as supplement treatment along with main treatment. The extract is given daily morning empty stomach to the patients. The healers take special precaution during the collection of roots. The roots growing in eastern directions are not preferred. They have deep faith in this use.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use Gunja seeds in treatment of last stage of cancer when all available remedies fail to give the desirable results. The seeds are used alone and based on the condition of the patients the healers decide different doses. The healers are aware of the toxicity of the seeds. This is the reason they use it with much care.

The traditional healers of Northern Chhattisgarh prepare special Herbal Mala for the patients having cancer. The Mala is prepared from Gunja root pieces. The pieces are used in odd number and black thread is used to prepare it. The Mala is changed every week. The patients are advised to wear it up to long time. The healers have deep faith in this use. Although they are not aware of its mode of action but as traditional practice they are following it sincerely without any modification. The natives informed that this Mala protects the body from evil spirits. I am aware that cancer is not less than the evil spirits. In many parts of Chhattisgarh the roots are tied around the wrist for the same purpose.

The traditional healers of Bagbahera region prepare special herbal oil by boiling freshly collected roots in base oil. When all watery contents evaporate the boiling is stopped and special oil is stored for future use. As base oil Til (Sesame) seed oil is used. This special oil is considered beneficial for the external application in case of skin cancer. The healers use it at initial stages.

In order to enrich Gunja plant parts with medicinal properties the traditional healers use specific 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 above mentioned traditional medicinal uses are very important. Its popularity among the healers clearly indicates its efficacy. These days I am trying to collect the information on medicinal uses of soil collected near to the Gunja plants in treatment of cancer. You will find the details in coming articles.


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