Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Chameli (Jasminum grandiflorum; family Oleaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

Among natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, a special oil prepared from fresh leaves of Chameli is very popular. It is one of the most wanted herbal oils having aphrodisiac properties. They collect the fresh leaves, mix with fresh leaves of wasteland weed Dhatra (Datura sp.) and extract juice. The juice is mixed in Til (Sesamum oil) and this mixture is allowed to boil. After evaporation of watery content, the oil is collected. This herbal oil is applied externally on male genitals just before the intercourse. You will be surprised to know that the natives use this oil only upto seven days in one whole year. The traditional healers informed that this seven days use has enough potential to keep the users capable round the year. Many healers add Rani Keeda (Trombidium) in this oil but the healers confirmed that, the Chameli leaves are responsible for this oil but the healers confirmed that, the Chameli leave are responsible for this miracle effect. The traditional healers also informed that this oil is a boon for the young natives having sex related troubles. The method of oil preparation is very simple. This is the reason it is popular among natives also. Although natural occurrence of Chameli has been reported by early workers in Chhattisgarh but I have yet not seen it in dense forests. Chameli is present in the state since generations. The natives keep their Children’s (girl) name as Chameli. It is one of the common herbs in home gardens. Like the presence of white flowered Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) its presence in home gardens is consider as sign of good future and prosperity. The natives also plant this herb for its white, fragrant flowers.

These beautiful flowers are used for making attars and perfumed hair oils. There is a fair demand of its essential oil in national and international perfume industries. This demand has motivated the innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh, and they have started its commercial cultivation. For commercial cultivation, the herb growers are introducing new high yielding varieties from other states. Any system research to develop new improved varieties using native collection has yet not been started by the research organisations of Chhattisgarh. In ancient Indian literatures, the flowers of Chameli holds a reputed position. It is mentioned that one flower of Khair (Acacia catechu) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Guma (Leucas aspera), one flower of Shami (Prosopis cineraria) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Khair, one flower of Maulsari (Mimusops elengi) is thousand times more valuable to a flower of Shami, one flower of Kaner (Nerium sp.) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Maulsari, one flower of Kush (Desmostachya bipinnata) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Kaner, one flower of Vanbela is thousand times valuable to a flower of Kush, one flower of Champa (Michelia champaca) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Vanbela, one flower of Ashok (Saraca asoca) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Champa, one flower of Madhavi (Hiptage benghalensis) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Ashok, one flower of Basanti (Schizanthus excelsum) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Madhavi, one flower of Gojata is thousand times valuable to a flower of Basanti, one flower of Phagunia is thousand times valuable to a flower of Gojata, one flower of Kund (Jasminum multiflorum) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Phagunia, one flower of Kamal (Lotus) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Kund, one flower of Bela (Jasminum sambac) is thousand times valuable to Kamal flower, one flower of Chameli (Jasminum grandiflorum) is thousand times valuable to a flower of Bela. This quote is enough to show the importance of Chemeli flowers in ancient Indian literatures. According to Hindu literatures, the Chameli flowers are offered to Lord Vishnu. The rich natives always keep the dried roots of Chameli in their cash lockers to increase the in flow of wealth. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh, that by keeping the roots with him always, one can get rid from all health troubles. The healers give specially collected roots to the patients. I am trying to find out the science behind this belief. Many natives use the Herbal Mala prepared from Chameli roots or keep the root piece in lockets for same troubles. The natives also prepare a herbal mixture using the flowers of Chameli and Kaner and use it during bath in place of Soap. Sometimes they add powdered shell (seep) in this herbal combination. They are not aware of health benefits of this herbal mixture and they use it just to remain refreshed. The traditional healers in formed me that the regular use of this herbal mixture makes the skin enough resistant to fight from diseases and it is a good hair tonic also. Before describing traditional medicinal knowledge about Chameli in Chhattisgarh, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Chameli is a large sub scandent shrub; Leaves opposite, imparipinnate, 5.0-12.5cm, petiole and rachis margined; leaflets 7-11, terminal rather larger; distal pair confluent with the terminal, proximal petiolate, intermediate sessile; Flowers white, often tinged with pink outside, in lax axillary and terminal cymes; Fruits ripe carpels two; Flowering time July to September. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the medicinal uses of root, flower and oil are well described but not much has been written on leaves. According to Ayurveda, flowers are acrid, heating, emetic, alexiteric, vulnerary and useful in stomatitis, diseases of mouth, head, teeth, eyes and ears. It is also given in blood diseases, leprosy, ulcers and biliousness. According to Unani system of medicine, plant is deobstruents, anthelmintic, diuretic, emmenagogue whereas root is purgative, expectorant, soporific, intoxicating and useful in treatment of headache, biliousness, paralysis, rheumatism. Flowers are described as tonic, aphrodisiac, alexiteric and useful in treatment of asthma and diseases of mouth. The oil lessens inflammations, softens skin and useful as brain tonic. It is also good for joint pains.

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Chameli. They use this herb in treatment of 25 common and complicated diseases, both internally and externally. Beside leaves, the traditional healers also use the flowers of Chameli as sex stimulator. The flowers are externally rubbed on male genitals. The extracted flower juice is also applied. According to healers, this application increases the retention time upto great extent. As base oil for the preparation special oil in place of Til (Sesamum) oil, many healers use Sarson (Mustard) oil. The healers informed me that choice of base oil depend on the vitality and general health of patients. The healers apply the herbal oil prepared by using Chameli leaves in thigh also, for same purpose. Like leaves of Jam (Guava), the leaves of Chameli are chewed by the natives to get rid from dental troubles and stomatitis. The natives also prepare a decoction and use it for gargling. In case of small boil inside the nose, the healers suggest the patients to smell the fresh Chameli flowers. In case of small boil in ears the essential oil of Chameli flower is applied inside the ear for quick relief. This essential oil is also used in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine) by the traditional healers. The existing use of essential oil in treatment of different diseases, clearly indicates that the traditional healers are well aware of aromatherapy since time immemorial. In case of style, the healers use the petals of Chameli flowers with sugar internally. The fresh flowers juice is applied externally on stye also. The natives are well aware of use of Chameli flowers in face care. The freshly harvested flowers are rubbed on black spots of face to clear it. With Multani mitti (Fuller’s clay) the healers use the fresh juice of Chameli flower for face care. The decoction prepared by boiling the Chameli leaves in water in used to kill intestinal worms. The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed me that the decoction is good female tonic, and one must use it upto one week any time of the year, to get rid from trouble round the year. The healers also add other herbs in this decoction. Sita Ashok (Saraca indica) is one of these herbs. In case of skin troubles, the natives of Chhattisgarh apply the juice of leaves and flowers externally on affected parts. In case of Gokhru (Corns between toes), the use of Chameli leaf juice is very popular among the natives.