Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful garden plant Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, family Nyctanthaceac) in Chhattiagarh, India

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

Although the English name of Parijat is 'Tree of Sorrow' but for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh it is a 'Tree of Joy'. For them it is valuable medicinal as well as ornamental plant. The natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Parijat and they use this herb very frequently in treatment of many common diseases. The traditional healers are also aware of these medicinal uses but they use it less frequently as other alternatives are available. Few years back, I conducted a small ethnobotanical survey based on questionnaire, among natives that have planted this herb in their home gardens.

Common names of Parijat
Languages / regions	Names
1. Bengali	Sephalika, Seol
2. English	Tree of Sorrow, Night flowering Jasmine
3. Gujarati	Jaya parvati
4. Kanarese	Parijata
5. Hindi	Harsingar, Sephalika,
6. Malayalam	Pavizhammalli, Parijat Kam
7. Marathi	Khurasli, Parijatak
8. Oriya	Godokodiko, Singaroharo
9. Tamil	Manjhapu, Pavazhamalligai
10. Telugu	Kapilahagadustu, Pagadamalle, Parijatamu

The survey revealed that most of the natives that have planted this herb in home gardens are aware of its unique medicinal properties and uses. Many of them informed that their emphasis is on medicinal uses rather than the ornamental purposes. Parijat is an integral component of home gardens in Chhattisgarh. It is common belief among the natives that the presence of this herb in home gardens keeps the family tension free. The natives also plant this herb to reduce the harmful effects of Aam (Mango) tree in home gardens. They plant it nearer to Aam tree for this purpose. I am trying to get scientific explanation regarding this belief, with the help of the science of allelopathy. The natives use fragrant flowers in many ways. The flowers are strung and worn as half ornaments and necklaces. It is having an industrial use also. An orange-coloured dye, obtained from the flowers, is used for colouring silk and cotton. The natives use the flowers in their daily bath. Fresh flowers are added in water. According to the natives, they use it just for its fragrance but the traditional healers informed me that this use is having medical significance. The use of flowers for bath, keeps the skin smooth and free from all troubles. It is also considered good for hair growth. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains informed me that the flowers is having unique capacities to purify the water. This is the reason that our ancient literatures suggest that the one must put some fresh flowers in lakes and ponds every full moon as it result in good fortune and prosperity. Many natives are still following the suggestions sincerely. In reference literatures, this unique information is not mentioned. I personally feel that there is a strong need for scientific investigation. The present article is first written document on existing use of Parijat flowers as water purifier in Chhattisgarh. In present article, I am describing the results the specific ethnobotanical survey conducted to list out the existing and traditional medicinal uses of this herb common among the natives. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Botanically it is a large shrub or a small tree, rough all over with stiff whitish hairs; young branches quadrangular, hairy; leaves opposite, ovate acute, rough above with bulbous hairs, densely pubescent beneath; Flowers fragrant, in pedunculate bracteate fascicles of 3-5, peduncles four-angled, axillary, solitary in terminal trichotomous cymes, Calyx lobes white, tube orange coloured; fruit capsule. Obcordate or merely orbicular, compressed, two-celled, separating into 2 flat one-seeded carples. As medicine all parts viz. root, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds are used. According to Ayurveda, leaf juice is bitter acrid and useful in treatment of Fevers. Bark cures bronchitis. Bark root, leaves and flowers are useful in excessive diuresis and also in spleen enlargement. According to Unani system of medicine, flowers are bitter in taste, stomachic, carminative, astringent to bowels, and tonic to hairs. It lessens inflammation. Seeds are useful in piles, obstinate fevers, skin diseases, etc.

The natives of Chhattisgarh are aware of medicinal uses of all parts of Parijat. They use the seeds in treatment of Bavasir (Piles). Daily one seed with water is recommended as treatment. This treatment is continued upto complete cure. The seeds are crushed and aqueous paste is prepared. The patients suffering from piles are advised by the natives to apply fresh paste externally on piles, along with the internal use of seeds. This treatment is simple and very effective. In treatment of gout, the natives use the decoction of Parijat flowers. This decoction is given upto one week during the time of attack. As treatment, it is given upto one month in a year. The natives of Sarguja region use the leaves of Parijat in many ways. In treatment of dry cough, the leaf juice with Shahad (Honey) is given internally. The aqueous paste of leaves is used externally in treatment of skin related troubles specifically in treatment of ring worm. The natives of Bastar region, prepare a special herbal oil by boiling fresh leaves in Sarson (Mustard) oil and use it externally in treatment of same troubles. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the leaf juice with Namak (Common salt) in treatment of intestinal worms. According to them, seven regular doses (once in a day) can flush out all the worms effectively. The young leaves of Parijat are used as female tonic. The patients having gynaecological troubles are advised to take 3 fresh leaves of Parijat with 5 Black Pipper (Kali Mirch). This combination is recommended upto three days in a month. According to the natives using this combination, this is a boon for the patients at initial stages. In case of complications, the natives consult the traditional healers. The natives of Bagbahera region, use the decoction of Parijat seeds as hair tonic and wash the hairs daily in order to get rid from dandruff and lice. The natives of Durg region specifically from Patan region, informed me that leaf juice is a safe purgative for infants. They also use it in combination with other herbs in treatment of chronic fevers.

This is positive sign that the natives having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about Parijat are still using this herb as medicine and planting this herb in their home gardens. By this act, they are transferring and making aware the upcoming generation about the valuable medicinal properties and uses of Parijat.

Thank you very much for reading the article.