Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used for ringworm (skin disease) in Chhattisgarh (India)

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

According to medical sciences ringworm or Tinea is group name for a highly contagious, segmented mycelial fungus. It is the commonest, single fungus group of infections found in tropical countries. In Chhattisgarh, due to moist climate the problem of skin diseases is most common in both rural and urban areas. During rainy season, the number of patients increases. During my visits to southern plateau of Chhattisgarh. 

I have noted the frequent use of Oxalis and Cassia tora eternally for ringworm. In Chhattisgarh, Oxalis corniculata and Cassia tora both occur as wasteland weed. In my article on pot herbs of Chhattisgarh, you will find the other uses of these weeds. I have noted that in comparison to Cassia, Oxalis is more frequently used. In Northern - Eastern region of Chhattisgarh, where the density of Oxalis is less, natives prefer Cassia for ringworm and other skin diseases. In externally. It is general belief in Chhattisgarh, that internally seeds act as blood purifier and therefore, useful in skin diseases. In India, oil extracted from Cassia tora seeds is used for ringworm commonly. 

The common name of cassia is Dadmari (Dad means Ringworm, Mari means to kill). Because of Oxalic acid content, the herb Oxalis is known as Oxalis. The fresh leaves alone or whole herb is crushed and applied externally on ringworm affected area. The whole process is repeated till relief. In English Oxalis is known as wood sorrel or Indian Sorrel. I have found this botanical description of Oxalis is science literatures. It is a small, procumbent acrid herb; stems rooting; pubescent, Leaves tri-foliate, petioles very slender; leaf rdate, base cuneate sub sessile, margins ciliate; Flowers axillary, sub-umbellate; Corolla petals 5, yellow, oblong, rounded of the apex; Fruits capsule, linear oblong, 5 - angles beaked. Seeds - many, avoid and brown. 

For effective treatment of ringworm the Traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Cassia tora seeds in different ways. They never prefer raw application of Cassia leaves and seed, as popular among common people. The traditional healer of Gandai, Use of dip the freshly harvested matured cassia seeds in water and after complete decay, crushed seed are applied externally on affected parts. The traditional healer of Bastar is not aware of this process. He uses Cassia seeds with Aonla with cassia seeds, he uses turmuric powder, Opium, leaves of marigold, and fresh juice of lemon for external application. In severe cases, Borax is also added in this formula. I have noted that in most of the cases, patients get relief in three to four days.

From many traditional healers, I have heard that application of raw saliva, just after wake up, n disease affected area is one of the very promising solution. Some of them recommend to chew the neem (Azadirachata indica) leaves and then apply the saliva. In my ethno botanical surveys in remote areas of Chhattisgarh, I have found this “practical and easy solutions’ very effective. I have yet not found any research findings confirming this unique way of treatment. I personally feel that these observations deserve proper attention.

In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the natives collect the fallen neem seeds and oil is extracted. This oil is used mostly for skin diseases very common in rainy season. This oil is also used as hair oil in order to control hair lice. During weekly meetings with farmers for deciding strategies for agriculture, one can smell the odd-odour of neem oil from audience side. Like other traditional uses, the use of neem oil is decreasing rapidly and scented oils from urban areas are taking its place. Last month, I visited to Nagri - Sihawa region of Chhattisgarh.It is well known for scented rice varieties and unique biodiversity. During my visit to historical village Kekrakholi, I have observed the use of Kusum oil (Schleichera oleosa) for skin troubles. The traditional healer told me that it is equally effective for cattles also. After coming back from visit, I searched the literatures. I have found the material on use of oil for itch. In trade this oil is known as Macassar oil.

Some other traditional remedies are (1) External application of Kuchla (Nux vomica) with vinegar. Kuchla is common herb found in Bastar region (2) External application of fresh leaves of Dhanbaher (Cassia fistula) with lemon juice (3) External application of oil prepared from Munga (Moringa oliefera) roots. (4) External application of fruit pulp of Dhanbaher with water (5) External application of Sarson ka Tel (Mustard oil). (6) In many parts of Chhattisgarh, Bermuda grass (locally Doob or Dubi) Cynodon dactylon is used externally for effective treatment of ringworm and other skin troubles.

You will be surprised to know that the oil prepared from ants commonly found in Mango (Mangifera indica) trees are also very useful in treating ringworm. According to Traditional healers, one hundred ants are collected and dipped in sesamum oil for forty days. After forty days oil is used for external application. Once prepared , oil is said to be effective up to 20 years.

The detailed ethnobotanical surveys are still in progress. Two days back, I visited the Bagbahera and Tendukona area for my routine meeting with traditional healers. I am sure that can add some more information on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in different diseases in these articles. I am really lucky, that the Nature has selected me to document the miracle healing properties of valuable herbs and traditional knowledge about these herbs of Chhattisgarh.