Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common weed Typha sp. in Chhattisgarh, India

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

Typha, locally known as patera or Sarpat is one of the common weeds in all most every part of Chhattisgarh state. Three species of Typha are of common occurrence in India, namely, T.latifolia, T. angustifolia and T. elephantina. These are robust, 2-4 m tall, perennial grass - like plants, growing in shallow waters (Gupta, 1984). In India, the young shoot, rhizome, marrow of immature inflorescence are eaten in various ways. The pollens are made into sweets. The medicinal uses of Typha have not been reported in available literatures. (Sastry and Kavathkar, 1990). The natives of Chhattisgarh are rich in traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs, insects, mites and spiders (Oudhia, 2001, Oudhia et. al. 1999). In order to list out the traditional medicinal knowledge about common weed Typha, a detailed ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, during year 2001-2002. The surveys were conducted in all sixteen districts of Chhattisgarh State. From each selected district, four blocks are selected and from each block, a random sample of 8 villages was taken to make a sample of 250 respondents. Information regarding existing uses was collected through personal interviews.

The survey revealed that the natives specially the old villagers are aware of medicinal uses of Typha. Typha is used to treat over 25 diseases alone or in combination with other herbs. It is used both externally and internally. The leaves are used most frequently as compared to other plant parts. Leaves collected and used prior to flowering are considered as best. Some popular uses of Typha leaves are mentioned below.

1. In case of septic wounds, the ash of Typha leaves is applied externally.
2. During pregnancy, the women are advised to chew fresh leaves of Typha daily empty stomach.
3. With other herbs like Withania somnifera, Mucuna pruriens, Chlorophytum borivitianum and Pueraria tuberosa, dried leaves are used as aphrodisiac in many parts specially in southern part of Chhattisgarh.
4. The ash of leaves is applied externally with sesamum oil to patients suffering from chronic gout.

These medicinal properties of Typha, have not been documented. The survey suggested that there is a strong need to evaluate the efficacy of Typha scientifically.

References.

Gupta, O.P (1984). Scientific weed management Pbl. Today and Tommorow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi (India) pp. 383.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about an obnoxious weed Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes) in Chhattisgarh, India. Aquaphyte. 21(2) : 18.

Oudhia, P., Tripathi, R.S., Puri, S. and Chandel, D.S. (1999). Traditional knowledge about medicinal weeds in Chhattisgarh. Vasundhara The Earth. 1(1) : 12-15.

Sastry, C.S.T and Kavathekar, K.Y. (1990) . Plants for reclamation of wastelands. Pbl. Publication and Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi (India) : 520-521.