Information on common uses of herbs : Interaction with the eminent herb researchers of India.

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

As you know, last week we have successfully organised one day National workshop on Indian Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with special emphasis on Safed Musli, the millennium crop at Raipur. On next day, we organised field trip to herbal farms for the interested participants. During this field trip, many herb researchers were with us. During 240 kms. long journey we interacted a lot and shared many valuable information on medicinal uses of herbs. In present articles, I am giving details of some of these information.

Common names of Zea mays around the world.
S.No.	Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1	Afganistan	Jaori, Jaoari
2	Africa	Mielie
3	Annam	Bap ngo, Lua ngo
4	Arabic	Durahkisan, Durahshani
5	Bengal	Bhutta, Janar, Kokka
6	Brazil	Zaburro
7	Myanmar	Pyaungbu
8	Cambodia	Paut, Put
9	Canarese	Goinjol, Makkai jola, Musukujola
10	Srilanka	Cholum
11	Chinese	Pang Tzeu, Yu Shu Shu
12	Dutch	Mais
13	Egypt	Durra
14	English	Indian corn, Maize
15	French	Ble'de Barbarie, Mais, Maize
16	Gold Coast	Agbahdor
17	Gujarati	Makkari
18	Hindi	Bhutta, Bhotta, Barajuav, Makka, Makai
19	Iraq	Indhrah safra, Idhrat-ash-sham
20	Italian	Grani siciliano, Grano turco
21	Kurdish	Gumnah shami, zurat zard
22	Madagascar	Katsabazaha
23	Malayalam	Cholam, Makka Cholum
24	Marathi	Bonda, Maka
25	Persian	Bajri, Gaudumemakkah
26	Philippines	Borona, Maiz
27	Portuguese	Milho, Millho
28	Russian	Kukuruva, Yavanala
29	Sanskrit	Kandaja, Mahakaya, Makaya, Shikhalu, Yavanala
30	Sinhalese	Bada iringu, Tringu
31	Spanish	Maiz, Trigo de las Indias
32	Tamil	Makkasholam, Turaka cholam
33	Telugu	Mokkkajanna, Mokka jonnalu
34	Turkish	Misir, Saridari
35	Urdu	Makai
36	Uriya	Buta, Maka, Mokha
37	Yemen	Rumj

For the treatment of Pathri (Renal calculi), I got valuable information on use of Bhutte Ka Bal. Botanically, it is described as the female spikelets in Maize (Corn) inflorescence have single flower, sessile, and densely packed in several vertical series on the thick and cylindrical rachis. The style is a very long silky filament the cluster of which is known as silk. 'Bhutte Ka Bal' is this silk. According to herb researchers, the decoction of silk possess unique medicinal properties to flush out the renal calculi. Maize is not a native to Chhattisgarh but it is under cultivation in fairly large areas. This information can be the boon for the natives having the problem of renal calculi. In previous articles, I have mentioned the traditional medicinal uses of Aerva lanata. The researchers informed that this herb is also a boon for the Pathri patients. The herb before flowering is collected and decoction is prepared. The regular use of this decoction under the supervision of the experts, can flush out the stones. Aerva is also a common wasteland weed in Chhattisgarh.

Sadasuhagan (Catharanthus roseus) is a common ornamental plant in India. It is also well known for its unique medicinal properties to cure blood cancer. The researchers informed that the presence of this herb as guard crop around the Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) crop protects the Musli crop from common diseases and insects. As there is a fair demand of Sadasuhagan in national and international drug markets, the farmers can earn extra from this guard crop. In my previous articles, I have mentioned about the experiments of Chhattisgarh farmers using Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Genda (Marigold). To protect the roots of Kalihari (Gloriosa superba) from root rot, the researchers suggested one must plant this herb near the Gotiphool (Lantana camara) herb. According to them, the presence of Lantana prevents the attack of fungal species and also insects on Gloriosa herb. Lantana is not native to India. It is one of the problematic weeds. The new use of Lantana in herbal farming, will help it to establish as useful herb in India. The researchers informed that although Safed Musli is more popular than Kali Musli (Curculigo sp.) among the farmers but in Ayurveda, there are more formulations based on Kali Musli. Dr. Maya Ram Uniyal, an eminent Ayurveda expert, informed that there is a good demand of Kali Musli in national and international markets. As it is commonly available in Indian forests, no one is ready to cultivate it but according to him it is one of the potential crops for the future. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of medicinal importance of Kali Musli. I personally feel that there is a strong need to develop the detailed package of practices for organic cultivation of Kali Musli, well in advance, considering its importance as the crop of future.

While ascending on Keshkal valley, we saw many Tendu and Dhanbaher trees. I informed the researchers about the benefits of leaf manure prepared from Tendu leaves in commercial cultivation of wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). Many innovative Musli growers of Chhattisgarh, are using this manure from several years. Through my allelopathy experiments, I have found that the aqueous extracts of Tendu leaves promotes the growth of Safed Musli and in this way, it can be utilized for commercial cultivation of this herb. This is the discovery of Chhattisgarh farmers. Through my studies, I have just tried to establish the science behind this. In nature, Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylaon) and Safed Musli grows together. I have heard from the traditional healers specialised in use of Safed Musli, many times, that Musli collected the specific tree species, possess more medicinal properties. Tendu is among these tree species.

In response to this information, the researchers informed that the pod pulp of Dhanbaher (Cassia fistula) is a valuable remedy for stomach related diseases. We have also seen many Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) trees. Dr. Uniyal informed that due to lack of awareness, many natives are using the outer portion of Arjun tree bark as heart tonic. In fact, the interior red portion is useful.

The above mentioned information are unique and valuable. I will inform the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh about these uses during my upcoming visits. Sometimes I feel that the mother nature has assigned me a role of honey bee to disseminate the pollens (i.e. knowledge) from one flower to another. I am satisfied with this role and trying hard to perform it as best as I can.

Thank you very much for reading the article.