Some unique herbal formulations used in treatment of Khansi (cough): Result of recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The traditional healers of Bastar region use the leaves of wild Banana in treatment of common cough successfully. The wild species of Banana are common in this part of Chhattisgarh. It is known as Ban Kadli in this region. The leaves are collected and after drying converted into ash by burning. The patients are instructed to take the ash with table salt, thrice a day. It is also used as preventive.

Through the surveys I got information that the natives are also well aware of this common use. In urban areas the natives use cultivated Banana leaves but according to the traditional healers the cultivated species are less powerful than the wild species. You will be surprised to know that in case of chronic cough the healers suggest the patients to prepare aqueous paste from leaf ash and apply it on anus. This treatment helps in curing the patients in very less time. This use is not reported in reference literatures. I am trying to find out the scientific explanation that how the paste applied on anus helps in curing the trouble? Many of such interesting informations I have collected during my latest surveys. Every time I visit the same villages, I get more and more new informations. Cough is very common problem in Chhattisgarh. Although the allopathic cough syrups have captured the urban markets and natives are using it half heartedly but this is good news that in rural areas the natives are still using common herbs in treatment.

In my previous articles, I have written a lot on herbal cigarettes. In treatment of common cough, the traditional healers of Rajnagar region suggest the patients to prepare a special herbal cigarette using dry Pipal (Ficus religiosa) leaves and use it till complete cure. I interviewed many patients using this cigarette. According to them, it is very effective and many of them informed that they are using this cigarette in place of tobacco cigarette, as promising substitute but the traditional healers are not happy with them. They informed me that the overuse of Pipal leaves in form of cigarette can cause many side-effects. It can develop allergy-like symptoms. They are unanimous that the use of any drug should be avoided and if necessary, it should be taken till the cure of disease. It is very wrong to take herb lightly. Its wrong use can take anyone's life also. The well known Unani expert of Jagdalpur region, informed me about the use of crow excreta in treatment of cough. According to him, one can use its aqueous extract successfully. When I informed the traditional healers about this use, they showed ignorance but promised to try it on their patients. Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, in Bastar region also Charota (Cassia tora) is a wasteland plant.

The natives informed that it can be used successfully in treatment of common cough. The seeds are crushed into powder and this powder is given to the patients upto one month. The dose varies according to the patient's age and degree of problem. But as other promising and fast action herbs and herbal combinations are available, this use is not very popular. But from documentation point of view, it is an important information. Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica) is common tree in this region. It is popularly known as dog-poison. In small quantity the traditional healers of Bastar region, use the Kuchla in treatment of common cough. It is roasted in cow ghee and given every morning. It is not given to small children and pregnant women. From the farm workers of Parpa village, I got information on use of wheat seeds in treatment of cough. The method is very simple and effective. One tea-spoonful of wheat seeds is boiled in a glass of water. When one third water (of initial quantity) remains, the solution is collected and common salt is added. This solution should be taken once in a day, upto seven days. I have tried this unique treatment successfully. It is not wrong to declare this use as poor man's formulation. Chhattisgarh is well known for its medicinal curries. The natives informed that they prepare special curry using Munga leaves (Drum stick tree) and its regular use make the body enough resistant to stop the attack of cough and cold. I have tasted it and found it very delicious. The traditional healers confirmed its medicinal properties. The above mentioned traditional uses are not only simple but very effective also. The popularity of these formulations in the region confirms this observation.

Thank you very much for reading the article.