Traditional Medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of common Injuries and Sprains in Chhattisgarh Plains, India

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

In general, to reduce the pain due to common injuries, the natives use cow milk with Haldi powder (Curcuma longa). One teaspoonful of Haldi powder is added in a cup of lukewarm cow milk and patients are advised to take it at night before going to sleep. The patients get relief in very less time effectively. After taking this combination, intake of water is not allowed. The healers informed that intake of water may cause throat problems. The natives also use this combination in other types of body ache. It is considered as promising home remedy for common cough and cold. As there is no problem in taste, the children readily agree to take this home remedy.

In my previous articles, I have written a lot on herbs used as first aid remedy to stop the bleeding and to heal the wounds quickly. I am not repeating all these in this article. Recently, I conducted a small survey to list out the common herbs used in treatment of common injuries and sprains. The details are described below. In my previous article on diabetes, I have mentioned the use of Bija wood piece in treatment of diabetes. The healers also prepare special Herbal Glasses from this herb to regulate the sugar level and to give strength to pancreas. In case of common injuries and sprains, the natives recommend the use of aqueous leachate on affected parts in order to get relief from pain. The traditional healers informed that it can be used both internally and externally. The natives are not aware of its internal use in case of injury. The healers further informed me that both uses cure the patients in less time. Instead of aqueous leachate, many healers are in favour of using aqueous paste to get more desirable effects. The healers of Mungeli region extract the juice of fresh Munga leaves (Moringa oliefera) and mix it in Til oil (Sesamum). This oil is applied in injured part. The patients are advised to sit in sunlight after application of oil. The oil is not prepared by using conventional method, i.e. boiling of fresh leaves in base oil, till all the watery contents get evaporated. The healers informed that one can use the conventional method also but as this simple process is giving good results, there is no need to proceed for complication method. In this special oil, both Munga leaves and Til oil play vital role. Til oil is not used just as carrier. The natives use Til seeds for the same purpose. The Til seeds are boiled in hot water and softened seeds are converted into paste. This paste is applied externally on injured parts. It is a boon for the patients having the problem of sprains.

From my Grandfather's diary, I have noted one promising veterinary formulation. In this formulation, common wheat seeds are used with ghee and gud and given to the injured animals internally. According to the traditional healers, one can use this formulation in case of human beings also (but the dose should be cut down, obviously). This formulation is described in the ancient literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. In villages, the natives are still using it. In case of internal injuries, the traditional healers advise the patients to take twenty five fresh leaves of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) with gud upto a week. This use is practised in morning preferable when stomach is empty. The vegetable growers of Durg region informed that in case of pain, one can eat fresh Baigan (Bhata, Solonum melongena) fruits with sugar. Sugar is added just for taste. Baigan is popular vegetable in Chhattisgarh. In Hi-tech farming of vegetable crops, heavy use of pesticides and chemical inputs is done. So, if you are planning to use Baigon for injury, be sure that it is grown organically, and not collected from the cultivated fields where chemicals have been sprayed. In many parts, the natives apply the fresh juice extracted from Banana stem externally in treatment. The above mentioned uses are still popular in Chhattisgarh. It clearly indicates its effectiveness. In my articles, I have listed over 200 common herbs used alone or in combination with other herbs to treat common injuries. I am expecting more herbs in this small list.

Thank you very much for reading the article.