Traditional Medicinal knowledge about Hartal in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The reference literatures on mineralogy explain 'There is a mention of Manahshila and Haritala in Ayurveda which Indian alchemists describe them as sulphides of Arsenic, Greeks call them aresinkan meaning male or potent substance. Manashila is Realgar (AsS) whereas Haritala or Hartal is Orpiment (As2S3), its properties yellow (lemon yellow color), foliated-flaky, presence of gliding plates, toxic, harmful to skin causing skin burning. After chemical process it (Flow chart - 1) converts into white colour and give garlic fume, poisonous in nature, used as hair remover from skin. In India, it occurs as raw deposit in igneous rock, associated with fluoride. In Chhattisgarh it occurs in Chameli Dongri area of Rajnandgaon."

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of different medicinal properties and uses of Hartal. Unfortunately, they are not aware of its natural occurrence in Chhattisgarh. For Hartal, they are dependent on herb sellers. Through my ethno botanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh I have identified only 30 traditional healers using Hartal as medicine in their daily practice. According to them, as it contains arsenic, it should be used very carefully. If used after purification, it can cure many complicated diseases successfully. In general, the traditional healers avoid informing about its use to anyone. The toxicity is the reason for this secret. Like Shilajit, the healers claim that Hartal can be used as anti-aging drug. It is used in form of ash and in very little quantity. The healers aware of adulteration, take special precaution to identify the genuine material before purchasing. They know several practical methods to identify the genuine Hartal. According to them, the pure Hartal looks like gold. If its give fumes during burning, then it is impure or false Hartal and by using this impure Hartal, one can kill their patients. This is the reason the healers take special precaution. The healers informed me that the nature of Hartal is hot. Basically Hartal is used in treatment of blood impurities, disease of mouth, and respiratory systems. It improves the functioning of sex organs and make the complexion of face fair. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh mainly use Hartal in treatment of Kodh (Leprosy). To eliminate its harmful effects the healers adopt special methods.

I am describing two methods. In first method specific amount of Hartal is boiled (mild boiling) in raw juice of Dhikuar (Aloe vera) for two days. After completion of this process, the small globules are prepared. These globules are dipped in the pulp of Sanai (Crotalaria sp.) And put in fire. For burning, they use specific numbers of Kande (dry cow dung cake). After complete burning the substance is collected and stored for future use. In another method, the specific amount of Hartal is kept inside the fruit of Indrayan (Citrullus colocynthis) and allowed to dry. This fruit is burnt using specific number of Kande. The substance is collected and again kept in another fresh Indrayan fruit and same process is repealed. Total 31 Indrayan fruits are used and finally the substance is used to treat leprosy. This substance is also used for different diseases. As mentioned earlier, the healers do not inform about the specific method clearly, the above mentioned description is based on visual observation. The methods are more or less same. I personally feel that there is a need to search and establish the science responsible for this purification process. The healers are following the methods since generations. They simply say that these fruits and herb parts have capacity to destroy the harmful effects of Hartal. Whether other fruits or herbs can be taken? Why 31 times, why not more or less times? What will happen if we repeat it at less than 31 times? They have no scientific explanations. Now this is a responsibility of young researchers to start detailed studies on this aspect. The method very similar to first method is mentioned in reference literatures. I am proud to write that the traditional healers are still using this ancient method successfully. This article is first written document on traditional medicinal knowledge about Hartal in Chhattisgarh. I am planning to present the samples collected from Rajnandgaon region to the specialist healers so that they can test the local material.

Thank you very much for reading the article.