Kands of Chhattisgarh, India :II. Varahi Kand (Tacca leontopetaloides; family : Taccaceae).

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

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh identify the Varahikand by the shape of tubers. Its tubers resembles the forehead of Varah or Suar (Pig). In Bhopal-patnam region of Chhattisgarh, the natives identify this herb as Suar kand. According to them, the hairs found on this herb resembles the hairs of pig's body. In Hindi, it is known as Diva also. Its English name is Indian arrow-root. In reference literatures Varahikand (T. Leontopetaloides syn. T. pinnatifida) is described as ornamental herb and is under cultivation for this purpose. The rhizome is edible and split stems, petioles and scapes after curing are used in hat making. For the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Varahikand is a valuable medicinal kand.

I have seen this herb in Amarkantak and surrounding areas, in abundance. In Southern parts of Chhattisgarh it is distributed in isolated patches. Not much has been written on its natural distribution, occurrence and traditional medicinal knowledge by the early workers and surveyors. Different parts of this herb are commonly available for sale in local herb shops. It indicates the popularity and local demand of this herb. Varahikand is not in the list of non wood forest produces having regular demand in national and international markets. Its natural occurrence in neighbouring states maybe the reason responsible for less pressure on its natural population. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh prefer the local herb in their regular practice as compared to the same herb collected from neighbouring states. In reference literatures related to botany, I have found this description.

It is an herbaceous, aroid-like plant with rounded subterranean tuber; leaves large spreading, divided into three main branches, each bearing a number of broad, ovate to rounded lobes; leaves carried on a fleshy stalk; Flowers small, rounded, greenish-purple in cluster at the end of a fleshy stem, the cluster is surrounded by large, greenish bracts, long thread like filaments hang from between the flowers; fruits yellow and fleshy. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found details regarding medicinal properties and uses of this important herb. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, use this herb in treatment of over 35 common diseases both internally and externally. The herb collectors use the herb as first aid remedy to stop the bleeding from injured parts. In tribal belts, the rhizomes are eaten as wild food. It is considered as aphrodisiac and tonic. During pregnancy, the natives suggest the women to take this wild food. It is also used to increase the flow of milk in mammary glands. The traditional healers of Bastar region use this herb as blood-purifier. The young natives having the problem of night pollution are instructed by the healers to take this herb regularly. In treatment of skin troubles, the aqueous paste of root is applied externally on affected parts. As the roots digest slowly, the natives use this herb as medicine under supervision of traditional healers.

In general, the healers suggest the natives of all age group to take the herbal preparation of Varahikand once in a year upto limited period, in order to develop natural resistance in the body. During my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I got information on the uses of its flower as medicine from the traditional healers of Kanker region, particularly the healers of Keshkal Valley. The healers use the flowers in treatment of gout and rheumatism. It is one of the major constituents in popular herbal combinations used in treatment of gout. Flowers are used externally also. It is boiled in water and fumes are passed through the painful parts of the patients to the reduce the pain. Flowers are also used as aphrodisiac. Varahikand is not under cultivation as medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. Its propagation is very easy. As ornamental herb, it can be promoted in Chhattisgarh. Since very long time, I was eager to inform the world community about this unique kand. I will write more in future about various traditional uses of Tacca in Chhattisgarh. Thank you, very much for reading the article.