Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Haija (Cholera) in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The use of Fudhar roots in this trouble is common in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh. The fresh roots of this herb are collected and with the help of Adrak (Ginger) juice, small globules are prepared. These globules are given internally to the patients having Haija as treatment. According to the traditional healers it is Ramban and capable of curing the patients at all stages. White flowered Fudhar herbs are preferred for the collection of roots. The healers also take care to collect the old roots. Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) is a waste land herb in Chhattisgarh.

This simple treatment is known as 'Poor man's treatment' among the healers. Haija is not a common problem in Chhattisgarh now a days. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected a lot of information on traditional medicinal knowledge of common herbs used in treatment of Haija. There is no specific traditional healer specialized in treatment of Haija. I have noted that the senior traditional healers are much aware of herbs as compared to the young healers. From my grand father's diary, I have noted many home remedies useful in this trouble. These information's have yet not been reported. This article is a first written document about this specific traditional knowledge. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the Kali-Haldi, a rare herb, in treatment of Haija. The scientific name of this herb is Curcuma caesia. It is wild relative to Tumeric. The healers prepare a special decoction from this herb and give it to the patients for early relief. The traditional healers of Tilda region informed me that the Petha flowers are capable of treating Haija but it should be use upto long time. The Petha flowers are dried and in form of powder given to the patients with water. The scientific name of Petha is Benincasa hispida. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains give equal importance to the roots of Sarphonk (Tephrosia purpurea). The roots are used in same manner as the flowers of Petha but according to the healers Sarphonk roots act rapidly and treat the patients in very less time.

The healers of Dhamtari region use the aqueous extract of Jaljamini (Cocculus hirsutus) for the same purpose. It is common belief among the natives that the intake of acidic herbs destroys the microbes responsible for Haija. They use Nimbu (Lemon) in different combinations for this reason. I am giving the formulation, mentioned in my grandfather's diary. In this formulation, one teaspoonful each of Onion, and Lemon juice and Shahad (Honey) are mixed and given to the patients for complete cure. Many healers suggest the Haija patients to include Ambari (Rumex sp.) And Tinpania (Oxalis corniculata) herbs in their meals to get rid from this trouble effectively. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use Imli (Tamarind) fruits. This part of Chhattisgarh is well known for wild population of Imli trees. The dried fruits are crushed into powder and equal quantity of Lason (Garlic) powder is added. These powders are converted into small globules with the help of Onion juice. In case of complications, these globules act effectively. A single globule is given in every 15 minutes till complete relief. To reduce the intense thirst common during this trouble, the traditional healers of Bagbahera region give water having Gondla leachates to the patients. According to them, Gondla leachate is promising in this condition. Gondla (Cyperus sp. ) is a common medicinal herb that grows naturally in moist and water logged parts. The traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region, use the root leachate of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera) in place of Gondla root leachate for the same purpose.

It is a matter of scientific investigation to find out the most promising leachates between these herbal leachates. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the use of Lavang (Clove) leachate is also mentioned. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not aware of the use Lavang leachate. The natives of Northern Parts of Chhattisgarh use the common herb Hing (Asafoetida) with water to destroy the harmful causal organisms present inside the body. Many of the above mentioned traditional medicinal uses have not been documented .The most important observation is that in most of the herbal formulations the common herbs are main ingredients. The use of common herbs makes this treatment very cheaper as compared to the modern treatment. That is why these formulations are still popular in Chhattisgarh.

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