Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Phthisis in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use over 300 herbs alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of Phthisis. Through the ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified only 55 traditional healers specialized in treatment of Phthisis. Other healers are also engaged in treatment. I have observed the use of many unidentified herbs by the healers. With the help of taxonomists, we are in process of its identification. In present article, I am giving details regarding some common herbs that are used frequently by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, very frequently. The traditional healers use Fudhar, a common wasteland herb in treatment. The latex from old Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) herb is collected.

The healers suggest the patients to take four teaspoonful of latex mix it with 200 gms. Of Haldi (Turmeric) and keep it as such for drying. After drying stored the mixture for future use. According to the age of patients and severity of disease, the healers suggest the patients to use the powder. In general, one fourth teaspoonful of powder is given with half teaspoonful of Shahad (Honey). The healers recommend this specific dose upto four times a day. This formulation is very popular among the healers. They claim that its sincere use can cure the trouble within 4-5 months. It is also considered to check Haemoptysis. For collection of latex, white flowered species of Calotropis is preferred. As Fudhar is wasteland plant and easily available, the traditional healers have named this formulation as poor man's formulation. During my surveys, I have observed variations in use the Fudhar. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use the Fudhar leaves with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) for the same purpose. This formulation is generally given upto two months. The natives of Sarguja region, suggest the patients to add a piece of Fudhar leaf in Paan (Piper betle) and chew it. According to them, long term use of Fudhar leaf piece helps in getting rid from this problematic disease. Fudhar as medicinal herb holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine, in India. Many of the above mentioned uses have been described in these literatures.

I am feeling proud to write that the natives and traditional healers are still using these herbs for treatment of Phthisis. The traditional healers of Jasphur and Kanker region use the wild Banana (Jangli Kela) herb in treatment. These region are well known for natural population of Banana in forests. The healers extract the juice from leaf and mix it with Shahad (Honey). This combination is given to the patients internally. In general, a teaspoonful of both juice and Shahad are mixed. It is used in different proportions also. The combination is given twice a day to the patients. The healers avoid the use of Banana leaves of cultivated origin. Like local species of Banana, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains consider. Patal (native Tomato) as promising herb that can be used successfully in treatment of Phthisis. They suggest the patients to extract the juice from matured fruits and take a glass of juice daily. The juice is used as supplement with regular treatment. According to the healers at initial stages even juice can cure the trouble effectively. You will be surprised to know that in Urban areas of Chhattisgarh it is very hard to get Patal. The vegetable markets are full of hybrid Tomatoes that are considered nutritionally superior to indigenous varieties but medicinally poor. I am not in favour of accepting it. As during its commercial production heavy doses of pesticides are applied, the Patal (local Tomato) is far better nutritionally also to these hybrid Tomatoes.

From the traditional healer of Tilda region, I got valuable information on use of cow milk in treatment of Phthisis. He instruct the patients to take seven cloves of Lason (Allium sativum) with Shahad (Honey). After one hour of this intake, he mixes a glass of cow milk, a glass of well water, sugar and eight Pippali (Piper longum) fruits and boils the solution. When quantity of solution remains half of initial quantity, he stops the boiling and add one teaspoonful of cow ghee and three teaspoonful of Shahad (Honey) in the solution. This solution is given to the patients. According to him it is one of the promising solutions for this trouble. He is well known in the region for his expertise in treatment of Phthisis. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this formulation. They add more herbs like Tulsi. (Ocimum sprecia) in this formulation to make it more stronger and useful. Tulsi herb is also used separately for treatment. The most common use is its use with Kali Mirch. Ten leaves are taken and with the help of Shahad, a mixed with five Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). The patients are advised to take this combination regularly upto long time to get rid form this trouble. The traditional healers of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) rich areas, use the Lasa of this tree in combination with cow ghee and Shahad internally for the same purpose. The traditional healers of Durg region use the Koha bark (Terminalia arjuna) and Adusa (Adhatoda vasica) leaf juice in combination with Shahad, Ghee and Sugar in treatment of Phthisis. Its use is recommended for long time. The healers of Kanker region specially from the Narharpur and surrounding areas, use Adusa in combination with other herbs. They boil the leaves of Adusa in water and extract juice from it. The sugar added in this juice and boiled again. In this solution, Baheda fruit powder (Terminalia bellirica) and Haldi (Turmeric) powder are added and given to the patients. The traditional healers are aware that this trouble takes long time for complete cure. The natives have deep faith in herbs and traditional knowledge about it. They prefer the herbal treatment. This is positive sign. Through the ethnobotanical surveys we are trying our best to document more and more information on this important aspect.

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