Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Scorpion sting in Chhattisgarh, India. The results of recent ethnobotanical surveys

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

The natives of rural and forest areas live with the Bichhu (Scorpion) in nature. In these areas, Scorpion bites are common. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Scorpion as medicine in treatment of many common diseases. They prepare special herbal oil with this poisonous creature. They know many common herbs and herbal formulations to nullify the effects of scorpion poison. This is the reason they do not kill the Scorpion unnecessary. In many farm houses and rural homes, I have seen many Scorpions living with natives without damaging them. The natives are aware that the Scorpion's poison is not for them and they also know that Scorpion is an essential part of natural ecosystem. I visit the forests very commonly but still not got Scorpion bite.

In generally these creatures are shy and avoid conflicts with human beings. In many previous articles, I have written a lot on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of snake and Scorpion bites. In present article, I am giving details regarding some new observations, I have noted during recent surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Doomar tree (Ficus glomerata) rich areas, use Ber (Ziziphus sp.) And Doomar leaves in treatment of Scorpion bites. The leaves are mixed in equal proportion and aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on affected parts in order to reduce the intense pain. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region suggest the patients to burn the fruits of Ritha and inhale the fumes, for the same purpose. Ritha (Sapindus trifoliatus) is one of the well known non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having good demand in national and international markets. In this region, Reetha is easily available herb. The traditional healers of Kanker region, use the roasted seeds of Imli (Tamarind). The seeds are peeled till the exposure of white portion. The roosted seeds are kept in touch of affected parts. According to the healers, the seeds have capacity to suck the poison. After sucking the poison completely, it falls automatically.

The natives are also well aware of this use. The rice growers of Chhattisgarh use common weed Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) in treatment. The roots are collected and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally in order to reduce the pain. The healers of Bagbahera region use, the leaves and roots of Safed Kaner (Nerium odorum) both internally and externally in treatment. Externally, the roots are applied in form of aqueous paste whereas internally leaf juice is given. According to the healers the intake of leaf juice produces depression in many cases. In these cases, they suggest the patients to take cow ghee internally to nullify the effects. They also recommend the use of Shikakai (Acacia concinna) with Paan leaves in order to get rid from pain. The healers of Durg region apply the sprouts of Doomar (Ficus glomerata) externally on affected parts. The natives of Bagbahera region, use Hing (Asafoetida) powder mixed with the latex of Fudhar externally in treatment. This combination is applied on affected parts. Like the seeds of Imli, the traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh, use the seeds of Kuchla (Strychnos nux-vomica). The seeds are rubbed in water and kept on affected part. The seeds suck the poison, the healers claim. Although rare, but this herb is still present in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. The healers of this region, also use the roots of Adusa (Adhatoda vasica) for the same purpose. The aqueous paste is prepared and applied externally on affected parts to reduce to effects of poison. The natives of Chhattisgarh never miss the chance to consume the leaves of Gumma bhaji (Leucas cephalotus) during every rainy season.

It is common belief that one season intake of this herb as vegetable or curry, develops typical smell inside the human body enough to repel away the venomous creatures including Scorpions. Gumma is a common field weed and it is not difficult to collect it for consumption. Its delicious taste attracts the natives to use it. The consumption of Gumma has many other health benefits also. For details regarding its botany and other traditional uses, I suggest you to read my previous articles. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use Jamun and Neem herbs in treatment of Scorpion bite. Jamun (Syzygium cumini) leaves are applied in form of aqueous paste whereas Neem (Azadirochta indica) leaves are given internally to the patients. The above mentioned traditional uses are add up in previous lists of herbs. These uses are enough to prove that why the natives do not afraid much from this venomous creatures?

Thank you very much for reading the article.