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

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

The traditional healers of Pendra region of Chhattisgarh use the roots of medicinal herb Bach (Acorus calamus) in treatment of Acidity. The roots are dried and powdered. The root powder is given with Gud (Jaggery) or Shahad (Honey) to the patients. Bach is both under cultivation as well as found in natural forests. In Chhattisgarh, two species of Bach have been reported. Acorus calamus and Acorus gramineus. The first species is common whereas A. gramineus is rare. For the treatment of Acidity, the traditional healers prefer A. gramineus as compared to A. calamus. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, in the name of Bach only the medicinal properties and uses of A. calamus have been described. I am proud to write that the traditional healers use both the species as medicine. A gramineus is not under cultivation. The traditional healers living in areas having no Bach population are dependent on local herb shops for Bach roots. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use many such herbs like Bach alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of Acidity. During the ethnobotanical surveys,

I have observed that the problem of acidity is more common in urban areas as compared to rural areas. The traditional healers blame modern life style and 'Hurry, Worry, Curry' culture for this problem. Instead of using the anti-acid drugs or herbs, the healers believe in total cure i.e. the problem responsible for acidity must be rooted out. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains suggest the patients having the problem of acidity to eat more and more puffed Rice (Murra locally) in between two meals in order to avoid the trouble. As you know, Chhattisgarh is a rice bowl of India and well known for rice production. In early days, puffed rice was very popular among the natives. Since my childhood, I am fond of puffed Rice. Later when I got aware about its medicinal properties and uses, I started its intake more sincerely. Now the young generation is not showing interest in this traditional breakfast. I personally feel that there is a strong need to popularize puffed Rice and its various preparations among young generation. Like Bach, common herb Bhengra is also used in treatment of Acidity. Bhengra is a weed in rice fields of Chhattisgarh. This is the reason, the natives of rice belts are well aware of its medicinal uses. In my previous articles, I have mentioned the use of Bhengra as hair growth promoter. In treatment of Acidity, Bhengra is used in combination with Harra fruits powder (Terminalia chebula) and Gud (Jaggery). The juice of freshly collected herb is extracted and with Harra powder and Gud, it is given to the patients. Its use is repeated till complete cure.

The scientific name of Bhengra is Eclipta alba. The natives use both white and blue flowered species in treatment but white flowered species are preferred. Karanj is a common tree in Chhattsigarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the flowers of Karanj in treatment of Acidity. The patients are advised to prepare a special curry using fresh flowers. For preparation, flowers are roasted with cow ghee. It is recommended twice a day with meals .The healers claim that the flowers have enough capacity to give long time relief. The use of stored flowers is generally avoided. The healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the fruits of Pippali (Piper longum) with Honey in treatment of Acidity. But it is used for temporary relief. This is the reason, in general the healers avoid its use. From my grandfather's diary, I have noted the information on use of Aonla in combination with other herbs in treatment of Acidity. In this formulation, one teaspoonful of dried and powdered Aonla fruit powder is dipped in one fourth cup of water for whole night. Next morning, half teaspoonful of Sonth (Dried Ginger) and one fourth teaspoonful of raw Zeera (Cumin) are added in this solution. After mixing this solution is added in a cup of lukewarm cow milk. Sugar is added for taste and taken internally. It is described as one of the promising treatments to root out the problem of acidity for ever. My many family friends have tried this formulation and got rid from this trouble. Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) is a common fruit tree in Chhattisgarh. In general, during cropping season the natives use raw Mooli (Raphanus sativus) more and more in order to regulate the digestive system. It is specially recommended for the patients having the problem of acidity. As a student of Homoeopathy, I am aware that Homoeopathic drugs Natrum Phos. And Robinia are promising in treatment of acidity. I have observed that regular and healthy life style is the best remedy to manage the Acidity. But in modern hectic life it is not possible for common person to rely on drugs. Through the ethnobotanical surveys and interactions with the traditional healers, now I am convinced that when you are choosing drugs for Acidity, choose herbal drugs and try to root out the trouble forever.

Thank you very much for reading the article.