Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Gout : The results of recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India

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

To study the knowledge status of urban natives about common herbs useful in treatment of Gout, a detailed ethnobotanical survey was conducted during 1998-2000 in Raipur city. As you know, Raipur is a capital city of Chhattisgarh state. Earlier my surveys were focused in rural and forest areas because I have observed that the natives of these areas are more aware of herbs and its uses. Due to modern life style and education, now the natives living in urban areas of Chhattisgarh are loosing interest in herbs. They are consulting Allopath practitioners for the treatment. This observation is not true for all the natives. Many urban natives particularly the senior natives, still have deep faith in traditional uses of herbs. From documentation point of view, it is very essential to documents this traditional knowledge.

With this objective, I have started series of ethnobotanical surveys in different big cities of Chhattisgarh. I have noted that the senior natives are using common herbs found in surroundings. They are less aware of herbs found in natural forests. In present article, I am giving details of important information, generated through this ethnobotanical survey. In treatment of Gout, the natives of Raipur city use the leaves of Jam (Psidium guajava) in different ways. The leaves are collected and juice is extracted. This juice is applied externally on painful parts. The natives boil the leaves in water and the affected parts are exposed in fumes. Both methods are used commonly. Jam is a common fruit tree and it is one of the essential components in typical home gardens. In case of severe attack, the natives, advise the patients to take raw juice of two Onion bulbs once in day. I have seen its practical utility many times. This small treatment helps the patients in great way. Although this use requires lot of patience and tolerance, as it is very difficult to intake the Onion juice. But it is considered as promising alternatives to chemically synthesized pain-killers having many side-effects.

In treatment of Gout, the use of Garlic is well established. The reference literatures are full of information describing its utility in this trouble. The natives of Raipur city, use Garlic (Lason) both internally and externally. Internally, they never miss to swallow a clove of Garlic just after meals. Externally, they prepare a herbal oil by boiling the Garlic, in base oil. When all watery content evaporates, the oil is collected and stored for future use. This herbal oil is applied externally on painful parts during attack. Many natives use the seeds of Methi (Fenugreek) for the same trouble. The seeds are boiled in water and decoction is prepared .This decoction is used internally both in normal days and during the attack. The use of Namak (Table salt) and Til (Sesamum) oil is also very common in Raipur city. This salted oil is used externally during attack. The fresh juice of Adrak (Ginger) with Shahad (Honey) is also in used. It is given internally. In previous articles, I have mentioned the us of this combination in treatment of respiratory troubles. This is very interesting to document such unique information that the single combination have many uses. Like Garlic oil, many natives use Neem oil in treatment of Gout. But the use of Garlic oil is more popular. To prepare the Neem oil, the leaves are used, not the seeds. The above mentioned traditional use are less in number but are very important from documentation point of view. These uses are still popular among the natives. As the effect of modern culture will increase, in very few years, this traditional knowledge will be lost. I am confident that this document work will be of great help for future generations having interest in traditional uses of herbs that were in practice in past.

Thank you very much for reading the article.