Popular home remedies used as blood purifier in Chhattisgarh Plains, India

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

The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use different herbs according to different seasons, as blood purifier. For example, Aam is used in summer whereas Neem is used in rainy season. In rural and forest areas the regular use of blood purifier is still in existence. The natives never miss to take advantage from prescribed herbs. The herbs used as blood purifier help in maintaining good health and also protect the body from skin troubles. The natives having these troubles are advised specially for the use of these promising herbs.

This is a bitter fact that in urban areas the use of blood purifier is decreasing. A small ethnobotanical survey conducted in Chhattisgarh Plains revealed that the natives use over 40 herbs as blood purifier. They prepare the herbal solution and combinations at home and use it without guidance of the healers. Out of the 40 herbs, the use of 5 herbs is very common. Its popularity among the natives clearly indicates its effectiveness. The herbs used as blood purifier are common herbs and natives got it free of cost. During survey I have noted that these herbal formulations are not available in form of patent medicine in markets. In present article, I giving details regarding some important herbs and its uses. The natives use indigenous species of Aam (Mango) fruits during summer as blood purifier. A cup of fruit juice from fully matured fruits is taken and half cup of cow milk, one tea spoonful of cow ghee, two teaspoonfuls of Adrak Ka Ras (Ginger juice) are added. This herbal solution is given internally to the patients twice a day and continued in whole season. Its delicious taste, attracts the children and they take it without any problem. The natives avoid the use of Mango varieties coming from neighboring states for this purpose. For specific period, the natives use of aqueous extract of Aam leaf juice as blood purifier. But this use is limited to few natives. During mid-summer, another medicinal fruits mature. The natives of Bael rich areas of Chhattisgarh Plains use powdered Bael (dry) fruit as blood purifier. It is given with equal quantity of sugar internally.

Like Mango fruit juice, the use of Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) is continued upto the availability of fruits. Its off-season use is neither recommended nor popular in the region. The natives of many parts also use the fresh fruit pulp of Bael with cow milk to get more instant effects. The natives having the capacity to tolerate the specific odd smell of Piaz (Onion) juice use it in combination with Nimbu (Lemon) juice, as blood purifier. It is also given in combination with Shahad (Honey). It is given upto 10 days only once in a year. The natives use common wasteland herb Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) very frequently. The flowers are used as blood purifier. The white flowered Fudhar is preferred. The fresh flowers are collected and mixed with equal quantity of Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). After mixing, small globule at a time is given thrice a day. This combination is used only for a month in any part of the year. As flowering occurs round the year on this herb in Chhattisgarh conditions, the natives are free to use it in any part of the year. In general, the natives avoid its long term use. For ease many natives prepare the globules at once and use it upto prescribed time period but most of the natives use fresh flowers daily for the preparation of globules.

Both Haldi and Neem, hold reputed position as blood purifier in different reference literatures related to indigenous system of medicine in India. I am proud to write that the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains are also well aware of its uses as blood purifier. Both herbs occur naturally in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. Many unique and rare species of Haldi (Curcuma sp.) Have been reported form the state. Haldi (Curcuma longa) is also under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. The natives of different parts use Haldi powder in different ways. In general, half teaspoonful Haldi powder, one teaspoonful of dried Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) fruit powder are mixed and the taken with lukewarm water. The time period of its use is one month. The recommended dose is twice a day. In rainy season, specially in first fortnight of July, the natives never miss to use newly emerged Neem leaves as blood purifier. Many natives use its bitter but promising juice for the same purpose. In Durg region of Chhattisgarh, the natives use matured Neem as blood purifier. On question, that whether single herbal formulation can be used or one can use all combination in a single year? The natives have difference in opinion. Many of them use many of the above mentioned herbal formulations in different seasons in a year, whereas many use only one formulation. I decided to interact with the healers. According to the healers, any formulation is not suitable for every one. After examine the patients, they recommend the best suited formulation to them. Through the popular articles in regional languages, we are trying to aware the natives about the healer's opinions are very valuable for the natives. They are adopting it carefully. This is good sign.

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