Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of snake bite : The result of recent ethnobotanical surveys in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh revealed that the natives and traditional healers use many herbs both internally and externally in treatment of snake bite. Many herbs are used commonly for scorpion and snake bite. In previous articles, I have written a lot on the herbs that are used. The present article is the supplement to previous articles. Mahua is well known non-wood forest produce of Chhattisgarh. Mahua is a large, evergreen tree found commonly in Chhattisgarh.

Its scientific name is Madhuca longifolia. The traditional healers of Mahua rich areas use its seeds externally in treatment of snake bite. The seeds are rubbed in water and aqueous paste is prepared this paste is applied in affected parts. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the seeds are given internally with water also with its external use. The natives use Neem leaves as first aid remedy the patients are advised to take more and more Neem leaves in order to nullify the lethal effects of poison. In general, the natives of snake rich areas where snake bites are common, use Neem leaves regularly particularly during rainy season. According to them, the regular use of Neem leaves, makes the body enough strong to reduce the effects of snake poison. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use both leaves and roots of common wasteland herb Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) in treatment of snake bite. The yellow leaves of Fudhar are taken and with the help of its latex, an aqueous paste is prepare. This paste is converted into small globules. These globules are given to the patients as a treatment of snake bite. They prefer freshly collected leaves for this purpose but it can be stored also. You can see, the containers filled with these small globules with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialized in treatment of snake bite. The natives also use the aqueous extract of Fudhar roots for the same purpose. In my previous articles, on herbs used in treatment of Scorpion bites, I have mentioned the use of Kaner roots and leaves internally in treatment. The same treatment is also considered effective against snake poison.

Like Mahua, Parsa is also a common tree in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. Many villages have been named on this herb because of its dense population in the villages. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use, the roots of Parsa both internally and externally in treatment of snake bite. The aqueous extract of roots is given internally whereas aqueous paste is applied externally. The natives are also aware of this use. They use it as first aid remedy. This use is very popular among the herb collectors. The scientific name of Parsa is Butea monosperma. Champa is well known ornamental herb. The natives plant this herb in their home-gardens for its beautiful fragrant flowers. It is common belief in Chhattisgarh that this herb attracts and provides shelter to venomous creatures more powerfully. Champa is present in my home garden but I have yet not seen these venomous creatures under this herb. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Champa alone and in combination with other herbs in treatment of snake poison. The patients are given the fresh flower buds of Champa. The dry bud can be used but it is boiled in cow milk and given to the patients. The healers also use the bark of Champa with the bark of Bael (Aegle marmelos), mixed in equal ratio, in treatment. It is used in decoction form. The decoction is given internally in large quantities till complete cure. The scientific name of Champa is Michelia champaca. The medicinal fruit tree Bael is also used for this purpose.

The healers of Southern Chhattisgarh take the fresh roots of Bael, Kaith (Feronia sp.) And wild species of Chaulai (Amaranthus spinosus) and mix it in equal proportion. After mixing juice is extracted and given to the patients frequently. The traditional healers of Mungeli region of Chhattisgarh use the Munga bark in combination with Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in treatment. The aqueous extract is given internally. To increase its properties, Black Pipper (Kali Mirch) is also added in this combination. The scientific name of Munga is Moringa oleifera. The natives of Sirsa tree (Albizia lebbeck) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use, the flowers juice of Sirsa in combination with Black Pipper, internally in treatment of snake bite. According to the natives, this use slows down the effect of poison and is promising first aid remedy, till the arrival of the traditional healers. Sagon is well known timber tree. Its wood is used for ship building, construction work, furniture and cabinet-work. Also it is used for musical instruments including violin keys, long neck of Sitar and body of harmonium. The natives use the Sagon (Tectona grandis) roots in treatment of snake bite. The aqueous extract of roots is given internally. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of use of leaf and bark juice of common ornamental herb Harshringar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) for the same purpose. This supplement list is very exhaustive. As snake bites are common in Chhattisgarh, the natives and healers have discovered many promising herbs and developed herbal formulations effective against this trouble. This valuable information can be a boon for the researcher working on this aspect and also for the natives of different corners of the world, living in snake rich areas.

Thank you very much for reading the article.