Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Malarial fever around Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India

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

To evaluate the knowledge status of urban natives of Raipur city, the capital of Chhattisgarh, a detailed ethnobotanical survey was done and the herbs and herbal formulations listed out. The Malarial fever is common in Chhattisgarh. The survey revealed that the urban natives try to treat this problem through their traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and in case of complications, contact the experts for modern treatment. In present article, I am giving the details of some common traditional uses. The use of Karela fruit juice is very common in treatment of Malarial fever. The fruit is washed thoroughly and juice is extracted. This bitter juice is given with Zeera (Cumin) and Gud (Jaggery) internally.

In general, one teaspoonful of juice is given in every four hours till complete cure. Karela (Momordica charantia) is one of the well known vegetables of Chhattisgarh. I have mentioned it in my previous articles, that it is one of the frequently use herb in treatment of diabetes. The shape of Karela fruits resemble the shape of Pancreas. This is the reason it is considered as promising herb that can normalize the function of this organ. The natives of Raipur city add Gud in the above mentioned combination just for taste. Karela fruit juice and Zeera are enough to give desirable effects. Before starting of fever, the natives use the flower buds of common wasteland herb Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) internally. According to the natives, it is given with Gud (Jaggery). It is considered as one of the promising treatments. As Fudhar is wasteland herb, it is not difficult for the natives to collect the flower buds. The fresh buds are used for this purpose. The natives use the fruits of Pippali (Piper longum) as preventive to Malaria. The fruits are used with Shahad (Honey). They purchase this herb from local herb shops. The natives add the common pulse Moong (Vigna radiata) in the routine meals of patients. It is common belief among them that this pulse possess anti-malarial properties and also acts as tonic and give extra strength to the patients. The natives also use another pulse named Moth (Vigna aconitifolia) in the meals but Moong is preferred.

Moong is under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. For Moth, the natives are dependent on local herb shops. During intense fever the natives, rub the ice on patients body. It is common practice adopted in all types of fever. The natives use dried Ginger (Sonth) in different ways in treatment of Malaria. They prepare a special herbal combination by mixing half teaspoonful of powdered Sonth, one teaspoonful of powder Dhania (Coriander), twenty young leaves of Neem and twenty five Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves. These ingredients are added in a glass of water and through boiling, decoction in prepared. This decoction is given four times a day to the patients. The natives consider it very useful. Its popularity among them clearly indicate its effectiveness. In another method, half teaspoonful of Sonth is boiled in a glass of cow milk and lukewarm, milk is given twice a day. The natives of Raipur city, plant Tulsi herb in their home gardens. They worship this herb. Now it is scientifically proven that the presence of Tulsi herb around the homes prevents the attack of harmful organisms including mosquitoes. The natives are well aware of this fact. Tulsi herb is also used internally in treatment. The natives prepare herbal decoction using Tulsi leaves as main ingredient and give it to the patients internally. Like the addition of Moong and Moth as pulses in meals, the natives suggest the patients to add Nimbu (Lemon) and Green Pipper (Capsicum annum) in any form, in their routine meals. The natives believe that Nimbu and Green Pipper possess anti-malarial properties. With the help of these herbs and herbal combinations, the natives try their best to treat Malarial fever and in most of the cases, they get success. Many of the above mentioned uses are mentioned in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India but there are slight variations. The survey revealed that the natives living in urban areas are also aware of miracle healing properties of common herbs. The great thing is that they are still using it with full confidence and faith.

Thank you very much for reading the articles.