Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as home remedies in treatment of Acnes in Chhattisgarh, India

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

The natives of Koha rich areas of Chhattisgarh, use the barks of Koha externally in treatment of Acnes. The barks are collected and with the help of water, an aqueous paste is prepared. The natives having the problem of Acnes are advised to apply the aqueous paste daily till complete cure. The traditional healers of this region give emphasis on internal use of Koha bark also. The bark is dipped in water whole night and next morning, the leachate is given internally empty stomach. According to the healers both internal and external use cures the troubles effectively and in less time. Koha bark is also popularly used by the heart patients. It is used internally to heal the bone fractures. Koha is a common tree in Chhattisgarh particularly in Chhattisgarh Plains. Its scientific name is Terminalia arjuna. For its botany, traditional and reported medicinal uses, I suggest you to read the previous articles. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use many herbs like Koha barks as home remedies in treatment of Acnes. I have written a lot on this important aspect in previous articles. This article is a supplement to previous article. The natives use the juice of Onion (Piaz) bulbs and seeds externally as home remedy. The freshly extracted juice is applied twice a day. Once in a week, the seeds are used. The seeds are mixed in cow milk and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on Acnes. I would like to mention here that this aqueous paste is consider as promising Hair tonic also. Its regular use stops the hair fall and premature graying. The seeds of Chironji or Char are used for the same purpose by the natives in different ways. In general, the seeds are mixed in water and paste is applied externally on Acnes. Many natives use fresh butter (Makkhan) in place of water. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains suggest the use of Rose water (Gulab Jal) in place of water or butter, for more better results. Chironji is well know non-wood forests produce of Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Buchanania lanzan. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, it occurs naturally. The seeds are easily available in local herb shops also. The use of Alu is also very common. The natives use both raw and boiled Alu tubers (Solanum tuberosum) in treatment of Acnes. The fresh juice of raw Alu is applied once in a week whereas the peels of boiled Alu are applied once in a day. According to the natives, its regular use not only cures the Acnes but also acts as preventive. Alu is under cultivation as vegetable crop in Chhattisgarh. In treatment of Acnes, both fresh and dried Dhania herb is used externally. The fresh juice of Dhania herb is applied externally whereas the dried herb is mixed with glycerin in the ratio of 1:2 and used. The use of fresh juice is considered best but as the use of pesticides is common in commercial production of Dhania (Coriander), the natives avoid its use. During starting of rainy season, the natives of Chhattisgarh Plains never miss a chance to use Neem fruits externally in treatment of Acnes. It is common belief among the natives that internal use of Neem leaves as blood purifier and external use of Neem fruit paste are enough powerful to avoid this problem round the year. Among the home remedies for Acnes, the use of Ajwain seeds is also very common. The natives of different parts of Chhattisgarh use it in different ways. I am describing the popular method. The seeds of Ajwain (Carum copticum) are mixed in fresh curd. Four teaspoonful of Ajwain seeds and two teaspoonful of curd are used. This solution is applied on face and after drying, it is washed. It is considered one of the promising treatments. From last decade, the use of home remedies in treatment of Acnes has increased as the youths are now becoming more attentive towards good looking. The long list of traditional uses of herbs have given a freedom to them to choose simple as well as effective formulation. The home remedies are more popular among youths as compared to patented creams for this problem. The traditional healers suggest the youths to give more emphasis on blood purification and regular life. According to them, alone external applications are not enough to root out the troubles. Thank you very much for reading the article.