Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Eczema in Chhattisgarh, India.

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

P. Oudhia The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh use many common herbs and herbal formulations in treatment of Eczema. These herbs and herbal formulations are used both internally and externally. The traditional healers believe in total cure of the trouble instead of suppressing it. This is the reason they use the herbs both internally and externally. Through ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected a lot of information on this aspect. In present article, I am describing some promising uses. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh use the dry fruit powder of Harra (Terminalia chebula) internally with cow urine in treatment of Eczema. The old trees are selected for the collection of fruits. According to the traditional healers, the internal use of Harra with cow urine has many other health benefits. It is a promising liver tonic.

The traditional healers of this region also use the decoction of Dhanbaher leaves both internally and externally in treatment of Eczema. The raw juice is also considered effective. The scientific name of Dhanbaher is Cassia fistula. It is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. In treatment of Eczema, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use Kali Mirch (Black Pipper) internally. It is given with cow ghee. It is considered as promising blood purifier. According to the traditional healers, this combination is having the capacity to flush out toxic material from human body. In general, the healers continue this treatment till complete cure. After cure it is repeated for atleast a month in a year in order to prevent the trouble. The herb collector of Narharpur region Shri Munna Netam informed me that the seeds of Bhelwa can be used in treatment of Eczema. For use, the seeds are powdered and mixed with Til (Sesamum oil). This combination is applied externally on affected parts. Bhelwa (Semecarpus anacardium syn. Anacardium orientale) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. He also informed me about the use of Parsa fruits in treatment. The fruit mixed with Lemon (Nimbu) juice is applied externally. The scientific name of Parsa is Butea monosperma. The natives of this region, use the latex of immature Papita (Papaya) fruit externally for the same purpose. The fresh leaf juice of Harshringar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is also in use in this region. The traditional healers of Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use Sirsa bark externally and Sirsa flower internally in treatment of Eczema. The aqueous paste is applied externally in affected parts whereas flowers are given internally with sugar. According to the healers, both internal as well as external use at a time cures the patients effectively in less time. Sirsa flowers are considered as promising blood purifier. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains use Til seeds externally with Mustard oil (Sarson Tel) in treatment of Eczema. The seeds are powdered and mixed with base oil. Til is under cultivation as oil seed crop. Although the natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different herbs used in treatment of Eczema but surprisingly the number of patients having this problem is increasing. According to the traditional healers, the incomplete cure by the natives s responsible for this increase in number. They further informed me that the problem of Eczema is deep rooted and it should not be taken lightly. With the help of regular visits to the traditional healers, I am trying hard to gather more information on this aspect.

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