Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in eye related diseases in Chhattisgarh, India : The results of recent ethnobotanical surveys

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

The problem of night blindness is a common problem among poor natives of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use different herbs in treatment of night blindness. The use of Lason bulb (Allium sativum) is very common. The healers extract the fresh juice and apply one or two drops inside the eyes at evening. The treatment is continued till complete cure. Many such information's, I have collected through recent ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India.

I am giving the details in present article. The traditional healers of Mungeli region use the roots of Munga (Moringa oleifera) as eye tonic. The root extract is applied with Shahad (Honey) for this purpose. To reduce the pain in eyes the healers suggest the patients to use the leaf juice externally. The traditional healers of Gandai-Salewara region recommend the use of root powder of Dasmool (Asparagus racemosus) with cow milk as eye tonic. The root powder possess many valuable medicinal properties and uses. Its use as eye tonic adds one more advantage in the long list of benefits. Dasmool is both under cultivation as well as grows in wild. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. Lodh is an evergreen shrub or tree distributed in different parts of Chhattisgarh.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Lodh bark (Symplocos racemosa) in treatment of conjuctivitis. The diluted bark extract is applied into the affected eyes as treatment. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the roots of Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) in different combinations in treatment of eye related diseases. To cure the itching due to infection, the roots are applied with milk. The roots are crushed and with the help of milk an aqueous solution is prepared. One-two drops of this solution is applied into the eyes. In treatment of stye, the roots are used with cow ghee in same manner. In treatment of conjunctivitis, the roots are given with Shahad (Honey). The roots are used with Til oil, in case of cataract. The in depth traditional knowledge about different ways of using same herb is really surprising. Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) is a common wasteland herb in Chhattisgarh. Like the juice of Lason, the traditional healers of Narharpur region use the aqueous extract of red flowered Butea (Parsa) tree in treatment of night blindness. It is applied inside the eyes at evening hours. The healers also use the fresh leaf juice of Anar (Pomegranate) also for this purpose.

Besides, the use of herbs as treatment, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the patients to adopt preventive measures to keep the eyes healthy. They suggest the patients to walk bare foot on Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) specially in mornings of winter when dew fall is high. Before going for bath, the healers suggest the natives to gently massage Sarson (Mustard) Oil on sole specially on thumb. It is considered as promising for eyes. Through on-going ethnobotanical surveys, I am trying my best to gather more information on this aspect.

Thank you very much for reading the article.