Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal formulations used in treatment of Intestinal worms in Chhattisgarh, India : The results of recent surveys

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

The recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India revealed that the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of intestinal worms. I have written a lot on this aspect in my previous articles. This article is a supplement to previous articles.

The traditional healers of Narharpur region suggest the patients to collect the new roots of Bar (Ficus benghalensis) and extract the juice. This juice is given internally in treatment of intestinal worms. The healers also suggest the patients to use Bhelwa oil (Semecarpus anacardium) with milk. Few drops of oil is added in lukewarm milk and given internally. Both Bar and Bhelwa are common trees in this part of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Bastar region consider the milk of Nariyal (Cocos nucifera) beneficial in treatment. The patients are advised to take more and more milk to flush out the worms. In normal cases, the healers also use the bark of Anar (Pomegranate) herb. The fresh bark is used internally in combination with Til (Sesamum) oil. In case of complications, the healers use the combination of roots and bark. Both parts are mixed in equal proportion and by boiling the combination in water, decoction is prepared. The fresh decoction is given to the patients. The healers do not use old or stored decoction. Anar is a common fruit tree planted in home gardens for its medicinal uses and delicious fruits. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region are also aware of use of Anar root bark for this purpose. But they use it in combination with other herbs. In this combination, Baibiramg (Embelia ribes) is added frequently.

The healers of Dhamtari region also use the powdered Aam Guthli (Mango stone) in combination with Shahad (Honey) in treatment of instestinal worms. The use of Mainphal (Randia sp.) Is also common in this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers use it with Shahad internally. The traditional healers of Bhanupratappur region use the seeds of Parsa (Butea monosperma) in treatment. The seeds are soaked in water and when it gets softened, it is given with Shahad (Honey). It is considered as one of the promising treatments. The natural forests of Bhanupratappur are rich in natural population of Parsa trees. The healers of this region also recommend the internal use of Bael leaf juice. Bael (Aegle marmelos) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. It is one of the important non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regular demand in national and internal markets.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the matured fruit of Papita (Papaya) for this purpose. A teaspoonful of fruit juice is given internally. For child patients, the healers recommend only two drops of juice. The use is continued till complete cure. The traditional healers of this part also recommend the use of Indrajau (Wrightia tinctoria) roots alone or in combination with Baibirang. The aqueous extract of roots is given internally. Indrajau is a common medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh. The healers use this herb very frequently in treatment of Sickle Cell Anamia. I have written a lot on medicinal properties and uses of Koha tree parts. During this survey, the traditional healers of Dondi-Lohara region informed me about the use of Koha flowers to flush out the intestinal worms. Koha flowers are used in combination with other herbs. Koha (Terminalia arjuna) is well known tree in Chhattisgarh. In the recent surveys, I visited to new villages and locations. As results, I got long list of herbs and a lot of information on traditional uses. Although the present list looks exhaustive, but I feel that these are limited uses and through future surveys, I will be able to gather more information on this aspect.

Thank you very much for reading the article