Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of Morning sickness in Chhattisgarh, India

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

Through the on-going ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of the Chhattisgarh, India, I have collected many valuable information on herbs that are used in treatment of Morning sickness. Although these informations are limited but the deep faith of healers on these herbs, is enough to prove its efficacies.

In general, the traditional healers suggest the patients to eat fresh fruits of Chirai Jam (Syzygium cumini) in order to get rid from this trouble. As it is seasonal fruit, its use is limited to specific months of the year. In off-season, the healers suggest the use of dry bark of Chirai Jam in combination with Aam (Mangifera indica) bark. The decoction is prepared by mixing these two barks in equal proportion and patients are advised to take it till complete cure. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, add fistful of Rice flour in this decoction to make it more useful. The use of Chirai Jam decoction is popular in almost all parts of Chhattisgarh. Chirai Jam is a common tree in the state. The traditional healers of Bael (Aegle marmelos) tree rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the fruit pulp of Bael in treatment of Morning sickness. The dried pulp mixed with Sonth (dried Ginger) is boiled in water and decoction is prepared. This decoction is used internally. For preparation of decoction, the healers of different parts mix the Bael pulp and Sonth in different proportions. As home remedy, the natives use the powdered Laung (Clove) with fresh juice of Anar (Punica granatum) fruit. The traditional healers of Bastar region, use the aqueous extract of Doomar roots in treatment. Doomar (Ficus glomerata) is a common tree in Chhattisgarh. All parts of Doomar are used as traditional medicine by the traditional healers and natives. The traditional healers of Gandai-Salewara region use the flowers of Dhawai (Woodfordia fruticosa) in treatment of Morning sickness. The powder of Dhawai flower is mixed with Rice water and Shahad (Honey) and given internally. Till today, I have got information on above mentioned traditional uses only. The surveys are in progress. I will write more on this aspect in my future articles.

Thank you very much for reading the article.