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

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

Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India, I have collected very limited information’s on herbs used in treatment of Erysipelas. But due to non-availability of any information on this aspect in form of written document. I decided to write a small article on this aspect. This trouble is well known to the traditional healers. They use many common herbs alone or in combination with other herb, both internally and externally in treatment of Erysipelas. In general, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Andi seed oil (Ricinus communis) in treatment. The oil is mixed in cow milk and given internally. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the fruit powder of Harra (Terminalia chebula) with cow ghee and Shahad (Honey) internally in treatment. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region, use different combinations of herbs externally for this purpose. They do not want to disclose the formulations but they informed that Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamasi), Bala (Sita acuta), Elaichi (Elettaria sp.), Haldi (Curcuma longa) etc. are used as main ingredients. They mix these herbs in equal proportions and fry it with cow ghee. This combination is applied externally in diseased parts. Its popularity among the healers indicates its effectiveness. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are also aware of these combinations but they use it less frequently. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, use the Supari (Betel-nut; Areca catechu) in treatment externally. The nut is rubbed in water and aqueous paste is applied externally in diseased parts. The traditional healers of Sirsa (Albizia lebbeck) rich areas of Chhattisgarh use its bark in treatment. The powdered bark mixed with cow ghee is applied externally. The above mentioned traditional use are although less in number but from documentation point of view, there are important information’s. Through on – going surveys I am trying my best to collect more information on this aspect.

Thank you very much for read the article.