Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and herbal combinations used in treatment of Migraine in Chhattisgarh, India. : The results of recent surveys

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

Through recently conducted ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh I have collected a lot of new information on use of common herbs and herbal combinations in treatment of Migraine. I have written a lot on this aspect in my previous articles. Through these surveys, I got more information on herbs used externally for this purpose. The Sal (Shorea robusta) forests of Chhattisgarh are well known in the world. The natives and traditional healers use different parts of Sal in treatment of many common diseases. The traditional healers of Bastar region use the Sal wood in treatment of Migraine. Sal is locally known as Sargi in this part. The wood piece is rubbed with the help of water on stone and an aqueous paste is prepared. The patients having the problem of Migraine are advised to apply the paste on head during attack. According to the healers, this application reduces the pain effectively in very less time. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use the seeds of Koha for this purpose. The seeds are converted into powder and with the help of water an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is used in same manner. This part of Chhattisgarh is rich in natural population of Koha (Terminalia arjuna) trees. The healers use both fresh as well as stored seeds for this purpose. During winter season, when farmers grow Til (Sesamum indicum) crop, the natives use its leaves (before flowering) in treatment of Migraine. In place of water the natives use Sirka (Vinegar) for preparation of paste. This paste cures the headache effectively but its season specific growth, prevents the natives to use it in other parts of the year. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region informed that in winter season one can use the Doobi herb with dew drops in treatment of headache. According to them, the freshly collected Doobi herb having Dew drops is collected and by crushing it with the help of stones, juice is extracted. This juice is applied on affected parts. The scientific name of Doobi is Cynodon dactylon. I have mentioned it in previous articles that the healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the patients having eye troubles to walk bare footed on this herb having dew drops in winter season. Although Doobi is considered as one of the ten worst weeds of the world but for the natives and healers, it is a valuable medicinal herb. The natives of many parts of Chhattisgarh use the Kai in treatment of Migraine externally. The common Kai (Lichen) that grows on wall during rainy season is used in treatment. The natives collect it and apply as such on painful head for immediate relief. This use is more common in rural areas as compared to urban areas. With the interactions with senior natives, I have collected the information on traditional uses that are not in use these days. Possibly due to its poor efficacy, these uses are not popular among them. But from documentation of view, these uses are also equally important. I am giving the details of these uses. The senior natives of Chhattisgarh Plains informed about the use of Anar (Punica granatum) roots. The senior natives of Mahasamund region, informed about the use of Mehndi (Lawsonia alba) leaves. The senior natives of Mungeli region, informed the use of Munga (Moringa oleifera) leaves. They also informed about the use of Karayal (Nigella sativa) seeds. The senior natives of Bagbahera region informed about the use of flowers of Tarbooz (Water Melon). The senior natives of Pendra region informed about the use of Kali Haldi (Curcuma caesia) in treatment. The senior natives of Bhopalpatnam region, apply the Kali Haldi rhizome on soles instead of head. The senior natives of Durg region informed me about the use of Pipal (Ficus religiosa) leaves. All the above mentioned herbs are used separately by mixing the herb parts in water and applying the aqueous paste on painful head. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region informed me about the use of Asgandh herb (Withania somnifera). According to the healers, Asgandh herb is present in wild in this part of Chhattisgarh. The healers collect the fresh herb and mix it in Til oil (Sesamum indicum) The mixture is allowed to boil and when all watery contents evaporate boiling is stopped and oil is stored for future use. During attack, the healers suggest the patients to apply the herbal oil on painful head. Many of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been mentioned in reference literatures. I am not ready to consider the old formulation and uses, useless. I believe that after some modifications we can make these formulations useful again. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have shown interest on this aspect and encouraged me. I am seeking the support of researchers also.

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