Some less known traditional medicinal uses of common herbs used in treatment of Jaundice in Chhattisgarh, India

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

To make the colour of eyes yellow to normal in case of Jaundice, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use many common herbs. Karayal is one of these herbs. The healers take seven seeds of Karayal and mix it with cow milk. Two - three drops of this solution is applied inside the nose, to normalize the colour. The scientific name of Karayal is Nigella sativa. In general, the healers also suggest the patients to apply lemon juice inside the eyes for the same purpose. During cropping season of vegetable crop Moooli (Raphanus sativus), the traditional healers, suggest the natives to prepare a special pickles using Mooli and Sirka (Vinegar). This pickle is considered as boon for the patients having the problem of Jaundice. As it is very tasty, the patients feel happy while using it. The traditional healers of Mungeli region of Chhattisgarh, prepare a decoction by boiling Karayal in water. This decoction is also used for the same purpose. While this use, the patients are advised to wear yellow coloured cloths. The healers have no scientific explanation that what is the importance of this yellow cloth. I am trying my best to search the scientific explanation. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, popularly use the seeds of Raksi in treatment. The seeds are converted into powder and mixed with Shahad (Honey) it is given internally. The healers suggest the patients to eat rice and dal (Pulse) as meals during this treatment. The scientific name of Raksi is Abutilon indicum. It is a common weed in rice fields of Chhattisgarh. The healers also use, the flowers of another medicinal tree Babool, common around rice fields, in treatment of Jaundice. Its flower is given internally with sugar. This treatment is given as supplement to main treatment. As supplement, the fresh juice as well as the decoction of Kasaundi (Cassia sophera) leaves are also used. The traditional healers of Durg region use the pods of Babool for this purpose. Young pods are used. The pods and Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica) fruits are mixed in equal proportion and decoction is prepared by boiling this combination in water. This decoction is considered a boon for the patients having the problem of Jaundice. The traditional healers of Shikakai rich areas of Chhattisgarh use the decoction of its pods in treatment of Jaundice. They also use the new sprouts of Indrajau (Wrightia tinctoria) for this purpose. The juice of sprouts is used internally. In previous articles, I have given detailed information on traditional uses of herbs in treatment of Jaundice. The above mentioned uses are limited to few healers. This article can be considered as supplement to previous articles.

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