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

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

In previous article, I have given the details regarding the common herbs the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are using in form of nasal drops in treatment of Epistaxis. In complicated cases, the traditional healers use specific herbs and herbal formulations and in general, they do not disclose it to anyone, even to their family members. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India. I have collected many valuable information on this aspect. I am giving the details in this article. In complicated cases, the traditional healers suggest the patients to apply different herbs in form of aqueous paste in palate (Talu). Also, many times this paste is given to apply on forehead. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the bark of Doomar tree for this purpose. The bark is collected and with the help of water an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied on palate, inside the mouth. The use is continued till complete cure. Doomar is well known medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Ficus glomerata. The traditional healers of this region also use the combination of Neem leaves and Ajwain (Carum copticum) externally. Both herbs are crushed and aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied on forehead. The use of Gobar (Cow dung) is also popular among the healers. As first aid remedy, the healers suggest to smell the fresh Gobar and apply it in form of paste on forehead. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region informed that they use the excreta of male Deer (Hiran) for this purpose. According to them, this dung is more powerful in effect as compared to cow dung. They also burn the dry dung and suggest the patients to inhale the fume coming. I think that the wild herbs on which Hiran feeds, play an important role in making the dung useful in treatment of Epistaxis. With the help of herb collectors, I am trying to gather this important information. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region use the Neem leaves in combination with Jangli Chaulai leaves. The aqueous paste is prepared and applied externally in forehead as treatment. Jangli Chaulai is a waste land weed in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Amarathus spinous. During visits to Kanker region of Chhattisgarh, I got information on use of Parsa Flowers. The traditional healers of this region, prepare a decoction by boiling Parsa flower in water and patients are advised to take it internally. According to the healers, its internal use stops all types of bleeding. This is the reason the traditional healers use this decoction frequently in treatment of gynecological troubles. Parsa is well known medicinal herbs having rich population in natural forests. Its scientific name is Butea monosperma. Its use as decoction is continued till complete relief. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this decoction but I have noted a lot of variations in quantities of flowers taken. In general, the healers boil 30 flowers of Parsa in four liters of water and when half quantity (of initial quantity) remains the boiling is stopped and decoction is considered ready to use. Many healers use 50 or more flowers in this decoction. The traditional healers of Nagri-Sihawa region use the bark of Parsa in combination with flowers to prepare the decoction. As first aid measure, the traditional healers of Tilda region suggest the use of Doobi (Cynodon dactylon) herb. The juice is extracted by crushing whole herb and few drops are applied into the nostrils as treatment. The healers of this region also recommend the use of Aonla fruits. The fruits of wild species are preferred. The fruit is soaked in water overnight and next morning the softened fruit is converted into paste. This paste is applied on palate in order to stop the bleeding. I am feeling proud to document this valuable traditional knowledge. I have observed successful uses of these herbs and herbal combinations many times. The healers have gained this knowledge from their forefathers and it is positive sign that they are using it in their routine practice with full faith.

Thank you very much for reading the article.