Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as home remedies in treatment of Coryza, in Chhattisgarh, India : The results of recently conducted surveys

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

To gather the genuine information and to observe the practical uses, of common herbs used as home remedies used in treatment of Coryza, the recent surveys were conducted during transitional period, when this problem becomes a common problem among the natives. The natives explaining the combination of herbs ware requested to demonstrate the method of its preparation and also its practical uses, if possible. I am giving the details in this article. In Chhattisgarh Plains, I have observed the use of Lason (Garlic) in treatment of Coryza. The natives mix Namak (salt) and Lason in equal proportion and boil it in water. After boiling, double amount of cow ghee in added and solution is kept as such for future use. The natives take a teaspoonful of solution twice a day as treatment. The use is continued till complete cure. I have tried this combination many times during the attack of Coryza and found it very promising. It is common belief among the natives that the intake of Mooli (Radish) during its cropping season in any form makes the body enough resistant to protect it from Coryza and other related troubles. Mooli is already a popular herb in Chhattisgarh. Many natives are not aware of this common belief but they are getting the advantage of its intake. The natives of Murmunda village of Chhattisgarh informed about the use of Sarson (Mustard) oil. In case of Coryza, they boil the oil and inhale the fumes, to get rid from it. I have tried it but it is very difficult to tolerate the pungent fumes coming from oil, for everyone (at least for me). From documentation point of view, it is an important information. In Bagbahera region of Chhattisgarh, I have observed the practical use of Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum) and Haldi (Turmeric). Five Kali Mirch fruits are mixed in half teaspoonful of Haldi powder. The mixture is converted into powder and with lukewarm water, taken internally as treatment. This simple treatment cures the trouble at initial stages promisingly. The natives informed about the precaution to be taken during its use. They informed that one must take water in any form, after intake of this combination. The natives of Narharpur region, use the latex of common wasteland herb Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) in unique way. They take two teaspoonful of freshly collected latex and add two teaspoonful of Chawal (Rice). The solution is kept as such for atleast two hours. After this period the soaked rice grains are tied in cloth, and patients are advised to inhale the smell coming from the cloth. According to the natives, this simple treatment helps the patients in getting rid from Coryza. The natives of Nagri Sihawa region informed about the use of Kali Mirch in another way. According to them, if ten fruits of Kali Mirch are taken (in powder form) with Dahi (Curd) upto long time, it acts as both curative and preventive for Coryza. The natives of Ambikapur region, informed about the use of Kali Mirch in combination with Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves. Fifteen leaves of Tulsi are mixed in five Kali Mirch. This mixture is added in water and solution is kept for future use. One teaspoonful of this solution is taken twice a day as treatment. It is also used as both curative and preventive. Many of the uses, I have observed are already in documentation form in my previous articles. I have not repeated it in present article. The surveys in times when specific disease is present in specific location always give many valuable information on practical uses of common herbs. Although it is not possible to take advantage of this fact always but I never wish to miss this golden opportunity.

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