Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as home remedies in Chhattisgarh, India. : Recent interactions with thee senior natives of Mahasamund region.
Bagbahera region comes under Mahasamund region as per official records but from the survey point of view, I give equal emphasis to both regions. I have noted that the natives and traditional healers of both regions have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs. I have already given the details of recent interactions with the senior natives of Bagbahera region. In present article, I am giving the details of recent interactions with the senior natives of Mahasamund region.
In treatment of intense pain in kidney region, the senior natives of Mahasamund region use the fruits of Lauki (Bottle gourd). The fruits are cut into small pieces and after crushing, converted into fine paste. This paste is applied in painful parts as treatment. The use is continued till complete cure. Lauki is well known vegetable crop in this part in Chhattisgarh. During the recent interactions, I have noted that the senior natives of this region have in depth traditional knowledge about various medicinal uses of common herb Doob (Cynodon dactylon). In treatment of many common diseases they use it both internally as well as externally. In treatment of Epistaxis, the senior natives inhale the freshly cut grass. They also extract juice from Doob leaves and few drops are applied inside the nostril as treatment. According to the senior natives, this simple treatments cure the trouble effectively in very less time. In treatment of skin related troubles, they use the juice of Doob herb in combination with Til (Sesamum) oil. The juice is mixed with oil and applied externally on affected parts. To make the combination more promising. The natives boil the juice in Til oil and when all watery contents evaporate, the boiling is stopped and this special herbal oil is used in same manner. In general, they use the oil only upto one week. The traditional healers of this region are aware of this unique use. The reference literatures on weed science consider Doob as one of the ten worst weeds of the world. For the senior natives, it is not more than the funny saying. Like Lauki, Karela (Momordica charantia) is also a popular vegetable crop in Chhattisgarh. I have mentioned in previous article that the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Karela fruits in different ways in treatment of Diabetes. Through the recent interactions with the senior natives of Mahasamund region, I have got information on one more use. The senior natives take a teaspoonful of Karela fruit juice once in a day in treatment of bleeding Piles. Sugar can be added for taste. According to the senior natives, it is simple but promising treatment. In treatment of Nocturnal Emission, a common problem among the youths, the senior natives suggest the use of Tulsi roots. The roots are collected and cut into small pieces. The root pieces are dipped in water overnight and next morning, the youths having this problem are suggested to drink the leachate. The use is continued till complete cure. If this use fails to show any affect the help of traditional healers is taken. Tulsi is well known herb of medicinal and religious importance in Chhattisgarh. Its scientific name is Ocimum sanctum. The parents of small children having the problem of Enuresis are suggested by the senior natives of Mahasamund region to take Til (Sesame) based combination. In this combination, Black Til seeds, Ajwain (Carum copticum), and Gud (Jaggery) are mixed in 2:1:4 proportion. All ingredients are crushed into powder before mixing. One teaspoonful of mixture is given twice a day. According to the senior natives, within a week the children get rid from this trouble. The seeds of Masoor (Lentil), fried in cow ghee are considered as promising eye tonic by the senior natives. Masoor is under cultivation as pulse crop in Chhattisgarh. Another pulse, Urd (Black Gram) is used as brain tonic. The senior natives dip the Urd seeds in water overnight and next morning, the seeds are converted into fine paste. Sugar is added and this paste is taken internally. The natives consider it very promising to the students.
Few years back I attended the science day programme organized by the science students of Mahasamund region. In my guest lecture, I motivated them to Focus their attention on documentation of traditional knowledge. As a result, many science reports and projects have been prepared by the students in past few years. This is good sign. I am confident that if the students of new generation will understand the importance of this traditional knowledge, they will effectively communicate it to the future generation.
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