Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs in Chhattisgarh, India. : Interactions with the Female herb collectors of Rajnandgaon region.
Through the recent interactions with the female herb collectors of Rajnandgaon region, I have collected many valuable information on traditional medicinal uses of common herbs. I am giving the details in present article.
The female herb collectors informed that when they get snake bite during visits to the natural forests for the collection of herbs, as first aid measure they use the leaves of different herbs. The leaves are simply crushed and applied on affected part. This application helps the patients a lot and after reaching to the traditional healers, the healers start systematic treatment. For this purpose, the herb collectors of Rajnandgaon region use the leaves of many common herbs. Doomar (Ficus glomerata) and Boir (Ziziphus sp.) are among these herbs. They prefer these two species but in case of non-availability, they use other herbs. The female herb collectors further informed me that they use the decoction of Boir bark in treatment of common fever. I have observed that the natural forests in Rajnandgoan region are rich in wild species of Boir (Ziziphus sp.). Many cultivated species are also available but the bark and leaves of wild species are preferred. I was not expecting this important information from the female herb collectors of Rajnandgoan region. They informed that the fresh leaves of Bambri (Acacia nilotica) are a boon for the diabetic patients. They are using its fresh juice and decoction both for this purpose. When I asked the traditional healers of Rajnandgaon region about this unique use, they showed ignorance but promised me to try it. Later, they confirmed that Bambri leaves alone or in combination with other herbs can be used in treatment of this common trouble successfully. I am feeling proud to document this important traditional knowledge. I am confident that this traditional knowledge can provide one more option to the patients. Bambri is a well known tree in Chhattisgarh and the natives are aware of use of its all plant parts including spines. It seems that the mother nature has arranged this herb in the region, to provide the protection against diabetes. During interaction I got an additional information about the Herbal Mala having Bambri bark and roots. The patients having the problem of Dysmenorrhoea are suggested to wear this Herbal Mala as supplement treatment to main treatment. I have mentioned in previous articles that the natives and traditional healers of many parts of Chhattisgarh use Bambri plant parts in treatment of Gynaecological troubles. It is a matter of appreciation that the female herb collectors of Rajnandgoan region are aware of many unique uses of Bambri. The names of Bambri plant parts are present in the list of medicinal herbs the herb collectors of this region, collect for commercial trade. Many female herb collectors informed me that in treatment of Nocturnal emission, a common trouble in young age, the seeds of Van Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum) are very promising. The seeds are taken internally with lukewarm water. The use is continued till complete cure. It is considered as one of the promising treatments. I have mentioned in previous articles that the roots and seeds of Tulsi are used in form of Herbal Mala and Lockets for the same purpose in many parts of Chhattisgarh. I was not aware of its internal use. During interaction the female herb collectors of Rajnandgoan region confirmed the natural but rare occurrence of blue flowered Bhengra (Eclipta sp.) in forests. They informed me about the specific spots. Later, I visited these spots and saw these rare herbs. Besides the use of Bhengra in hair care, many female herb collectors of Rajnandgoan region, prepare a combination by mixing Bhengra whole herb juice and Andi (Castor seed) oil and take it internally in treatment of intestinal worms. According to them, few doses, cure the trouble effectively in very less time .
I got many unique information through this interaction. I am planning to visit the region again in search of rare herbs and traditional medicinal knowledge about it.
Thank you very much for reading the article.