Some less known but promising traditional formulations of Chhattisgarh, India. 353. Sun Ke Resha ke Upyog.
Sun Ke Resha Ke Upyog means the use of Sun fibres. The scientific name of Sun is Crotolaria juncea. It is well known fibre crop in India. Its stem fibre is used for un-sized twine, fishing nets, cot stringing, matting, coarse nets, bags and ropes. Because of high cellulose and low ash content, stem fibre is particularly suitable for cigarette paper and high quality tissue paper. In Chhattisgarh, Sun fibre is used for different purposes. I have mentioned in previous articles that the Sun is well known medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh. Its all parts are used as folk medicine both internally as well as externally in treatment of many common diseases. Sun plant parts are the important ingredients of many popular herbal combinations in Chhattisgarh. Through the Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh I have collected much information on this aspect. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use its stem fibre in unique way. The patients having Poor vitality are suggested by the healers to wear the cloth mainly shirt, prepared from strong fibre of Sun. Many times the healers try this traditional knowledge as last hope. The disappearance of symptoms is considered as a time to stop its use. In general, the healers collect the Sun fibre and prepare the cloth by themselves. This use is not known among the natives. I have mentioned in previous articles that the healers of many parts of Chhattisgarh, recommend the use of shirts dyed with the flower colour of Parsa (Butea monosperma) to the patients having the problem of Jaundice. The information regarding Sun fibre is new for me. I personally feel that there is a strong need to conduct scientific research on this aspect so that the patients around the world can be benefited with this traditional knowledge. The healers have deep faith in this use. They use this knowledge along with main treatment of the patients. They have acquired this knowledge from their ancestors and practicing it sincerely without any modification. This use is limited to the healers of Chhattisgarh Plains. The healers of other regions are not much aware of this use. Also, in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found any information regarding this use.
For the botany, traditional and reported medicinal uses of Sun, please read my previous articles.