Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Herbs used in Treatment of Cancer in Chhattisgarh, India. 93. Uses of Kalihari (Gloriosa superba).

In Chhattisgarh Gloriosa is known as Jhaghadhin plant means the dispute causing plant. The natives are suggested by the seniors to avoid its plantation in home gardens and in surroundings. It is one of the very toxic plants. The healers truly explain that by showing its bright flowers the plants tell us about its toxic nature. In traditional systems of medicine in India Gloriosa holds a reputed position as medicinal herb. It is used with much care. The natives living in forest and rural regions see this plant with much respect. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use its all parts as medicine both internally as well as externally in treatment of many common diseases. The natural forests are rich in its wild population. Due to its increased demand in national and international market from last decade it is under collection at alarming rates. This demand has resulted in decreasing wild population. The traditional healers of many parts informed that now they have to go far in search on this herb. Many healers have to depend on the herb vendors for the supply of this herb. It is not a good sign. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh having expertise in treatment of different types of cancer use its different parts in treatment. Through interactions and meetings with these healers I have collected few but important information on this aspect. I am giving the details in present article.

The traditional healers of Kondagaon region use the bulbs to prepare special herbal oil. The freshly collected bulbs are crushed and added in base oil. The combination is boiled and when all watery contents evaporate the boiling is stopped and special oil is used after filtration. As base oil Sarson (Mustard) seed oil is used. The special oil is considered beneficial for the cancerous wound. The patients are advised to apply the oil on wound many times in a day. It is used at all stages but at advanced stages it gives promising results. The healers use it under their supervision. The patients are instructed to wash the hand properly after the use of this special oil and keep it beyond the reach of children. Most of the healers want to keep the content of oil secret. They add more herbs in it in order to hide its identity. This oil is not available as commercial product in market. They prepare it by adopting traditional methods.

The traditional healers of Bastar region use its seeds in treatment of cancer specially blood cancer. The seeds are added as major ingredient on popular herbal combinations. Most of the formulations are considered incomplete without the seeds. The seeds are used in mature and immature forms. Different healers collect the seeds at different stages. Seeds are not used alone.

The traditional healers of Dantewada region use the bulbs externally in treatment of cancer. The tubers are crushed and an aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on affected part. Many healers suggest the patients to sit in sunlight exposing the affected parts having Gloriosa paste in order to get more promising results. They also use the paste in combination with other herbs. The purpose of adding herbs is to nullify the harmful effects of bulbs.

The traditional healers of Gandai-Salewara region use the leaves specially matured leaves in treatment of cancer. The leaves are given internally in form of juice. The healers don't inform details about this use. I am trying to get information about this use. They use it at very critical stages and the high rate of success is motivating me to get more information on this important aspect.

The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains suggest the patients at advanced stages of cancer to use the flowers in form of curry. It is given once in a day preferably with morning meals. The healers informed that the use of flowers helps in stopping the spread of cancer to great extent. It also keeps the patients body cool.

The traditional healers of Jashpur region collect the soil near tuber zone and keep it carefully. This oil is considered beneficial for the skin cancer. The patients are advised to apply the oil on affected parts in order to get early cure. It is used at initial stages of cancer.

The traditional healers of Bagbahera region informed that early healers were using the bulbs internally in treatment of blood cancer. But at present this use is not much common. I am trying to get more information about this forgotten formulation.

The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh also use the insects feeding on Gloriosa plant parts as medicine for cancer. I have given preliminary information in previous articles. You will find the details in coming articles.

In order to enrich Gloriosa plant parts with medicinal properties the traditional healers use specific herbal extracts and leachates. I have written a lot on this Traditional Allelopathic Knowledge in my previous articles. I am not repeating it here.

Gloriosa is under cultivation in many parts of Chhattisgarh. The senior healers hesitate to use it as medicine but the traditional healers of modern generation are taking keen interest in Gloriosa of cultivated origin. This is good sign.


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