Indigenous Healing Practices: Treatments for Illness as Prescribed By Indian Bhumkas and Bhagats

During scouting and documentation in tribal pockets of Patalkot (www.patalkot.com) and Dangs in India, the author came across a few familiar but important herbal practices performed by the local healers (known as Bhumkas and Bhagats). It is worth reviewing what these health practitioners use for common ailments.

For Diarrhea: Five leaves of Sitafal, Bel fruit pulp and Amla powder one teaspoon are mixed together and given to the patient. Ten gm Mulethi powder is given in the first night.

In another practice: Healers prescribe fruits of Jangli Kacharia, Indravan root and Cheeval bark to cure dysentery or severe cases of diarrhea. Ten gm of each is taken and boiled in 500ml water for 30 minutes until it remains 100ml. This decoction is given to the patient. It is an effective medicine. Lodhra bark is also effective in diarrhea.

For Heart Diseases: According to Chhimmi lal, a Bharia Bhumka from Chimtipur, Shankar Jata is an effective herb to cure heart problems. Leaves and root of this plant crushed with Dabar leaves and given to the patient. It works as tonic and gives strength to the patient suffering from heart disease. A healer from Sidhouli village suggested juice of Antmul root and Amla fruit for heart problems.

For Typhoid fever: Decoction made from Darvi Haldi is given with Kalmegh leaf powder for 3 days. This formulation is not suggested to the children, pregnant ladies and old people as it causes severe dysentery at times. Decoction of Mehandi leaves is given by the healers of Dangs to cure this disorder.

For General Fever: Four leaves of Rakht tapi plant and 3 leaves of Kalmegh are given along with Jaggery for 2 days. It minimizes body temperature. In another practice, 2 leaves of Tejraj are given.

For Skin Disorders: Healers in Patalkot make decoction Kali Ankol root for treating skin eruption. The same decoction is prescribed for Leprosy. It claims to cure old patches/ spots on the skin.

For Jaundice: Tribals crush leaves of Bhue Amla and add sugar to it. One teaspoon extract everyday is said to cure patients suffering from Jaundice. Chirata leaf extract is supplemented at an interval of 5 days during the medication.

Excessive Menstruation: According to Mehtab Singh a Bhumka at Harra-Ka-Char village in Patalkot, equal amount of Mango bark and Jamun bark should be taken and powdered and given to the lady suffering from heavy and excessive menstruation.

Bone Healing: Plant extract obtained from Ghuria is applied on the dislocated bone; it helps to relieve the pain.

For Anaemia: Powder of Shatavari roots (2 tbsp), Ashwagandha roots (2 tbsp), Amla fruits (1 ½ tbsp), Bhui Amla leaves (1 tbsp), Surpankha leaves (1 tbsp), Mulhati roots (1 ½ tbsp), Musli roots (1 ½ tbsp) and Palak bhaji leaves (1 tbsp). This combination is given to the patient with severe anemic condition.

For diabetes: Powder of Sitaphal leaves (1 tbsp), Gudmar leaves (3 tbsp), Guduchi stem (1 ½ tbsp), Neem leaves (1 tbsp), Amla fruit (2 tbsp), Haldi (1 tbsp), and Bel fruit pulp (1 ½ tbsp). Two teaspoons twice a day is given to the patients.

For Leucorrhoea: Lodhra (3 ½ tbsp), Narbod (1 ½ tbsp), Bidari Kand (1 tbsp), Adusi (1 tbsp), and Neem (1 tbsp). This combination is boiled and one teaspoon decoction is given everyday.

For Hysteria: combination of Brahmi (3 tbsp), Ashwagandha (2 tbsp), Kali Mirchi (1tbsp), Chirchita (1 ½ tbsp) and Chitrak (1 tbsp) is given to the patient (Acharya and Shrivastava, 2008).

The above herbal formulations are mentioned for the information purposes. There has no scientific studies been carried out so far. Author suggests readers to take their family doctors advice before applying any formulation.

Reference

Acharya, D. and Shrivastava, A. 2008. Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices. Aavishkar Publishers Distributors, Jaipur. ISBN 978-81-7910-252-7.