Traditional medicinal knowledge about Deodar wood (Cedrus deodara, family : Pinaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Traditional medicinal knowledge about Deodar wood (Cedrus deodara, family : Pinaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India.
Pankaj
Oudhia
Extended
Summary
© Pankaj Oudhia
Deodar is not found in Chhattisgarh. The climate of Chhattisgarh is not suitable for its commercial plantation. According to reference literatures, Deodar is a tall, evergreen tree distributed in N-W Himalayas from Kashmir to Garhwal. The forest of Deodar occurs in Kulu, Kashmir, Chamba, Tehri - Garhwal , Almora etc. Deodar is supposed to be the strongest of the Indian conifers and the wood is chiefly used for construction work and railway sleepers. Although Deodar not occurs in Chhattisgarh, but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of its few but important medicinal properties and uses. They purchase the wood pieces of Deodar from local herb shops and also from herb vendors coming from neighboring states. It is a matter of scientific investigation that when for the first time the healers have started its use and why ? Is it more potential than the local herbs ? Is there any promising substitute of Deodar wood present in natural forests of Chhattisgarh? Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, India, I have found that very few traditional healers aware of medicinal properties of Deodar. They informed that they have gained this knowledge from their forefathers. I personally feel that it is very essential to document the traditional knowledge about Deodar in Chhattisgarh, although it is not native to the state.
The traditional healers use fine powder of Deodar wood as medicine. In treatment of high fever, to reduce the temperature, the healers use many herbs. Deodar is among these herbs. The fine powder is boiled in water to prepare the decoction. This decoction is given thrice a day. It reduces the intensity of problem very efficiently. This is a reason that it is very popular among the traditional healers. They informed that this decoction also acts as promising tonic. In treatment of Gout, the healers use the fine powder in combination with Shahad (Honey). This combination is given upto very long time but the healers are confident about it miraculous effects. The healers also add common herbs in the fine powder to make it more stronger. Many healers use it externally also. The aqueous paste is prepared by mixing the fine powder with water and applied on painful parts. The traditional healers of Mudpar village Shri Hanumat Prasad Verma, who have visited the Deodar forests of Himalya, informed that its powder must be given during pregnancy to make the new borne healthy and enough resistant against common troubles. The fine powder is used rarely in treatment of Hichki (Hiccup). In local herb shops, Deodar wood and fine powder, both are available. But the healers are aware that in powder, the chances of adulteration in it. This is the reason they purchase wood pieces.
I am feeling lucky that I am getting chance to know about the herbs found outside the state through the ethnobotanical surveys.
Thank you very much for reading the articles.
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