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Ancient Science of Life, Vol. IV, No.3 January 1985, Page 181-185

FOLK-LORE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF (BIHAR)

K.CHANDRA, B.N. PANEY and V.K.LAL

Regional Research Institute (Ay.), Agam Kuan, Patna, Bihar.

Received: March 15, 1983 Accepted: April 16, 1984

ABSTRACT: The present paper reports medicinal properties of 69 plants of Dumka forest division of of Bihar. The information is gathered from the tribals and local physicians inhabiting the forest.

Introduction 76.2 to 274.32m.a.s.l, sometimes isolated hills without thick vegetation are also The entire protected and demarcated forests noticed. The elevation in reserve forest, in of Dumka forest division stretch from general varies from 152.4 to 243.84 m.a.s.l., 23o45’ to 25o15’ north latitude and from o o some hills attain an altitude of 457.20 meters 86 55’ to 87 55’ east longitude. The tract and a few of them like Mahuwagarhi and has 662.511 square kms. Of demarcated Champapahar rises to 502.92 m.a.s.l. The forests out of total forest areas of 620.815 entire area falls in the santhal pargana of square kms. Dumka district. Major part of the The Dumka district is an upland tract with a population is of tribals (santhals and central block of hilly country extending Paharias). from north to south. Out of approximately Cultivated lands are few and scattered. 5179.98 square kms. Of this hilly block of They are mostly dependent upon the forests country the areas of government estate is for their living hood such as collection of 3511.94 square kms. With a width of about Mahuwa flowers, kendu leaves, wild grass, 48.28 kms. At the centre narrowing to the bamboos etc. north and south to about 48.28kms. at the centre narrowing to the north and south to Minerals: Economic minerals found in the about 24.14kms. this estate consists of hills, area are coal building stone, Road Metals, plateau, Valleys and ravines. All the nalas Ornamental stones, hooting lime etc. including big rivers like Gumani and kajhia originate from the central ridge draining to Climate: The area has usual three tropical pakur and Godda. The ride eventually seasons namely the hot, the rainy and the terminates at the river Bansloi. cold, the humidity being very high during the rains and very low during the hot The area is moderately unduiated and weather, typical of the Bihar Gangetic plain, forested several hills are found rising from in the hot season the temperature rises to a

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maximum of 64oc (115oF) and in the winter Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. (L.Kapu, season the temperature drops to 20oc. S.Varahikanda, O. Nijhore Nala).

Wildlife: In the past when the forests were Pounded tubers are taken internally as thick, wild animals such as tigers, bears, stomachic. leopards, deer, samar, wild boars etc. were common. Desmodium parvifolium DC. (L. Sukrisonda, P. Lada). At present the forest has started deteriorating due to overfelling, illicit cutting, fire etc. Its roots are pounded with black piper and the fauna also started disappearing due to taken internally in dysentery. destruction of habitat, indiscriminate Desmodium gangeticum DC. (L shalparni, S. shooting and customary tribal shikar. Of Saliparni, P. Masanjore). these only a few wild bears and very few leopards are found in the sheltered areas. Pills prepared from its roots and roots of Piper betal are given after 45days of De to constant association with forest delivery or after 2.4 days of menstruation to environment the tribals have occurred make a women sterile. considerable knowledge of plants and their utility especially for medicinal purposes. Eclipta alba Hassk. (L Bhangra, S. The uses of many of the medicinal plants are Bhrngaraja, P. Dangapara). restricted to their community. The fresh juice of whole plant is taken Purpose of the present paper is to record this internally to cure haematuria. information for further investigation by the Ficus religiosa Linn. (L. Pipal, S. Asvattha plant chemists and pharmacologists. Present P. Susni). paper deals with the detailed information collected on folk-lore claims of the plants After application of coconut oil the powder available in the district Dumka of Bihar. of bark is applied over severe burns of the Latin name of the plant, local name and body. Sanskrit name alongwith its uses and process of preparation and administration Gardenia turgid Roxb. (L.Karhutta, P.Susni) and place of collection of the claim are Pounded roots are taken internally for given here. bodyache and general inflammation of the Cassia Occidentalis L. (L. Kadhari, S,. body. Kasamarda, P. Masanjore) Acacia farnesiana willd. (L. Gabur P. A paste of whole plant is applied over teeth ) and gums in the case of toothache and Powdered bark is spread near the house to swelling of gums. ward off snakes.

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Albizzia procera Benth. (L.Shirish, S.Sirisa, Andragraphis paniculata Nees. (L. P. Saldaha). Chisayta, S Kalamegha, P. Masanjore).

Decoction of the bark is used to gargle for Whole plant is powdered and taken toothache. internally as stomachic blood purifier and liver corrective. Amorphophyllus companulatus Blume. Asparagus racemosus willd. (L. Kalmula, S. (L. Bansuran, S. Surana, P.Champapahar). Satavari, P. Kathikund).

Pounded tubers in small quantity is given to Its roots, piper nigrum and the roots of women after delivery to remove coagulated Zizyphussps are pounded together and taken blood from uterus. internally to cure haematuria.

Antidesma ghaesamvilla Gaertn. Aegle marmelos correa. (L. Sinjo, S. Bilva, (L.Amtuasag, p. Narganj). P, Kathikund).

Pounded leaves are given to bulls in case of Hot fomentation of the leaves of Aegle intestinal disorders. marmelos and ocimum sanctum, Nerium Costus speciosus Smith. (S.Kemuka, indicum and salt (boiled in water) is taken to P.Silingi). cure sprains.

The paste of the rhizomes is applied Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (L. Nim S. externally and also taken internally in the Nimba, P. Godda). case of headache. Its leaves and heated alum are powdered and Celastrus paniculatus willd. (L. Gujari, S. pills prepared from it are given for in Jyotismati, P. Narganj). malaria.

Fruits are pounded and given internally to Abrus precatorious Linn. (L. Kanwe, S. newly born calf of buffaloes to prevent it Gunja, p. Masanjare). Whole plant is from getting infected with intestinal worms. powdered and applied externally in muscle pulling and paralysis. Cissampelos pareira Linn. (L. Tejumala, S. Patha, P. Mahuwagarh). Achyranthes aspera Linn. (L. Chirchira, S. Apamarga, P. Masanjore). Pounded roots is taken internally in the case of diarrhoea and dysentery. Its seeds are powdered and taken internally for piles. Aristolochia indica Linn. (L. Godh, S. Isvarimula, P. Digal Phar). Hemidesmus indicus Br. (L. Dudhilata, S. Anantmula, P. Masanjore). Roots kept in house is said to ward off snakes. A paste of its roots is applied Whole plant is pounded and taken internally externally for snake bite. an also applied over head for headache. Page 181-185

Helecteris isora Linn. ( Marodphali, P. relieve burning sensation of the body of Masanjore). women (after delivery).

Fruits are kept in custard oil and the oil is Ocimum sps. (L. Virtulsi, P Masanjore). applied over stomach in the case of intestinal spasm o children. Pounded whole plant is taken internally to relieve burning sensation of the body of Moringa oleifera Lamk.(L. Saijana, S. women (after deliver). Sahiujana, P. Digal Pahari). Ricinus communis Linn. (L. Arandi, S. Pounded bark is spread near house to ward Eranda, P. Kunjabana). off snakes. Pounded roots are taken internally and stem Mimosa pudica Linn. (L Jhaphi, S. Lajjalu, bark is tied over neck to check vomiting P. Masanjore). Salmalia malabarica schott and Endl. Pounded roots are applied over head and (LSemar, S.Salmali, P. Nijhore Nala). taken internally in the case of malaria. Pounded root is taken internally to cure haemeturia. Martynia diandra Glox. (L Kaknasa, P. Kathikund). Piper betel Linn. (L. Pan, S. Pan). Roots of piper betel, roots of Borassus flabellifer and Mustard oil heated with its fruits is applied saccharum (Jharughas) are pounded and externally to heal up wounds. pills (about 1gn. Each). Prepared from it are Madhuka indica J.F.Gmel. (L Mahawa, S. given internally after menstruation for three Madhuka P. Saldaha). menstrual cycles to make women sterile.

Its bark and barks of Eugenia jambolina, Soymida febrifuga A. Juss (L Rakat Rohan, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Butea superb, S. Rakta Rohini, P. Khairbani). shorea robusta and roots of smilax prolifera A fomentation of decoction of bark cures pounded with l=black peper (Piper nigrum) sprain. is given to women to remove coagulated blood from uterus (after elivery). Semicarpus anacardium Linn. (L Bhilawa, S Bhallataka, P.Kathikund). Nerium indicum Mill (L. Kaner, S. Karavira P. Masanjore). Its fruits are warmed and applied over injuries to check bleeding; Its flowers and flower of Gulabchin (Plumeria acutifolia) are pounded and taken Solanum Xanthocarpum Schrad and wendl internally to relieve burning sensation of the (L rangaini janum, s kantakari P. Amrapara). body of women (After delivery). Its roots are fried and taken internally to Ocimum sps. (L. Virtulsi, P. Masanjore). cure cough. Pounded whole plant is taken internally to Page 181-185

Trichosanthes palmate Roxb. (L Desmodium parvifolium DC. Kenmohkab, S. Indrayana, P. Masanjore). (LShukrisondha, P. Masanjore)

Pounded roots are given internally. Also the Tender leaves are pounded and applied roots are tied around neck in the case of externally to cure fistula. allergic reactions due to fish poisoning. Adhatoda vasica Nees. (L. Basak, S. Terminalia tomentosa W.& A. (L. Asan, Vasaka, P. Kunjabana). S.Asana, P. Masanjore). Pounded leaves are taken internally as It s bark, stem and leaves are pounded and stomachic. applied externally in the case of inflammations and fracture. Calotropis procera Br. (L. Akvan, S.Arka, P. Kunjabana). Uraria hamosa wall. (L. Mahadev jata, P. Kathikund). Warmed leaves are tied over injuries for quick healing. Whole plant is pounded and missed with water filtered and filtrate is applied over Vanda roxburghii Br. (L. Banda, S. Rasna, eyes of bulls to improve eye-sight. P. Digal pahari).

Thespsia lampas Dalz & Gibs (L.Bankapas, Pounded roots of the plant growing on dead S. Vanakarpasa, P. Masanjore). tree is mixed with mustard oil and applied externally in paralysis. Roots or fruits or flower buds are pounded and taken internally in the case of muscle Mucuna prurita Hook. (L. Alkuji, S. pulling. Kapikacchu, P. Digal Pahari)

Corchorus astuens (L. Tuymarich) Grounded roots tied over fracture is said to fused it quickly. Its roots pounded with clove or black peper is taken internally in the case of general Smilax prolifera Roxb. (L. Atkir, P. Digal inflammation of the body of women (after Pahari). delivery). Pounded roots are given internally in Vernonia Roxburghii Less. (L. Saurai). haematuria and painful urination.

The seeds are fried and taken internally in Somyda febrifuga A Juss. (L. Roktarohan S. the case of indigestion and vomiting Rohini, P. Digal Pahari).

Alstonia scholaris Brown. (L. Chhitvan, S. Pounded bark is applied as paste in Sapta parna, P. Kathikund). Its stems are bodyache and inflammation. pounded and tied over fractured bone. The Hedychium sps. (L.Sirsamaro, P. bone is said to be fixed very quickly. Kathikund).

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Pounded rhizome is given to pregnant Juice of the leaves is applied externally over woman as tonic. injuries to check bleeding.

Terminalia Chebula Retz. (L. Hare, Urginia indica kunth. (L. Kukuri, S. Vana S.Haritaki, P. Kathikund). Palandu, P. Digal Pahari).

Fruits are used as stomachic. Bulbs are pounded, warmed and applied externally for paralysis. Randia dumetorum Lamk. (L. Lato. S. Madanaphala, P. Kathikund). Clitoria ternatea Linn. (L.&S. Aparajita, P. Surma). Fruits are used as fish poison. Pounded roots are taken internally along Lygodium flexuosum Sw (L. Lato. S. with sugar in leucorrhoea and haematuria. Madanaphala, P. Kathikund). Crinum asiaticum Linn. (L. Hathiakanda, P. Fruits are used as fish poison. Hiranpur).

Lygodium flexuosum Sw. (L.Durga jhap, P. Pounded tubes are taken internally along Shikaripara). with sugar for leucorrhoea and haematuria.

Pounded whole plant over fracture is said to Smilax macrophylla Roxb. (L. Atkir, P be fused it quickly. Hiranpur).

Odina wodier Roxb. (L. Dhoka, P. Digal The roots are pounded along with carum Pahari). carvi black pepper and ajmoda and taken Paste of the bark is applied over injuries to internally in haematuria. check bleeding and quick healing. Piper longum Linn. (L. Ranuran, S. Pippali, Terminalia belerica Roxb. (L.Lapang, S. P. Hiranpur). Vibhitaki, P. Digal Pahari). Its roots along with seeds of Mallotus Its fruits and those of T. Chebula are philippinensis are fried in ghee and given , pounded together and taken internally for in small doses to children having intestinal diarrhoea and dysentery. spasms.

Marsdenia tenacissima W.& A. (L. konga, Vitex negundo Linn (L. Sindhur, S. S. Murva, P. Digal Pahari). Nirgundi, P. Hiranpur).

Pounded fruits are taken internally for It s leaves are pounded along with garlic and irregular menstrual cycle. applied externally in headache.

Jatropha gossipifolia Linn. (L. Bhegda, P. Pentapetes phoenicea Linn. (L. Baribaha, P. Digal Pahari). Hiranpur).

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Its flowers alongwith those of kamal and Abbreviations kumudini are pounded together and given to females having general weakness after L-Local name menstrual cycle. S-Sanskrit name

Trewia nudiflora Linn. (L Panigambhar, P. P-Place of collection Hiranpur). REFERENCES Pounded bark is taken internally in snake bite. 1. Haines, H.H.. Botany of Bihar and Orissa, Vols. I-III, Botanical Survey Randia uliginosa DC. (L. Perara, P. Sunder of , Calcutta, rept. 1961. pahari). 2. Sharma, P.V. Dravyagunavijnana, Fruits cooked in fire are taken internally in Part I-II, Chowkhamba, Varanasi, diarrhoea. 1956.

Vitex peduncularis Wall. (L. Simjamgha, P. Acknowledgements Sunder pahari). The authors are thankful to the director, The decoction of leaves in water is taken CCRAS, New Delhi and the Assistant internally in black-water fever. Director In- Charge Regional Research Institute (Ay.) Patna for necessary facilities. Viscum articulatum Burm. (L. Banda, P. ).

About 10 gms. Of its dried leaves are given to filarial patients for 21 days alongwith black pepper in such a way that on first day it is 21 seeds and last day only one seed. It has been claimed to cure very old cases of filarial and elephantiasis.

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