Differences in selection of medicinal plants between folk and tribal medicine: a case study of a Santal tribal and a non-Santal folk medicinal practitioner in two adjoining districts of Bangladesh.
IntroductionThe Santals are one of the largest indigenous communities or tribes and inhabit various districts of northwestern Bangladesh. They can also be found in the various districts of India adjoining the north-western districts of Bangladesh. They are considered to be the earliest settlers of the land, living in their present habitat for possibly thousands of years. They are also credited with clearing the original forests and making the land suitable for habitat and cultivation. The Santal community has various sects or clans. While some communities live in their own exclusive villages, other communities live within villages of the mainstream Bengali-speaking population. Even though there is quite a lot of intermixing between the Santal and the mainstream Bengali-speaking community, the Santals still retain quite extensively their own traditions and culture including treatment with their own traditional or tribal medicinal practitioners. These practitioners are called by the Santals 'Ojhas'. The word 'Ojha' is also present in the Bengali language but in this language it is referred to the group of people who treat snake bites through a mixture of medicinal plants, incantations, and sucking out of poisoned blood.
Bangladesh has a number of traditional medicinal systems, of which the majority of practitioners belong to the folk medicinal system. These practitioners are known as Kavirajes. Medicinal plants form the main ingredient in the formulations of Kavirajes used for treatment of a diverse variety of ailments. Santal tribal practitioners also use medicinal plants as their main ingredient in their traditional medicinal formulations. We had been conducting ethnomedicinal surveys among Kavirajes of different districts of Bangladesh as well as various tribes of Bangladesh over a number of years (Nawaz et al., 2009; Rahmatullah et al., 2009a-c; Chowdhury et al., 2010; Hasan et al., 2010; Hossan et al., 2010; Mollik et al., 2010a,b; Rahmatullah et al., 2010a-g; Akber et al., 2011; Biswas et al., 2011a-c; Haque et al., 2011; Islam et al., 2011; Jahan et al., 2011; Rahmatullah et al., 2011a,b; Sarker et al., 2011; Shaheen et al., 2011; Das et al., 2012; Rahmatullah et al., 2012a-d). Since the Santals and the mainstream population has co-existed side by side over centuries, it was of interest to determine whether the medicinal practices, particularly the medicinal plants used by the two groups of practitioners, namely the Ojhas and the Kavirajes have influenced each other, or still remain as separate entities. This documentation is important for not only it can lead to a more comprehensive knowledge of the medicinal plants of Bangladesh, but also can lead to knowledge of how folk and tribal medicine has evolved over the centuries. Notably, such close observations of indigenous practices have led to the discovery of a number of important allopathic medicines (Balick and Cox, 1996; Cotton, 1996; Gilani and Rahman, 2005). Traditional medicines, in recent years, have made a come-back and are proving their usefulness in the treatment of newly emergent diseases and diseases, which have developed drug-resistant vectors against the allopathic medicines used to treat them.
Materials and Methods
The present study area comprised of two villages. Dabidubi village was in Dinajpur district, while Goreya Bazaar village was located in Thakurgaon district. Although falling in separate districts, the two villages were adjacent to each other. The population of Dabidubi village was around 1400 of which the majority comprised of the Santal people, the rest being mainstream Bengali-speaking population. Goreya Bazaar population was around 3500 of which the majority comprised of the mainstream Bengali-speaking population and the rest being Santals. Dabidubi village had a Santal tribal practitioner, named Shitaram Soren of age 52 years. Goreya Bazaar village had a practicing Kaviraj belonging to the mainstream folk medicinal practitioners and aged more than 80 years. Both practitioners were males.
Informed consent was first obtained from both practitioners, who were apprised of the nature of our visit and consent obtained to disseminate any information provided in both national and international publications. The Santal practitioner could speak Bengali fluently. Actual interviews were conducted in the Bengali language with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method of Martin (1995) and Maundu (1995). In this method, the practitioners took the interviewers on guided field-walks through areas from where they collected their medicinal plants, pointed out the plants, and described their uses. Plant specimens as pointed out were photographed and collected on the spot, dried, and brought back to Dhaka for complete identification at the Bangladesh National Herbarium.
Results and Discussion
Altogether 76 formulations were obtained from the two healers, the Santal healer providing 44 formulations and the mainstream folk healer providing 32 formulations. Both healers used medicinal plants as the chief ingredient in their formulations. The Santal healer used a total of 50 plant species in his formulations, while the non-Santal healer used a total of 44 plant species in his formulations. The results are shown in Table 1. The plant species used by the Santal healer were distributed into 27 families. However, two more plant species and their families could not be identified, and may be new to science. The plant species used by the non-Santal healer were distributed into 36 families. Thus although the non-Santal healer used much lesser number of formulations and lesser number of plant species in his formulations for treatment, the plant species used by him were more diverse and belonged to more families. The results are shown in Table 2.
Both Santal and non-Santal healer was observed to use medicinal plants in multiple ways for treatment. A single plant species or a single plant part could be used for treatment of one or multiple diseases. For instance, the non-Santal healer used the leaves of Adhatoda vasica for treatment of both body ache as well as coughs. The Santal healer used the root of Typhonium roxburghii to treat bone fracture, and whole plants of Scindapsus officinalis to treat impotency and stomach ache. Occasionally, different plant parts from the same plant were used for treatment of different ailments. To give one example, the leaves of Amaranthus spinosus was used by the non-Santal healer to treat edema, fever, diarrhea, and menorrhagia; the seeds of the same plant was used to treat bone fracture, while roots of the plant were used to treat meho, which in folk medicine is indicated as urinary problem arising from endocrinological disorder. Similarly, the Santal healer used the leaves of Crinum latifolium to treat fever and jaundice, but used the fruits of the same plant to treat dyspepsia. These multiple uses indicate that both the Santal and the non-Santal healer possessed quite extensive knowledge on the medicinal properties of various parts of any given plant.
Both the Santal and the non-Santal healer were observed to occasionally use a combination of plants for treatment. To cite one instance of each, the non-Santal healer used a combination of seeds of Mangifera indica and seeds of Syzygium cumini to treat diabetes. To stop hair fall, the Santal healer used the fruits of Areca catechu boiled in water to wash hair followed by application of a mixture of sulfur, juice from leaves of Coccinia grandis and juice from bulb of Allium cepa to hair. Incidentally, the use of sulfur was the only instance of use of an inorganic substance by both healers. A plant part used frequently by the Santal and the non-Santal healer in combination formulations was the use of seeds of Nigella sativa. The seeds of this plant were used by the Santal healer in combination with leaves of Justicia gendarussa to treat rheumatism and feverishness, with leaves or fruits of Phyllanthus reticulatus to treat any recurrent chronic disease, and with leaves or bark of Litsea glutinosa to treat diabetes. The non-Santal healer also used the seeds of this plant; in combination with Allium sativum bulb, the seeds were used to treat post-natal uterus pain, and body pain; while in combination with leaves of Polygonum hydropiper, the seeds were used for treatment of diarrhea, edema, and menorrhagia. The fruits of Piper nigrum were also used in a number of combination formulations by the Santal healer. In combination with leaves and fruits of Heliotropium indicum, the fruits were used to treat snake bite; in combination with leaves of Momordica charantia, the fruits of Piper nigrum were used to treat malaria; in combination with leaves and fruits of Antidesma ghasembilla, the fruits were used to treat tonsillitis; in combination with roots of Ficus racemosa, the fruits were used to treat flatulence; in combination with roots of Pteris vittata, the fruits were used to treat dysentery, and in combination with whole plants of Scoparia dulcis, the fruits were used to treat excessive dysentery. By comparison, the fruits of Piper nigrum were used only in one combination formulation by the non-Santal healer; in combination with bark of Abroma augusta, the fruits were used to treat menstrual problems.
A total of four plants were used in common by both the Santal and the non-Santal healer. These four plants were Aegle marmelos, Piper nigrum, Nigella sativa, and Syzygium cumini. The results are shown in Table 2. However, apart from Aegle marmelos, which was used by both healers as a stomachic and for treatment of dysentery (even then the formulations were different) the other three common plants were used in totally different formulations for treatment of different diseases. The differential uses of Nigella sativa and Piper nigrum by the two healers have been discussed above with respect to differences in formulations and differences in diseases treated. Syzygium cumini was used by the non-Santal healer for treatment of diabetes, dysentery, and stomach ache, and as a stomachic, but used by the Santal healer to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds, and to stop vomiting.
Several ailments were treated in common by both the Santal and the non-Santal healer. These ailments included body ache, head ache, itch, eczema, fever, edema, bone fracture, meho, dysentery, stomach ache, stomachic, piles, diabetes, cuts and wounds (to stop bleeding), skin disease, pimples, hepatic disorders, jaundice, vomiting, and gonorrhea. The results are shown in Table 3. Although the ailments treated were common, and despite the adjacent nature of the villages in which the healers resided and the similar type of floral species available in both villages, surprisingly the plant species and formulations used for treatment of the aforementioned diseases were totally different between the two healers. For instance, gonorrhea was treated with Ficus hispida by the Santal healer but with Tinospora cordifolia by the non-Santal healer. Jaundice was treated with Anthocephalus chinensis by the Santal healer but with Coccinia grandis by the non-Santal healer. Even when the same plant was used for treatment of a common ailment, the formulations differed between the two healers. Dysentery was treated with Aegle marmelos alone by the Santal healer, but with a combination of [Aegle marmelos + Syzygium cumini + Azadirachta indica] by the non-Santal healer. The Santal healer used Aegle marmelos alone as a stomachic, but the non-Santal healer used a combination of [Phyllanthus emblica + Moringa oleifera + Syzygium cumini + Aegle marmelos + Cynodon dactylon] as a stomachic. Overall, the results point to total dissimilarities in the plant species and formulations used by the two healers for treatment of diseases despite their practicing in villages in close proximity to each other.
The results obtained in the present study suggests that despite hundreds of years, if not thousands of years of side by side existence of mainstream folk medicine and Santal tribal medicine in the country, the two different practices have not influenced each other to any great extent. In fact, the present study shows that the two practices are quite distinct from one another. The Santal tribal practitioners according to historical records were the first to reside in their present residences along with their Santal communities. They were followed by mainstream Bengali-speaking settlers with their folk medicinal system administered by Kavirajes. The Bengali-speaking settlers, according to historical records have settled in these originally Santal areas for over a thousand years and have since then been in close proximity with the Santal community. However, the medicinal systems of the two communities have been and are presently still distinct from each other despite the use of medicinal plants as the major ingredient in the formulations of healers of both communities. The study results strongly support that to obtain a comprehensive view of the medicinal plants of Bangladesh, various tribal healers as well as Kavirajes need to be interviewed to obtain a clear picture of the medicinal plants and formulations used by various healers. Such information can enrich traditional medicinal literature by providing us information on the different ways that a medicinal plant species is used by different communities and can provide scientists with valuable information about all possible medical uses that can be obtained from a given plant species.
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Abdur Rahman, Jahirul Islam, Sharmin Jahan, Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Fatema Rehana, Wahid Mozammel Haq, Fariste Mawla, Shiblur Rahman, Shahnaz Rahman, Kallol Debnath, Mohammed Rahmatullah
Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Development Alternative, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh.
Corresponding Author: Professor Dr. Mohammed Rahmatullah, Pro-Vice Chancellor University of Development Alternative House No. 78, Road No. 11A (new) Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-01715032621 Fax: 88-02-8157339 E mail: rahamatm@hotmail.com
Table 1: Medicinal plants and formulations used by a Santal
tribal and a non-Santal folk medicinal practitioner in two
villages of Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts, Bangladesh.
Serial Scientific name Family
no
1 Adhatoda vasica L. Acanthaceae
2 Justicia gendarussa Acanthaceae
(Burm.f)
3 Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae
L.
4 Crinum latifolium L. Amaryllidaceae
5 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae
6 Holarrhena Apocynaceae
antidysenterica (Roxb.)
7 Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae
L.
8 Ervatamia divaricata Apocynaceae
(L.) Burkill
9 Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae
10 Colocasia esculenta Araceae
(L.) Schott
11 Scindapsus officinalis Araceae
(Roxb.) Schott
12 Typhonium Araceae
roxburghii (Schott.)
13 Areca catechu L. Arecaceae
14 Calotropis procera Ait.f. Asclepiadaceae
15 Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. Asclepiadaceae
16 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae
17 Eupatorium odoratum L. Asteraceae
18 Mikania cordata Asteraceae
(Burm.f.) Robinson
19 Tagetes erecta L. Asteraceae
20 Aiternanthera Asteraceae
philoxeroides Lour.
21 Basella alba L. Basellaceae
22 Heliotropium indicum Boraginaceae
L.
23 Cleome viscosum L. Capparaceae
24 Quisqualis indica L. Combretaceae
25 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Convolvulaceae
26 Kalanchoe pinnata Crassulaceae
(Lam.) Pers.
27 Coccinia grandis (L.) Cucurbitaceae
J. Voigt
28 Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae
L.
29 Trichosanthes kirilowii Cucurbitaceae
Maxim.
30 Cuscuta reflexa Cuscutaceae
Roxb.
31 Diospyros peregrina Ebenaceae
(Gaertn.) Gurke
32 Phyllanthus Euphorbiaceae
reticulatus Poir.
33 Codiaeum Euphorbiaceae
variegatum (L.)
A.Juss.
34 Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae
35 Antidesma Euphorbiaceae
ghaesembilla Gaertn.
36 Phyllanthus emblica Euphorbiaceae
L.
37 Crotalaria pallida Fabaceae
Ait.
38 Cassia fistula L. Fabaceae
39 Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Fabaceae
40 Ocimum americanum Lamiaceae
L.
41 Leucas aspera Lamiaceae
(Willd.)
42 Litsea glutinosa Lauraceae
(Lour.)
43 Allium sativum L. Liliaceae
44 Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae
Willd.
45 Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae
46 Hibiscus rosa- Malvaceae
sinensis L.
47 Urena lobata L. Malvaceae
48 Azadirachta indica A. Meliaceae
Juss.
49 Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae
(Thunb.)
50 Artocarpus lakoocha Moraceae
Roxb.
51 Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae
52 Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae
53 Moringa oleifera Moringaceae
Lam.
54 Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae
55 Syzygium cumini (L.) Myrtaceae
Skeels
56 Argemone mexicana Papaveraceae
L.
57 Cynodon dactylon Poaceae
(L.) Pers.
58 Polygonum Polygonaceae
hydropiper (L.)
Delabre
59 Pteris vittata L. Pteridaceae
60 Rosa damascena L. Rosaceae
61 Anthocephalus Rubiaceae
chinensis (Lam.) A.
Rich. ex Walp.
62 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Rutaceae
63 Citrus aurantiifolia Rutaceae
(Christm.) Swingle
64 Citrus grandis (L.) Rutaceae
Osbeck
65 Glycosmis pentaphylla Rutaceae
(Retz.) Corr.
66 Murraya paniculata Rutaceae
(L.) Jack
67 Litchi chinensis L. Sapindaceae
68 Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae
69 Datura metel L. Solanaceae
70 Solanum torvum Allioni Solanaceae
71 Abroma augusta L.f. Sterculiaceae
72 Centella asiatica (L.) Umbelliferae
Urb.
73 Clerodendrum Verbenaceae
viscosum Vent.
74 Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae
Roscoe.
75 Unidentified Unidentified
76 Unidentified Unidentified
Serial Scientific name Local name
no
1 Adhatoda vasica L. Harbaksha
2 Justicia gendarussa Kalo megh (S)
(Burm.f)
3 Amaranthus spinosus Kata khura
L.
4 Crinum latifolium L. Bon-piaz (S)
5 Mangifera indica L. Aam
6 Holarrhena Endrojal, Hat
antidysenterica (Roxb.) (S)
7 Catharanthus roseus Nayontara
L.
8 Ervatamia divaricata Togor (S)
(L.) Burkill
9 Carissa carandas L. Karamcha
10 Colocasia esculenta Kachu
(L.) Schott
11 Scindapsus officinalis Bon-kala (S)
(Roxb.) Schott
12 Typhonium Nirbish (S)
roxburghii (Schott.)
13 Areca catechu L. Supari, Goa
14 Calotropis procera Ait.f. Dud Akondo
15 Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. Safin (S)
16 Ageratum conyzoides L. Gondhani gach (S)
17 Eupatorium odoratum L. Bagh-jhar (S)
18 Mikania cordata Jeor, Pakistani
(Burm.f.) Robinson lota (S)
19 Tagetes erecta L. Gandha
20 Aiternanthera Helencha
philoxeroides Lour.
21 Basella alba L. Pui shak
22 Heliotropium indicum Hati-soor (S)
L.
23 Cleome viscosum L. Hur-hura (S)
24 Quisqualis indica L. Karai (S)
25 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Bon kolmi
26 Kalanchoe pinnata Pathorkuchi
(Lam.) Pers.
27 Coccinia grandis (L.) Telakucha
J. Voigt
28 Momordica charantia Korolla (S)
L.
29 Trichosanthes kirilowii Mohakal (S)
Maxim.
30 Cuscuta reflexa Shorno lota,
Roxb. alok lota (S)
31 Diospyros peregrina Deshi Gab
(Gaertn.) Gurke
32 Phyllanthus Simiter gach
reticulatus Poir. (S)
33 Codiaeum Patabahar (S)
variegatum (L.)
A.Juss.
34 Jatropha curcas L. Venda(S)
35 Antidesma Mattas-sure (S)
ghaesembilla Gaertn.
36 Phyllanthus emblica Amloki
L.
37 Crotalaria pallida Bon sekenda
Ait. (S)
38 Cassia fistula L. Sonalu (S)
39 Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Deshi sekenda
(S)
40 Ocimum americanum Bon tulshi (S)
L.
41 Leucas aspera Dulki, Durak
(Willd.) (S)
42 Litsea glutinosa Khagor (S)
(Lour.)
43 Allium sativum L. Rosun
44 Asparagus racemosus Satomul (S)
Willd.
45 Lawsonia inermis L. Mehedi
46 Hibiscus rosa- Joba (S)
sinensis L.
47 Urena lobata L. Bonfora (S)
48 Azadirachta indica A. Neem
Juss.
49 Tinospora cordifolia Guloncho
(Thunb.)
50 Artocarpus lakoocha Deua (S)
Roxb.
51 Ficus hispida L.f. Dumur (S)
52 Ficus racemosa L. Khoksha (S)
53 Moringa oleifera Sojne
Lam.
54 Psidium guajava L. Peyara
55 Syzygium cumini (L.) Jaam (S)
Skeels
56 Argemone mexicana Atkuta
L.
57 Cynodon dactylon Durba-ghash
(L.) Pers.
58 Polygonum Biskutuli
hydropiper (L.)
Delabre
59 Pteris vittata L. Bis Dakia (S)
60 Rosa damascena L. Golap
61 Anthocephalus Kodom gach
chinensis (Lam.) A. (S)
Rich. ex Walp.
62 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Bel (S)
63 Citrus aurantiifolia Lebu(S)
(Christm.) Swingle
64 Citrus grandis (L.) Jaambura
Osbeck
65 Glycosmis pentaphylla Meromet (S)
(Retz.) Corr.
66 Murraya paniculata Sandha roni (S)
(L.) Jack
67 Litchi chinensis L. Lichu
68 Scoparia dulcis L. Chini-ssar (S)
69 Datura metel L. Dhutura
70 Solanum torvum Allioni Tit-begun
71 Abroma augusta L.f. Ulkombol
72 Centella asiatica (L.) Thankuni
Urb.
73 Clerodendrum Bait, Vati (S)
viscosum Vent.
74 Zingiber officinale Bon ada (S)
Roscoe.
75 Unidentified Bir-morich (S)
76 Unidentified Ledu gach (S)
Serial Scientific name Utilized
no part
1 Adhatoda vasica L. Leaf
2 Justicia gendarussa Leaf,
(Burm.f) root
3 Amaranthus spinosus Seed,
L. leaf,
flower
4 Crinum latifolium L. Leaf,
fruits
5 Mangifera indica L. Leaf
6 Holarrhena Bark,
antidysenterica (Roxb.) root, fruits
7 Catharanthus roseus Leaf,
L. root
8 Ervatamia divaricata Flower,
(L.) Burkill root
9 Carissa carandas L. Fruits,
leaf, root
10 Colocasia esculenta Whole
(L.) Schott plant
11 Scindapsus officinalis Whole
(Roxb.) Schott plant
12 Typhonium Root
roxburghii (Schott.)
13 Areca catechu L. Fruits
14 Calotropis procera Ait.f. Leaf, fruits
15 Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. Whole plant
16 Ageratum conyzoides L. Fruits
17 Eupatorium odoratum L. Leaf
18 Mikania cordata Leaf
(Burm.f.) Robinson
19 Tagetes erecta L. Leaf
20 Aiternanthera Leaf
philoxeroides Lour.
21 Basella alba L. Whole
plant,
seed
22 Heliotropium indicum Whole
L. plant,
leaf, fruit
23 Cleome viscosum L. Leaf,
seed
24 Quisqualis indica L. Root
25 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Leaf
26 Kalanchoe pinnata Whole
(Lam.) Pers. plant,
leaf
27 Coccinia grandis (L.) Leaf,
J. Voigt root
28 Momordica charantia Leaf,
L. fruit
29 Trichosanthes kirilowii Flower, root
Maxim.
30 Cuscuta reflexa Stem
Roxb.
31 Diospyros peregrina Leaf,
(Gaertn.) Gurke bark,
fruits,
skin of
fruits
32 Phyllanthus Fruits,
reticulatus Poir. leaf
33 Codiaeum Leaf
variegatum (L.)
A.Juss.
34 Jatropha curcas L. Fruits
35 Antidesma Fruits,
ghaesembilla Gaertn. leaf
36 Phyllanthus emblica Fruits
L.
37 Crotalaria pallida Seed
Ait.
38 Cassia fistula L. Leaf,
fruits, bark
39 Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Leaf
40 Ocimum americanum Leaf
L.
41 Leucas aspera Leaf
(Willd.)
42 Litsea glutinosa Bark,
(Lour.) leaf
43 Allium sativum L. Bulb
44 Asparagus racemosus Root
Willd.
45 Lawsonia inermis L. Leaf
46 Hibiscus rosa- Flower,
sinensis L. leaf
47 Urena lobata L. Fruits
48 Azadirachta indica A. Leaf
Juss.
49 Tinospora cordifolia Whole plant
(Thunb.)
50 Artocarpus lakoocha Fruits,
Roxb. bark
51 Ficus hispida L.f. Fruit
52 Ficus racemosa L. Root
53 Moringa oleifera Leaf,
Lam. seed
54 Psidium guajava L. Bark,
leaf
55 Syzygium cumini (L.) Leaf
Skeels
56 Argemone mexicana Root,
L. leaf
57 Cynodon dactylon Leaf
(L.) Pers.
58 Polygonum Leaf
hydropiper (L.)
Delabre
59 Pteris vittata L. Root
60 Rosa damascena L. Flower
61 Anthocephalus Leaf,
chinensis (Lam.) A. bark
Rich. ex Walp.
62 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Leaf, fruits
63 Citrus aurantiifolia Fruit
(Christm.) Swingle
64 Citrus grandis (L.) Leaf, fruits,
Osbeck flower,
skin of
fruit
65 Glycosmis pentaphylla Fruits
(Retz.) Corr.
66 Murraya paniculata Leaf
(L.) Jack
67 Litchi chinensis L. Fruits,
seed,
root,
flower
68 Scoparia dulcis L. Whole plant
69 Datura metel L. Leaf
70 Solanum torvum Allioni Fruit, leaf
71 Abroma augusta L.f. Stem, bark
72 Centella asiatica (L.) Leaf,
Urb. stem
73 Clerodendrum Leaf,
viscosum Vent. root
74 Zingiber officinale Root
Roscoe.
75 Unidentified Leaf
76 Unidentified Root
Serial Scientific name Ailment/Uses
no
1 Adhatoda vasica L. Body ache, cough. Leaves are
boiled in 1000ml water and
strained when the volume
reaches 500ml. 1 glass of the
resultant decoction is
administered orally for
adults and H glass for
children along with 1-2 tea
spoon crystalline sugar
(mishri) twice daily on an
empty stomach.
2 Justicia gendarussa Itch. Juice from roots is
(Burm.f) applied to the affected areas
of body parts. Rheumatism,
feverishness. Juice from
leaves is mixed with seeds of
Nigella sativa L.
(Ranunculaceae) and rhizomes
of Zingiber officinale Roscoe
(Zingiberaceae) and taken.
3 Amaranthus spinosus Diuretic, fever, diarrhea,
L. menorrhagia. Juice from
leaves is taken regularly.
Bone fracture. Crushed seeds
are applied to the fractured
bone. Meho (urinary problem
arising from endocrinological
disorder). Juice obtained
from macerated roots is taken
on an empty stomach
regularly.
4 Crinum latifolium L. Fever, jaundice. Juice
obtained from macerated
leaves is taken. Dyspepsia.
4-10 drops of juice from
fruits is taken until cure.
5 Mangifera indica L. Dysentery. Juice obtained
from macerated leaves is
warmed and taken regularly.
Diabetes. One tea spoon of
powder from seeds of
Mangifera indica and Syzygium
cumini (L.) Skeels
(Myrtaceae) is taken on empty
stomach regularly.
6 Holarrhena Kala azar (tropical fever of
antidysenterica (Roxb.) the deadly type). Juice from
bark/roots/fruits is taken.
7 Catharanthus roseus Diabetes. Juice from leaves
L. is taken every morning on an
empty stomach. Helminthiasis.
Juice from roots is taken.
8 Ervatamia divaricata Eye problem. Juice from
(L.) Burkill flower is applied to eye.
Rheumatism. Juice obtained
from macerated root is mixed
with Zingiber officinale
juice and is taken orally.
9 Carissa carandas L. Bleeding. Juice from green
fruits is applied to cuts and
wounds to stop bleeding.
Chronic fever. Leaves are
boiled in water and decoction
is taken regularly.
Helminthiasis. Juice from
roots is taken.
10 Colocasia esculenta Rheumatism, Debility. Whole
(L.) Schott plant of Colocasia esculenta
is mixed with bulb of Allium
sativum L. (Liliaceae), and
bark of Cinnamomum verum J.
Presl. (Lauraceae) (5:2:1
ratio) and cooked with other
spices like turmeric and
ginger. After one hour, the
water is strained and
reserved in a bottle. Then it
is taken thrice daily for 5
days.
11 Scindapsus officinalis Impotency, Stomachic. One cup
(Roxb.) Schott of juice obtained from
macerated whole plants with
one spoon of crystalline
sugar (mishri) is taken.
12 Typhonium Bone fracture. Juice from
roxburghii (Schott.) roots is applied to
fractures.
13 Areca catechu L. Stop hair fall. 100g of Areca
catechu fruits is boiled in
1000g water. Then hair is
washed with this water. Then
10-12g sulfur powder, 20-24g
juice from leaves of Coccinia
grandis (L.) J. Voigt
(Cucurbitaceae) and 8-10 gm
juice obtained from bulb of
Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae)
are mixed and applied to hair
twice daily.
14 Calotropis procera Ait.f. Body ache. Crushed leaves are
applied to affected areas of
body. Asthma. Leaves are
warmed with mustard oil and
bulb of Allium sativum. Then
the decoction is massaged to
the chest. Juice from flowers
is also taken for asthma.
15 Stapelia gigantea N.E.Br. Bone fracture. Juice obtained
from macerated leaves is
massaged to the fractured
area.
16 Ageratum conyzoides L. Abscess. Crushed fruits with
coconut oil is burned and
applied topically to affected
areas of skin.
17 Eupatorium odoratum L. Cuts and wounds. Juice from
leaves is applied topically
to cuts and wounds.
18 Mikania cordata Bleeding. Juice from leaves
(Burm.f.) Robinson is applied to cuts and wounds
19 Tagetes erecta L. to stop bleeding. Bleeding.
Juice from leaves is applied
to cuts and wounds to stop
bleeding.
20 Aiternanthera Piles. Leaves of Aiternanthera
philoxeroides Lour. philoxeroides, Centella
asiatica (L.) Urb.
(Apiaceae), and Murraya
koenigii (L.) Spreng.
(Rutaceae) are mixed in equal
ratio and crushed and then
made in tablet form and is
taken twice daily. Menstrual
irregularity. Juice from
leaves with milk is taken.
21 Basella alba L. For good health. Leaf is
eaten as vegetable
along with egg (duck).
Burn lesion. Crushed seeds
are applied topically on
affected areas of the skin.
22 Heliotropium indicum Snake bite. Juice from leaves
L. and fruits is taken with
three Piper nigrum L.
(Piperaceae) fruits.
Abscess. Powdered whole plant
is mixed with coconut oil and
massaged to the affected
areas of the body parts.
23 Cleome viscosum L. Headache. Dry leaves or seeds
are mixed with mustard oil
and massaged to the head.
24 Quisqualis indica L. Stomachic. Juice from roots
is taken on empty stomach
every morning for 1-2 week.
25 Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Skin disease. Leaves are
26 Kalanchoe pinnata crushed and applied topically
(Lam.) Pers. to affected areas of skin.
Diarrhea. Juice from whole
plant is taken regularly
until cure. Meho, stone in
urinary tract. Juice from
leaves is taken twice daily
for 3 weeks.
27 Coccinia grandis (L.) Diabetes, asthma, cough,
J. Voigt jaundice, blood with vomit.
Juice from leaves or roots is
taken.
28 Momordica charantia Piles. One tea spoon ofjuice
L. from fruits with sugar is
taken regularly until cure.
Malaria. Three leaves with
three Piper nigrum fruits are
crushed and taken regularly
until cure.
29 Trichosanthes kirilowii Bodyache. Juice from flower
Maxim. or roots is taken.
30 Cuscuta reflexa Rheumatic pain. Juice from
Roxb. macerated stems is massaged
to the affected areas of body
parts.
31 Diospyros peregrina Dysentery. One tea spoon
(Gaertn.) Gurke powder of fruits and skin of
fruits is taken twice daily.
Diarrhea. Skins of fruits are
boiled in water and decoction
is taken regularly.
Helminthiasis, diabetes.
Leaves and barks are boiled
in water and decoction is
taken regularly.
32 Phyllanthus Any recurrent chronic
reticulatus Poir. disease. Juice from fruits or
leaves is mixed with seeds of
Nigella sativa to prepare
medicine which is taken
thrice daily after meal until
cure.
33 Codiaeum Leg, hand and neck pain.
variegatum (L.) Juice from leaves is massaged
A.Juss. with mustard oil to affected
areas of body parts.
Abortifacient. Juice from
leaves is taken.
34 Jatropha curcas L. Muscle relaxant. Oil from
fruits is massaged to the
affected areas of the body
parts.
35 Antidesma Tonsillitis (swelling of
ghaesembilla Gaertn. tonsils). Leaves and fruits
are crushed and mixed with
crushed Piper nigrum fruits
and applied around the
throat.
36 Phyllanthus emblica Antiemetic. Dried fruits are
L. soaked in water for two hours
and the water is taken with
bark powder of Santalum album
L. (Santalaceae) and sugar.
Prevent hair fall. Juice from
fruits is mixed with coconut
oil and applied to hair. Itch
and eczema. One tea spoon
[250g fruit powder of
Phyllanthus emblica mixed
with 50g fruit powder of
Terminalia chebula Retz.
(Combretaceae) and 50g bark
powder of Azadirachta indica
A. Juss. (Meliaceae)] is
taken thrice daily after
meal. Besides cow milk is
taken to get better result.
37 Crotalaria pallida Flatulence, edema. Seeds
Ait. fried in mustard oil are
taken regularly until cure.
38 Cassia fistula L. Stomachic, constipation.
Juice from leaves, fruits or
barks is taken.
39 Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Eczema. Dry leaves are mixed
with coconut oil and applied
topically to affected areas
of skin.
40 Ocimum americanum Skin diseases. Juice from
L. leaves is applied topically
to affected areas of skin.
Arthritis. Bark of Terminalia
belerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is
mixed with bark of Terminalia
chebula, leaf juice of
Ocimum americanum and bark of
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.)
Wight & Arn.
(Combretaceae) to prepare
tablets. One tablet is orally
taken thrice daily after meal
until cure.
41 Leucas aspera Stomach ache. One cup of
(Willd.) juice from leaves with tea
spoon of salt is taken twice
daily on an empty stomach.
42 Litsea glutinosa Diabetes. One cup of juice
(Lour.) from leaves is mixed with
Nigella sativa seeds and
orally taken. Alternately,
one tea spoon of bark powder
with 2-3 Nigella sativa seeds
is taken.
43 Allium sativum L. Post-natal uterus pain, body
pain. Allium sativum bulb and
seeds of Nigella sativa are
made into a paste and taken
with fried rice and 2 tea
spoon honey. Cold, cough,
sore throat. 100g Allium
sativum with 10g Curcuma
longa L. (Zingiberaceae)
rhizomes and the leaves of
Tamarindus indica L.
(Fabaceae) are boiled in
1000g water. When the volume
has reached 500 ml, the
decoction is strained and
taken twice daily for 1 week.
44 Asparagus racemosus Meho, fever. One tea spoon of
Willd. juice from roots is mixed
with juice from rhizomes of
Zingiber officinale and is
poured into a glass of water
and taken thrice daily.
45 Lawsonia inermis L. Diabetes. Juice from leaves
ofLawsonia inerms,
Azadirachta indica, Psidium
guajava L. (Myrtaceae) and
stems of Cuscuta reflexa with
the stems of Curcuma longa is
taken.
Facial spot and pimple.
25 g of leaves of
Lawsonia inermis and
Azadirachta indica with 100g
rhizomes of Curcuma longa is
crushed and used twice daily
for one hour. Ear infection.
Leaves are boiled in water
and strained and is applied
to ear canal (2-3 drops for
4-5 days).
46 Hibiscus rosa- Bleeding in uterus. Juice
sinensis L. from flower is applied
topically to affected areas
of body part.
Premature ejaculation. 10-15
leaves are soaked overnight
in water and the decoction is
taken with molasses in the
morning on an empty stomach
for 10-15 days until cure.
47 Urena lobata L. Stomachic. Juice from fruits
48 Azadirachta indica A. is taken thrice daily.
Juss. Stomach ache, dysentery.
Juice from young leaves of
Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.
(Rutaceae), Syzygium cumini
and Azadirachta indica is
mixed and orally taken.
Jaundice, post-natal fever.
Bark of Alstonia scholaris
(L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae),
bark of Aegle marmelos and
the bark of Moringa oleifera
Lam. (Moringaceae) is boiled
in water and decoction is
taken thrice daily after
meal.
49 Tinospora cordifolia Gonorrhea, diabetes, gastric.
(Thunb.) Juice from whole plants is
taken regularly on an empty
stomach.
50 Artocarpus lakoocha Hepatic disorders. Ripe
Roxb. fruits are taken regularly.
Skin diseases, pimple. Powder
from bark is massages on the
skin for smoothness of skin
and treatment of skin
diseases. Also used for
pimple treatment.
51 Ficus hispida L.f. Gonorrhea, impotency. One cup
of juice obtained from fruits
is mixed with 2-3 pieces
fruits of Elettaria
cardamomum (L.) Maton
(Zingiberaceae) and taken
twice daily in the morning
and night.
52 Ficus racemosa L. Flatulence. One cup of juice
from roots is mixed with 2-3
fruits of Piper nigrum and
taken.
53 Moringa oleifera Asthma, gastric, headache.
Lam. Powder from leaves is taken
thrice daily.
High blood pressure. Powder
from seeds is taken
regularly.
54 Psidium guajava L. Diabetes. Juice from leaves
of Psidium guajava, Lawsonia
inermis, Azadirachta indica,
and Cuscuta reflexa along
with the stem of Curcuma
longa is taken.
Dysentery. Bark of Psidium
guajava is boiled in water
and decoction of this water
is taken.
Antiemetic. Young leaves are
boiled with2-3 cups of
water and is taken.
55 Syzygium cumini (L.) Antiemetic. Leaves are boiled
Skeels in water and decoction is
taken with 10-12 drops of
honey.
Bleeding. Crushed leaves are
applied to cuts and wounds to
stop bleeding.
56 Argemone mexicana Diuretic, vermicide. Juice
L. from leaves is taken.
Increase eyesight. Juice from
roots is taken regularly.
57 Cynodon dactylon Stomachic, debility. Fruits
(L.) Pers. of Phyllanthus emblica are
mixed with the bark of
Moringa oleifera, bark of
Syzygium cumini and bark of
Aegle marmelos, boiled in
water and strained. Then 50g
juice from leaves of Cynodon
dactylon is added to % kg of
the strained decoction and
taken twice daily after meal.
58 Polygonum Diarrhea, diuretic,
hydropiper (L.) menorrhagia. Juice from
Delabre leaves with honey and fruits
of Nigella sativa is taken.
Bleeding. Leaves are crushed
and are applied to cuts and
wounds to stop bleeding.
59 Pteris vittata L. Dysentery. One cup of juice
from roots is mixed with 1.5
tea spoon mustard oil and 10-
12 Piper nigrum fruits and
taken thrice daily until
cure.
60 Rosa damascena L. Pimple, skin disease. Crushed
flowers of Rosa damascena and
rhizomes of Curcuma longa are
topically applied to the
affected areas of the skin.
61 Anthocephalus Jaundice. Bark powder is
chinensis (Lam.) A. taken. Tumour, abscess. Young
Rich. ex Walp. leaves of Anthocephalus
chinensis along with bulb of
Allium sativum and fruits of
Syzygium aromaticum (L.)
Merr. and Perr. (Myrtaceae)
are applied topically to
affected areas of the body
parts.
62 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Feverishness, Dysentery,
Stomachic. Juice from leaves
and fruits is taken.
Feverish, cold. One tea spoon
of juice from leaves is taken
regularly until cure. To
increase memory. Leaves are
fried in ghee (clarified
butter) and taken with
crystalline sugar (mishri).
Dysentery. Powder from sliced
dry green fruits is taken
with ghol (churned milk)
until cure.
63 Citrus aurantiifolia Urticaria. Juice from fruits
(Christm.) Swingle with 'hypo' (sodium
thiosulfate) is applied
topically to affected areas
of skin. Influenza. Warm
juice from fruits is taken.
Piles. Juice from fruits
mixed with fresh milk is
taken regularly until cure.
Abscess. Juice from fruits
mixed with mustard oil is
applied topically to affected
areas of skin.
64 Citrus grandis (L.) Menstrual weakness. Juice
Osbeck from fruits is taken in the
afternoon regularly to remove
weakness. Epilepsy, weakness,
cough, cold, fever.
Leaves, flower and skin of
fruits are boiled in water
and decoction is taken twice
daily.
65 Glycosmis pentaphylla Impotency. Juice from fruits
(Retz.) Corr. is mixed with juice from
whole plants of Scindapsus
officinalis (Roxb.) Schott
(Araceae). 1 to 1.5 tea spoon
is taken of this decoction.
66 Murraya paniculata Neck ulcer of cattle. Leaves
(L.) Jack are fried with mustard oil
and are applied to the
affected area for seven days.
67 Litchi chinensis L. Mental exhaustion. 8-10
fruits are taken every day.
Diabetes. One tea spoon of
powder from seeds is taken
twice regularly. Throat
ulcer. Roots, seeds and
flowers are boiled in water
and then strained. The
strained decoction is orally
taken thrice in daily.
68 Scoparia dulcis L. Excessive dysentery. One cup
of juice obtained from whole
plant is mixed with 34 Piper
nigrum fruit powder and is
taken orally.
69 Datura metel L. Pain. Juice from leaves is
applied topically to affected
areas of the body parts with
warm mustard oil.
70 Solanum torvum Allioni Gastric, fever. Juice from
fruits and leaves is taken
with honey after meal twice
daily. Pain. Crushed leaves
are applied topically to
affected areas of the body
parts.
71 Abroma augusta L.f. Gastric, indigestion. Stems
are soaked overnight in
water, and the water is taken
orally in the morning on an
empty stomach. Menstrual
problem. Juice from bark is
mixed with Piper nigrum
fruits and taken during
menstrual problems.
72 Centella asiatica (L.) Gastric. Juice from leaves is
Urb. taken. Liver problem. Juice
from leaves and stem is taken
for liver disease. Menstrual
problem. 15-20g juice from
root with 'kaji' (rotten rice
soaked in water) is taken
twice in daily for two weeks.
73 Clerodendrum Used to treat patients
viscosum Vent. resistant to multi drugs
(MDR). Juice from leaves and
roots is mixed with 2-3
pieces fruits of Terminalia
chebula, leaves of Cassia
fistula L. (Fabaceae) and
juice from Justicia
gendarussa leaves to prepare
medicine and this medicine is
taken thrice daily after
meal.
74 Zingiber officinale Gout, Arthritis. Powder from
Roscoe. roots with mustard oil is
applied topically to affected
areas.
75 Unidentified Eye infection. 2- 3 drops of
juice from leaves is applied
to eye.
76 Unidentified Fever of cattle. One cup of
juice from roots mixed with
mustard oil, crushed Piper
nigrum fruits and crushed
Zingiber officinale rhizome
and is taken thrice daily for
seven days.
* (S in parenthesis) besides local/vernacular name signifies that
sample and information was collected from the Santal tribal medicinal
practitioner.
Table 2: Table listing the differences of plant species between
the Santal and non-Santal medicinal practitioner.
Serial Plant species used by Family
Number the Santal practitioner
1 Justicia gendarussa Acanthaceae
(Burm.f)
2 Crinum latifolium L. Amaryllidaceae
3 Ervatamia divaricata Apocynaceae
(L.) Burkill
4 Holarrhena Apocynaceae
antidysenterica
(Roxb.)
5 Scindapsus Araceae
officinalis
(Roxb.) Schott
6 Typhonium roxburghii Araceae
(Schott.)
7 Stapelia gigantea Asclepiadaceae
N.E.Br.
8 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae
9 Eupatorium odoratum L. Asteraceae
10 Mikania cordata Asteraceae
(Burm.f.) Robinson
11 Heliotropium Boraginaceae
indicum L.
12 Cleome viscosum L. Capparaceae
13 Quisqualis indica L. Combretaceae
14 Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae
(Roxb.) Wight & Arn.
15 Terminalia belerica Combretaceae
(Gaertn.) Roxb.
16 Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae
17 Trichosanthes Cucurbitaceae
kirilowii Maxim.
18 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Cuscutaceae
19 Phyllanthus Euphorbiaceae
reticulatus Poir.
20 Codiaeum variegatum Euphorbiaceae
(L.) A.Juss.
21 Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae
22 Antidesma Euphorbiaceae
ghaesembilla Gaertn.
23 Crotalaria pallida Fabaceae
Ait.
24 Cassia fistula L. Fabaceae
25 Senna tora (L.) Fabaceae
Roxb.
26 Ocimum americanum L. Lamiaceae
27 Leucas aspera Lamiaceae
(Willd.)
28 Litsea glutinosa Lauraceae
(Lour.)
29 Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae
Willd.
30 Hibiscus rosa- Malvaceae
sinensis L.
31 Urena lobata L. Malvaceae
32 Artocarpus lakoocha Moraceae
Roxb.
33 Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae
34 Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae
35 Syzygium aromaticum Myrtaceae
(L.) Merr. and Perr.
36 Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae
(L.) Skeels
37 Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae
38 Pteris vittata L. Pteridaceae
39 Nigella sativa L. Ranunculaceae
40 Anthocephalus Rubiaceae
chinensis (Lam.) A.
Rich. ex Walp.
41 Aegle marmelos Rutaceae
(L.) Corr.
42 Citrus aurantiifolia Rutaceae
(Christm.) Swingle
43 Glycosmis pentaphylla Rutaceae
(Retz.) Corr.
44 Murraya paniculata Rutaceae
(L.) Jack
45 Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae
46 Clerodendrum viscosum Verbenaceae
Vent.
47 Elettaria cardamomum Zingiberaceae
(L.) Maton
48 Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae
Roscoe.
49 Unidentified Unidentified
50 Unidentified Unidentified
Serial Plant species used by Family
Number the non-Santal
practitioner
1 Adhatoda vasica L. Acanthaceae
2 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae
3 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae
4 Alstonia scholaris (L.) Apocynaceae
R. Br.
5 Catharanthus roseus L. Apocynaceae
6 Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae
7 Colocasia esculenta Araceae
(L.) Schott
8 Areca catechu L. Arecaceae
9 Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae
Ait.f.
10 Tagetes erecta L. Asteraceae
11 Aiternanthera Asteraceae
philoxeroides Lour.
12 Basella alba L. Basellaceae
13 Terminalia chebula Combretaceae
Retz.
14 Ipomoea aquatica Convolvulaceae
Forssk.
15 Kalanchoe pinnata Crassulaceae
(Lam.) Pers.
16 Coccinia grandis Cucurbitaceae
(L.) J. Voigt
17 Diospyros peregrina Ebenaceae
(Gaertn.) Gurke
18 Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae
19 Tamarindus indica L. Fabaceae
20 Cinnamomum verum J. Lauraceae
Presl.
21 Allium cepa L. Liliaceae
22 Allium sativum L. Liliaceae
23 Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae
24 Azadirachta indica Meliaceae
A. Juss.
25 Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae
(Thunb.)
26 Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae
27 Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae
28 Syzygium cumini (L.) Myrtaceae
Skeels
29 Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae
30 Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae
31 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Poaceae
Pers.
32 Polygonum hydropiper Polygonaceae
(L.) Delabre
33 Nigella sativa L. Ranunculaceae
34 Rosa damascena L. Rosaceae
35 Aegle marmelos (L.) Rutaceae
Corr.
36 Citrus grandis (L.) Rutaceae
Osbeck
37 Murraya koenigii (L.) Rutaceae
Spreng.
38 Santalum album L. Santalaceae
39 Litchi chinensis L. Sapindaceae
40 Datura metel L. Solanaceae
41 Solanum torvum Allioni Solanaceae
42 Abroma augusta L.f. Sterculiaceae
43 Centella asiatica (L.) Umbelliferae
Urb.
44 Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae
Plants used in common by Santal and non-Santal healer
are denoted by bold lettering.
Table 3: Ailments treated and differences in medicinal
plant selection between the Santal and the non-Santal healer.
Ailments Medicinal plants used
treated by the by the Santal healer
Santal healer
Body ache. Trichosanthes kirilowii
Headache. Cleome viscosum
Leg, hand and Codiaeum variegatum
neck pain.
Influenza. Citrus aurantiifolia
Tonsillitis. Antidesma ghasembilla
Itch. Justicia gendarussa
Eczema. Senna tora
Rheumatism, [Justicia gendarussa +
rheumatic pain. Nigella sativa + Zingiber
officinale], Ervatamia
divaricata, Cuscuta
reflexa
Gout, arthritis. Zingiber officinale
Feverishness. [Justicia gendarussa +
Nigella sativa + Zingiber
officinale], Crinum
latifolium, [Asparagus
racemosus + Zingiber
officinale], Aegle
marmelos
Edema. Crotolaria pallida
Bone fracture. Typhonium roxburghii,
Stapelia gigantea
Meho. [Asparagus racemosus +
Zingiber officinale]
Dyspepsia. Crinum latifolium
Dysentery. [Pteris vittata + Piper
nigrum], Aegle marmelos,
[Scoparia dulcis + Piper
nigrum]
Flatulence. Crotolaria pallid, [Ficus
racemosa + Piper nigrum]
Stomachic (an Scindapsus officinalis,
agent that Quisqualis indica, Cassia
improves fistula, Urena lobata,
appetite and Aegle marmelos
digestion).
Stomach ache. Leucas aspera
Constipation. Cassia fistula
Piles Momordica charantia,
(hemorrhoids). Citrus aurantiifolia
Diabetes. Litsea glutinosa
Kala azar. Holarrhena
antidysenterica
Eye problem. Ervatamia divaricata
Impotency. Scindapsus officinalis,
[Glycosmis pentaphylla +
Scindapsus officinalis]
Abscess. Ageratum conyzoides,
Heliotropium indicum,
Citrus aurantiifolia
Cuts and Eupatorium odoratum,
wounds (to Mikania cordata,
stop bleeding). Syzygium cumini
Bleeding in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
uterus.
Snake bite. [Heliotropium indicum
+ Piper nigrum]
Skin disease. Artocarpus lakoocha
Pimple. Artocarpus lakoocha
Hepatic Artocarpus lakoocha
disorders.
Jaundice. Anthocephalus chinensis
Vomiting. Syzygium cumini
Malaria. [Momordica charantia
+ Piper nigrum]
Premature Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
ejaculation.
Impotency. Ficus hispida
Gonorrhea. Ficus hispida
Urticaria. Citrus aurantiifolia
Ailments Medicinal plants used
treated by by the non-Santal
the non-Santal healer
healer
Body ache. Adhatoda vasica,
Calotropis procera,
[Allium sativum +
Nigella sativa]
Headache. Moringa oleifera
Any type of Datura metel, Solanum
pain. torvum
Cough. Adhatoda vasica, Coccinia
grandis, [Allium sativum
+ Curcuma longa +
Tamarindus indica],
Citrus grandis
Asthma. [Calotropis procera +
Allium sativum], Coccinia
grandis, Moringa oleifera
Itch. [Phyllanthus emblica +
Terminalia chebula +
Azadirachta indica]
Eczema. [Phyllanthus emblica +
Terminalia chebula +
Azadirachta indica]
[Colocasia esculenta +
Allium sativum +
Cinnamomum verum]
Fever. Amaranthus spinosus,
Carissa carandas, Citrus
grandis
Diuretic (i.e. Amaranthus spinosus,
for edema). Argemone Mexicana,
[Polygonum hydropiper +
Nigella sativa]
Menorrhagia. Amaranthus spinosus,
[Polygonum hydropiper +
Nigella sativa]
Menstrual Alternanthera
irregularity. philoxeroides, Abroma
augusta
Bone fracture. Amaranthus spinosus
Meho. Amaranthus spinosus,
Kalanchoe pinnata
Diarrhea. Amaranthus spinosus,
Kalanchoe pinnata,
Diospyros peregrina,
[Polygonum hydropiper +
Nigella sativa]
Dysentery. Mangifera indica,
Diospyros peregrina,
[Aegle marmelos +
Syzygium cumini +
Azadirachta indica],
Psidium guajava
Gastric Tinospora cordifolia,
problems. Moringa oleifera, Solanum
torvum, Abroma augusta,
Centella asiatica
Indigestion. Abroma augusta
Stomachic. [Phyllanthus emblica +
Moringa oleifera +
Syzygium cumini + Aegle
marmelos + Cynodon
dactylon]
Stomach ache. [Aegle marmelos +
Syzygium cumini +
Azadirachta indica]
Piles [Alternanthera
(hemorrhoids). philoxeroides + Centella
asiatica + Murraya
koenigii]
Diabetes. [Mangifera indica +
Syzygium cumini],
Catharanthus roseus,
Coccinia grandis,
Diospyros peregrina,
(Lawsonia inermis +
Azadirachta indica +
Psidium guajava + Cuscuta
reflexa + Curcuma longa],
Tinospora cordifolia,
Litchi chinensis
Helminthiasis. Catharanthus roseus,
Carissa carandas,
Diospyros peregrina
Ear infection. Lawsonia inermis
Debility. [Colocasia esculenta +
Allium sativum +
Cinnamomum verum], Citrus
grandis
Epilepsy. Citrus grandis
To stop [Areca catechu + Coccinia
hair fall. grandis + Allium cepa]
Cuts and Carissa carandas, Tagetes
wounds (to erecta, Polygonum
stop hydropiper
bleeding).
Burns. Basella alba
Skin Ipomoea aquatica, Rosa
disease. damascena
Facial spot [Lawsonia inermis +
and pimple. Azadirachta indica +
Curcuma longa], Rosa
damascena
Stone in Kalanchoe pinnata
urinary
tract.
Hepatic Centella asiatica
disorders.
Jaundice. Coccinia grandis
Vomiting. Psidium guajava
Blood with Coccinia grandis
vomit.
Gonorrhea. Tinospora cordifolia
High blood Moringa oleifera
pressure.
Ailments treated in common by both Santal and non-Santal
practitioners have been denoted in bold lettering. Plants
in common used by both Santal and non-Santal practitioners
for treatment of the same ailment are also indicated in
bold lettering.
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| |
| Title Annotation: | Original Articles |
|---|---|
| Author: | Rahman, Abdur; Islam, Jahirul; Jahan, Sharmin; Hossain, Md. Shakhawat; Rehana, Fatema; Haq, Wahid Mo |
| Publication: | American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture |
| Article Type: | Report |
| Geographic Code: | 9BANG |
| Date: | Jan 1, 2013 |
| Words: | 9018 |
| Previous Article: | Ethnoveterinary practices among folk medicinal practitioners of three randomly selected villages of Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. |
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