Choulai (Prickly Amaranth) is a herb commonly used as curry. According to tribesmen in India, if Choulai roots are crushed in rice starch and given to a lady, it improves chances of conceiving. Roots of the plant, if wrapped as poultice over forehead, relieves headache. People suffering from stomach ache should always consume it. For treating wound, boils, Patalkot tribals prepare extract of the roots and apply it to the affected body parts. In case of burning sensation and palpitation, the leaves should be grind and applied. For increasing breast size, tribals suggest that a combination of Choulai and Tuar Daal (Pigeon Pea) should be cooked and taken by the ladies. Whole plant is said to be effective in piles too. The curry of plant leaf provides good nutrition to the kids. According to the tribals, it helps in promoting body-mass and it is good to combat weakness. The next plant I’ll discussing here is Surankand. For more Dr Acharya can be reached at 09824050784 or deepak@abhumka.com.

Latjeera is a common weed found in abundance in farms, fields, road side and in forests. The botanical name of the plant is Achyranthes aspera. The plant is identified with its Cumin like seeds growing at top in a form of spike. According to tribesmen in Patalkot, the plant has great medicinal values. The seeds should be boiled in water and a decoction is prepared. This decoction is said to be very effective in liver related disorders. Roast seeds of Latjeera in an earthen pot and consume it. It is supposed to be a good hunger killer. This can be used as a natural weight reducer. In problems like gum bleeding, swelling and bad breath, the twigs of the plant can be used as Datun (a brush). Leaves of the plants are good in wound healing. It also checks continuous bleeding. Roots of the plants are boiled and if given to a childless lady during mensus, it helps in conceiving. People with sleeping disorders, stress and anxiety, should take leaves of the plant. Leaves alongwith Heeng can be chewed to relieve toothache. Leaves help in cough and cold. The next plant I shall discuss is Pyaj. For more Deepak Ji can be reached at 09824050784

Punarnava is a common weed found in open ground, near farms and fields and also it is abundantly seen in our courtyards. The botanical name of the plant is Boerhavia diffusa. Tribesmen in Patalkot refer this plant as an aphrodisiac. It is said that it enhances vitality and vigour. If the powder of whole plant is taken for 3 months, it helps tremendously. They use this herb for curing various health disorders. Mainly, the herb is used in curing jaundice. Punarnava along with powder of Harra fruits is given to the patient suffering from jaundice. For patients suffering from heart disorders, the combination of Punarnava and Arjun bark is very effective. To burn fat and reduce weight, the plant should be dried, powdered and mixed with 2 teaspoon honey and taken everyday. To cope fever, Punarnava should be boiled in milk and taken thrice a day, it helps a lot. The next plant I’ll discussing here is Latjeera. For more Dr Acharya can be reached at 09824050784

Dr Deepak Acharya shares information about how tribals use Lahsun (Garlic) in their day to day health practices. Lahsun is a common spice used in Indian kitchen and widely used by the indigenous tribesmen in India for curing their general and critical health disorders. The botanical name of the plant is Allium sativum. Lahsun is fantastic remedy for joint pains and arthritis. If the buds of Lahsun are chewed, it is said to be effective in gastric problems. Children should be supplemented Lahsun sap (20-30 drops) along with a glassful of water, it expels worms. If Lahsun buds are boiled in Mustard oils and applied over painful body parts, if affects immediately and pain is relieved. Chew raw Lahsun helps in increasing blood platelets and it is supposed to be good for anemic patients. In the next recording, he will share information about Punarnava herb. For more Dr Acharya can be reached at 09824050784

Dr Deepak Acharya from Ahmedabad is talking about his work of documentation of tribal knowledge of herbal medicine. He says most of the tradtional tribal healers are at the fag end of their life and there is a big possiblity that the knowledge will go with them. He says they make sure that the intellectual property right of this knowledge is with the tribals and they also benefit from the commercialisation of this knowledge. For more on his work you can contact Dr Acharya at 07926467407