Pankaj Oudhia

Let’s form task force under leadership of Dr. M. Mahadevappa and experts like him

“How are you programs on the eradication of Parthenium and its usage as a potential
biopesticide? I still find a lot of pockets in Raipur having the Parthenium dense population.” Few weeks back I got message from Dr.Yudhveer Bhoon of Delhi University. During his visit he found Parthenium infestation in Raipur in many places. His observation is right. Parthenium is spreading very rapidly due to absence of effective programs for its management in ground level.

“Every time you have same information about this weed. We know that it causes allergy but please give new information about it.” When I approach to local newspapers they give this suggestion. According to them they are tired of publishing same information about Parthenium. When I say that the number of Parthenium affected people is increasing and now more bad cases are among us, they simply say that it is not a news item.

New information about Parthenium is not coming. For publication of monthly newsletter on Parthenium titled International Parthenium Research News [IPRN] I am short of matter. I delayed its publication many times and finally decided to publish it in every three or four months. When I make Google search for “Parthenium hysterophorus” I get less than 30,000 results. Most of the results are repeated results and also old references. It seems that our researchers and research organizations are not taking keen interest in Parthenium research. Routine research for search of new chemicals for its management is in progress. While search I find bunch of Parthenium related news with same content published from different research organizations. It is not wrong to say it as formal news.

I remember the golden days of Dr.Mahadevappa in Dharwad when I met him for first time. He put all his energies to promote Parthenium research not only in his university but all corners of the world. He organized two International Conferences on Parthenium Management successfully. These conferences gave the golden opportunity to Parthenium workers to come in one forum and interact with each other. Due to these conferences I met the dedicated Parthenium workers from Australia. These conferences motivated me to work hard for Parthenium Management and resulted in formation of International Parthenium Research News Group [IPRNG].

This motivation through two conferences, encouraged researchers to search new methods of Parthenium Management. Dr. Mahadevappa traveled different parts of India including Raipur for awareness campaign. Still his campaign is on but I feel that Indian planners are losing golden opportunity to use the expertise of this expert. It is need of the hour to form Parthenium task force under leadership of Dr.Mahadevappa in order to revitalize the campaigns against Parthenium Management throughout India.

We are fortunate that we have dedicated experts like Dr.N.T.Yaduraju, Prof. Angiras, Dr.Sushil Kumar, Dr. Gautam etc.. Although they are associated with each other through different forums but they must come in one forum through proposed Parthenium task force under leadership of Dr. Mahadevappa.

Fighting with Parthenium is very tough job. It was tough job from beginning but now seeing the speed of its spread in every corner of country I feel that immediate action is required. Instead of starting country wide Parthenium Management program, it is better to select specific area having heavy Parthenium infestation. In this area we must demonstrate all available techniques and approaches for Parthenium Management from use of Zygogramma to Cassia. After successful management we can present the area as model. By inviting farmers and other interested people in this area we can spread our words more promisingly.

“Hundreds of patients having allergies due to Parthenium are coming to our hospitals. I was suggested by experts to contact you. Please guide.” Few months back Chief Medical Officer of Kawardha district of Indian state Chhattisgarh contacted me through phone. After giving basic information I promised to send the literatures as well as contact details of NRC weed science, Jabalpur. “All management options are good, but sir who will do it?” It was Officer’s question. It is million dollar question. During Parthenium campaign I cleared weed population of many big hospital compounds and warned them to keep close view on reintroduction. Many followed my instructions but in many hospital compounds Parthenium infestation is visible again. For efficient Management continuous effort is required.  

From Niyamgiri to Western Ghats Parthenium is everywhere. Through this writing I would like to request all the Parthenium workers to act and come in one forum under leadership of Dr.Mahadevappa and other experts and start final war against this obnoxious weed.  

Can’t say whether size matters or not, but knowledge matters

Early morning when I reached to Traditional Healer’s village I found him preparing herb based paste. Total 35 herbs were there. All were in powdered form.  There was a basket full of fresh leaves. After preparing paste from one herb he instructed his patient to move towards old Mahua tree at the end of village near nallah. “Today is tenth day of treatment. I am using number 10 herb with Castor leaf. Let’s follow the patient and start treatment.” The Healer said.

In shade of old Mahua tree there was a small roofless hut prepared from Chiraijam and Mud. The patient was laying in centre of hut. “Take this paste and apply it on your dick as you are doing from day one. After application of paste cover it with Castor leaf. We are going back to village. After half an hour you can wash the paste and return back to village for further treatment.” The Healers instructed. The patients followed it sincerely.

“This young man’s marriage is due on July i.e. nearly six months from today. He is here to get sound sexual health. I am amazed to see that he has much patience and adopting all treatments sincerely. He is living with me and also assisting me in collection and preparation of medicine.” The Healer informed. “Beside internal treatment I am giving external treatment. I believe that external treatments are not much required but youths of present generation give more emphasis on external treatment as compared to internal treatment. Your body should be in perfect tune for the show, up to long time. External treatment specially what these youths say it “Horse dick treatment” is having less impact than  overall treatment but as said earlier youths show much interest in this specific treatment. I use 35 different herbs for initial 35 days. After applying one herb daily patients have to tie different types of leaves around dick. I use leaves of Paan, Koriya, Castor, Mahua, Kusum, Panibel, Gindhol etc. After 35 days I use combination of herbs. Treatments continue up to six months or more. I am aware that it is difficult to use this treatment in public place as sun bath is must during it, therefore, I have prepared a roofless hut outside the village far from human population where patients can take this treatment without any problem.”    

In ancient Indian literature much information is available for penis enlargement but most of methods claim about making the dick as horse dick. I have searched drug markets around the world but not found a single product based on ancient Indian formulations. There are reasons for it. Many Traditional Healers claim that the information given in ancient literature is incomplete. Most probably they have kept important information with them for daily practice. After all everything is not disclosed in any book. Many years back I tried to make many formulations mentioned in ancient literatures but found that most of the ingredients mentioned in it are not available in pure form. It was difficult for me then you can imagine that how much difficult for common people.

With the help of Traditional healers when I tried these formulations, patients complained irritation and other related problem. As per experience, the Healers added more herbs in it in order to make it safe for use. Many formulations mentioned in ancient literature are safe as well as effective. I have tried many single herb based formulations with much success.

The Traditional Healers of present generations are practicing more complex knowledge. They are using complicated formulations and treatment of very long duration. Instead of using only external treatment they are using it with internal treatment. They are aware of its possible misuse. This is the reason they keep the information about ingredients secret. In India newspaper classifieds are full of fake advertisements with claims to make normal dick like horse dick within a week or two. Believe it or not but it is bitter fact that they have good market. Thousands of people purchase these products every day. When my field worker showed me the product for comments I got opportunity to know about it. The product was in attractive packaging and many claims were there. The field worker used it up to many months but failed to get the desired effects. I suggested him to meet the Healers and take safe as well as effective treatment, if interested.

In my report on Traditional medicinal knowledge and extraordinary sexual performances, I have written about hundreds of formulations used for this purpose with its limitation as well as methods to improve its effectiveness. Many Healers use different types of Herbal oils. Information on over 600 types of herbal oil is a part of this report so far.

When I interacted with many senior Healers of Northern Chhattisgarh they said that only few formulations are in use. As the Healers keep no written document with them they are transferring knowledge about only effective formulations. In this process we are loosing hundreds of so-called ineffective formulations, generation by generation. Although these formulations have been declared as ineffective but by making slight modification it can be developed as effective formulation but for that documentation of this knowledge is the first step.

 I am also in worry from this trend. As Ethnobotanist I feel that documentation of all knowledge is must. May be present generation of Healers are not aware of its potential uses of it but there are possibilities that the Healers as well as researchers of coming generations may make it useful again. I repeat the words of senior Healers that for that documentation is must. I have written a lot on different aspects of this knowledge but it surprises me that why modern researchers are not taking interest on this aspect?

I interacted with many researchers and motivated them to take this topic for their projects. “In our society we feel awkward to even talk on this aspect, then sir how we can go for project proposals on this aspect? People will make fun of us” They replied. During my visit to North India I met senior Ayurveda researchers. They showed interest in it and said that they have conducted research on formulation mentioned in ancient literature and in process of publication. They were not aware of existing traditional medicinal knowledge about it. “If we get permission we will be happy to conduct research on this aspect.” They tried to assure me.

“Forget about size.” Many Healers claim like modern experts. “But size matters.” Modern youths say. “Can’t say whether size matters or not, but knowledge matters.” I say. “And it must be documented.”     

Reap actual benefit from tree plantations: Example of Gardi

“Ten years back there was nothing in this wasteland. At first I gave emphasis on plantation of trees. A consultant from Mumbai suggested me to go for Gardi plantation. Today in my farm over 400 Gardi trees are growing from six years. Growth is very good as it is drought tolerant plant that grows without care. According to consultant tree will start giving profit in tenth year. At that time he calculated 300 Rs. profit per tree annually. The planning was looked lucrative earlier but now I feel that it was my fault. Trees like Aonla can give better results in less time. Gardi is gum yielding tree. I am aware of gum collection technique but it is not possible to do it without help of skilled workers.

After tree plantation I started dairy farming. I am strictly against the use of any type of synthetic chemical in my farm. That is why we are using herbal treatment for our cattle. We get pure milk free from toxins and customers take it as it reaches to city shop.

In right side you can see small vegetable farm where we grow all seasonal vegetables organically. From last year we are facing problem of new pest. Our organic inputs are unable to give good results.”

I was in Maharashtra with large farm owner and he was telling about his work so far. I was invited to give special comments as consultant. Although Gardi was a burden for him but I was happy to see it in large number. Gardi gives returns from day one. It surprised me that why the plantation consultant failed to inform about its benefit to farm owner?

“In empty space between two rows of Gardi trees you can successfully grow Aloe plants. Both are compatible species. There are tens of other compatible species. In forest you will find Dhawai growing with Gardi. There is good market for Aloe and when you grow it organically it can give good returns.” I suggested him.

“Gardi is very useful tree. You will be surprised to know that Gardi based formulations are used traditionally to manage pest in traditional crops. These formulations are still very effective especially in vegetable farming. Gardi is present in your farm as boon. You can use it successfully in management of pest in vegetable crops. Gardi based formulations are used internally as well as externally for cattle disease management in rural India.” I tried to tell about potential uses of Gardi trees.

We visited to his farm house where his wife and children were waiting for us. Wife and girl child were having skin problem. “I have read much about your work on traditional medicine. I have tired all medicines but failed to manage the skin troubles. Please suggest any herbal combination for them.” He requested.

“It is really surprising that you have Gardi tree in your farm in large number and still your family members are facing this problem. Let’s move to the plantation area.” I said.

Near vigorously growing Gardi tree I suggested both of them to rub affected body part on smooth trunk and request the tree to make their skin as smooth as its own. “This is traditional way of treatment. Repeat it twice a day up to ten days; I am sure you will get rid from this trouble forever.” After giving this instruction I turned back to the farm owner and said, “We must not evaluate the value of plantation in terms of produce we are going to get in ten or more years. Presence of tree in any place contributes a lot for surroundings. Gardi gives oxygen to us. Indian Traditional healers suggest the patients having poor natural resistance in body to pass some time in areas having rich population of this tree. You are fortunate that you are living with these trees. This tree gives shelter to birds. These birds help in managing pest in your vegetable crops. Its judicious use can save your family from health troubles and shrink your medical bill remarkably.” After saying this I suggested him links of my research documents focused on this tree. “Please go through it. You have planted gold in your farm. This tree is in danger in forest and no one is thinking of its conservation. The greedy traders are aware of its one produce and for that produce they are injuring trees mercilessly. Say thank to the plantation consultant that knowingly or unknowingly he has done a great job through you.”

After retuning back from his farm I got his email message with good news. His family members were getting relief from skin troubles. Along with this message he sent a long sheet in which he estimated the monetary benefit from Gardi trees. He wrote that he is planning to start small health care unit in nearby village to aware the natives about benefits of this tree.           

© Pankaj Oudhia