Contribution to Indian Traditional Healing through Modey based formulations

“Why unnecessary you are wasting time in documentation of traditional knowledge? Take one formulation, conduct all studies, patent it, sell it to rich patients and give it free of cost to poor patients.”  Yesterday one of my friends at local health club suggested when I gave him dry chips of Patalkumhda collected from Traditional Healers. “These chips are really tasty and as you say that commercial products based on this herb are few in market I feel that there is tremendous scope in this product development.” He continued to say.

 “I have kept this life for documentation and next for its commercialization, if God permits me. I am developing so many formulations based on my experiences but instead of giving it to commercial organizations I am presenting it to the Traditional Healers specially to the Healers of young generation less aware of herbs present in surroundings and its miraculous effects.” I was aware that this was not the answer my friend was expecting.    

From my Grandfather’s diary I got unique formulation based on Modey fruits. The herbal oil prepared by using fruits collected from old trees is useful in treatment of rheumatism. This was single herb based formulation and he was using it successfully. At that time my village was having rich population of Modey tree. Today only one tree is there and unfortunately most of the villagers are not aware of its name as well as therapeutic values.

I decided to develop this formulation based on my experiences. Modey based formulation for rheumatism is not mentioned in ancient literature specially the method through which oil was prepared by my Grandfather. Whenever I think of herbal oil I remember the sayings of old Traditional Healers of Sarguja region. “You can not generalize any oil for all. There must be specific oil for every patient. You must talk to each and every patient in detail taking time and based on this interaction suggest specific herbal oil. You must keep so many variants of basic herbal oil based on your experiences so that patients get relief without any problem.” From commercial point of view it is not a good suggestion. In general the drug companies prepare any oil in bulk and it is used around the world irrespective to the condition of the patients. Modern health experts are also not aware of this concept, although now they are emphasizing on personalized treatment.

Based on Grandfather’s formulation I started developing variants. After preparing over 20 variants I prepared questionnaire for patients. With variants and questionnaire I visited to the Healers of different regions. Many Healers specially senior Healers took keen interest in using these variants. I disclosed them all details. After three years when I returned to them I found new comments and suggestions on these variants.

The Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains complained that formulations having specific wild tubers are relatively less effective. They suggested me to collect tubers from matured plants in order to get maximum effect. Formulations in which wild Mushrooms were added were much effective, according to the Healers of Southern Chhattisgarh. They suggested addition of wood mushroom growing on old Tendu trees in order to enhance the performances of such formulations. When I shared this comments with the Healers of Chhattisgarh Plains they suggested addition of wood mushroom growing at the base of old Mango tree with Tendu for more promising effects.

In many variants, I used medicinal insects and mites. The Healers having expertise in use of these creatures suggested to increase the quantity of it and for better results avoid exposure in direct sunlight while preparation of oil.

These comments and suggestions were valuable. Most of the Healers modified it as per need and were using it on their patients. The Healers of Bagbahera region added many new questions in questionnaire. I made changes in variants as per comments and suggestions and returned them to the Healers. I am aware that it is never ending process.

For the Healers practicing Traditional Agricultural Knowledge Modey is very important tree. They use its all parts alone and in combination with other herbs in order to enrich other herbs with desired medicinal properties. I have documented this Traditional Knowledge but every new survey is resulting in new information. As mentioned earlier yesterday I was in forest.

At one place, I found rich population of wild Curcuma. “It’s of no use and it is growing in same place year by year undisturbed. Only few Traditional Healers collect it for preparation of medicine.” A villager acting as local guide informed. Many Traditional Healers were with me. One of them informed that whenever they collect it for its use with Medicinal Rice, they prefer natural population growing near to Modey tree. Such population is considered rich in medicinal properties. Many times when we fail to locate such important spots we collect leachate of Modey plant parts are treat wild Curcuma with it at least one week before collection of underground parts. There is provision of its treatment up to one week daily twice a day but it is not possible for us to visit to dense forest daily. In early days Healers were preparing small huts near such population and continue to live up to one week. They were really dedicated experts and due to their dedication they were more successful in treatment of diseases through traditional medicinal knowledge.

We were sure that Modey trees were listening our interactions. At present all leaves of Modey are becoming yellow and failing down. Modey with yellow leaves are visible from far. “It is bit earlier as this year monsoon is poor.” One of the Healers said.

Unfortunately Modey is much liked by “Wood Mafia.” Its gum is used traditionally but there is confusion about its commercial collection. Traders of all parts don’t purchase it. There is also not a routine demand. In many areas natives informed that they have never collected it commercial purpose. In such areas Modey is growing without any disturbances. Its condition is far better than Sterculia urens. While internet search I found state department offering its gum for commercial use.

It is good to find Modey in roadside. ‘For Sterculia you have to go in dense forests where rich wild animal population exists. It seems that both Sterculia and wild animal have taken shelter in dense forest due to human excess. In such forests “Wood Mafia” hesitates to enter. But such forests are shrinking day by day.

“Modey based formulations developed by me were not the part of Traditional Healing but now it is an integral part. It is my contribution to Traditional Healing.” I tried to convince by friend yesterday. “But what return you are getting from it? I mean in terms of money.” He continued to question. “You can’t estimate the returns in terms of knowledge I am gaining. It is immense and not only for few years but for centuries.”

Finally he decided to end the discussion------.     

Chase of Sloth Bear couple for powerful wild tubers

“Many Traditional Healers are following sloth bear couple in dense forest from three-four days. If you are interested we can go to meet them but for that we have to walk long distance with much care.” When senior native informed about this chase I showed less interest in it. I have mentioned in previous research articles that generally the Healers chase mating bear couple (Melursus ursinus) in order to collect the penis which is used to prepare special herbal oil used externally as aphrodisiac. They claim that its use is very effective but I am with the other Healers who claim that more promising effects can be get with the help of simple herb based herbal oil and it is not wise to kill bear for mere penis. I try to keep distance with such Healers as they always try to meet someone coming from metros. They sell this oil at very high price. Through personal contacts as well as articles written in regional languages I try to convince the Healers as well as oil users to avoid its use. Many years back someone from Southern Chhattisgarh sent this oil as gift. I returned it back without any delay.

As human population is increasing and forest cover is decreasing human-wildlife conflicts are becoming very common in India especially in Chhattisgarh. There are hundreds of cases in which sloth bear injured forest dwellers. “If you see leopard in forest there is no problem, it will move away from you without any delay but if you see sloth bear, it will follow and injure you. If you climb on tree it will keep following you or wait under tree up to many hours. It attacks on face specially target eyes. You can’t do anything.” Yesterday one of natives traveling with me inside forest informed.

During my surveys, I always avoid to interact with wild animals specially sloth bear. Yesterday in Diwna village while taking pictures of Dasmool in dense forest I heard alarming call of monkey. “It is serious call. Most probably Leopard is in this area and may be moving. Although it is day time but we must return to our vehicle.” Natives suggested and very soon we returned back to vehicle. As we entered in vehicle we felt that someone is following us. It was not leopard but sloth bear. We were totally unaware of its presence in area where we were taking pictures. We were fortunate enough.

In local newspapers these days I am reading new type of news. Poachers are attacking sloth bear and killing it for meat. Forest authorities have seized many bodies in recent past. According to local newspapers, authorities are warning forest people to stop this practice. It is very bad trend. It should not continue. During village melas and weekly markets I always try to search products based on wild animal body parts. From last ten years I have found that special oil prepared from sloth bear penis is not reaching to market. “Is it due to strictness of authorities or due to awareness in Healers and users?” I asked to villagers. A senior native replied, “There may be all reasons including its ineffectiveness as promising aphrodisiac.” I thanked and prayed that if it is true then it will save lives of sloth bear.

“No these Healers are not following sloth bear couple for penis. They are interested in wild tubers.” I was informed. As I always write wild animals know much about herbs and its unique uses. Since generations the Healers as well as forest people are learning much from wild animals. There are thousands of examples. They follow wild animals and observe carefully what they are eating and why? I have mentioned in previous research articles that how by seeing typical reaction of monkeys Healers get information whether wild fruits are edible or toxic? According to the Healers sloth bear consume variety of wild tubers before mating. As you know, mating is long and very vigorous. The Healers are fond of the strength of sloth bear male. During this important time they sincerely follow couple and observe its eating habit. They collect the wild tubers used by couple in bulk and then make useful combinations. Wild tubers are not only used for sexual health but also for other troubles in which body requires extra strength. By taking all risk they try to collect half consumed tubers many times.

I have followed many sloth bear couples earlier with the Healers. It is full of excitement as well as risk. We have to follow bare hand without keeping any arm with us. It is illegal in forest. The only of protection in case of attack is to make loud sound and then climb on trees. You have to see the first strong as well as large tree and climb on it without any delay. You don’t know what new problem is waiting on the tree. May be weaver ants, snakes, monkeys or many times leopard. You have to live in forest village and then eat whatever present in surroundings. You get precious wild tubers as reward. These days I avoid taking unnecessary risk. So I decided to meet the Healers following the couple and returned back same day.

I was in Maruti Alto, a very small car not built for jungles. Who says? I have traveled thousands of kilometers in this car and found it very useful survey vehicle. If you have skilled driver, then it can enter anywhere. Earlier I was using large vehicles but felt that not only forest people but also wild animals show fear when they see large vehicles.

 “We have come so far. Now I suggest you to walk inside the forest.” I followed the instruction of driver and entered in forest with local guides. After walking half an hour we reached a small forest village where we were informed that Healers following the couple are in nearby hill.

“It was very tiring job. This time we got information about one tuber only. Taste it. It is bitter and if you consume many tubers you may get severe stomach pain. Sloth bear has taken it once during morning. We are seeing this tuber since childhood but never tried it in Traditional healing. Many times we make mistakes, may be sloth bear has consumed it by mistake. We will confirm it before making its use.” The leader showed me the tuber. It was not new for me as during my visit to Orissa I see it with the roadside herb sellers. They don’t inform about its name but claim that they have added it in herbal combinations available for sell. During next visit I will try to get more information on this aspect.

“Now coupe is separating, I feel that time has come to return back.” The leader said and we returned back.

© Pankaj Oudhia