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Pankaj
Oudhia
Dendrophthoe falcata
Ettingsh is well known stem parasite. In Indian
state Chhattisgarh its infestation of many tree
species of economical importance has been
reported. Madhuca indica, Terminalia alata,
Pterocarpus marsupium etc. are among these tree
species. In general, this parasite is presented as
harmful species for the trees of economical
importance but in Indian state Chhattisgarh,
Dendrophthoe falcata Ettingsh is a plant of
medicinal importance and an integral part of
Traditional Healing. Instead of considering it as
problem for old trees and using chemical and
biological alternatives suggested by forest
experts, the natives welcome its infestation and
use it in hundreds of formulations as
medicine.
It is commonly known as Mahua ke Banda when
it occurs on Mahua tree.
The
Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different
parts of Indian state Chhattisgarh from year 1994
to 2008 revealed that different parts of
Dendrophthoe falcata Ettingsh are used both
internally as well as externally in treatment of
many diseases. Information on over 1600
formulations in which it is added as main
ingredient has been collected so far. In treatment
of Type II Diabetes it is used by the Traditional
Healers in combination with medicinal rice and
medicinal Orchid species.
Dendrophthoe falcata
Ettingsh is having religious importance also. Its
attractive flowers are used in worship of
different Goddesses. Fallen flowers are collected
with the help of white cloth early morning and
used. In general, devotees avoid climbing on tree
to collect flowers. Trees having Dendrophthoe
falcata Ettingsh are considered sacred trees and
taken special care. In many places such trees are
treated with different types of Haldi solution.
The
natives engaged in Tantra activities collect this
plant on special day and time. They adopt special
method and in general remain nude during its
collection. They utter Mantras. After collection
it is kept in special way. Rich natives pay much
to purchase it. Information on over 100 types of
Tantra related uses has been collected so far.
Is
it harmful to trees? In answer Traditional Healers
informed ‘partially’. It takes initial support
from trees and in general utilizes the waste or
less important food material from these trees-they
claim. Dendrophthoe falcata Ettingsh growing on
different trees possess different medicinal
properties. It is also claimed that Dendrophthoe
falcata Ettingsh on Mahua trees growing in
different locations possess different medicinal
properties. As it is used frequently for different
purposes, according to the Healers, it keeps
control over spread. Hence, there is no need to
use chemicals as suggested by the experts.
[This article is a
part of scientific report on Type II Diabetes
'Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and
herbal combinations used in treatment of Type II
Diabetes in India with special reference to
Chhattisgarh'. By Pankaj
Oudhia, Current Size: plus 200
GB]
Related
References
Oudhia, P.
(2006-2007). Interesting Observations related to
Biodiversity of Niyamgiri Hill region (District
Kalahandi) of Indian state Orissa.
http://www.Ecoport.org
Oudhia, P.
(2006-2007). Make wooden glasses a part of your
life to remain healthy. http://www.Ecoport.org
Oudhia, P.
(2006-2007). Besides Herbs, Wooden Rollers also
give Relief to Patients with Paralysis.
http://www.Ecoport.org
Oudhia, P.
(2006-2007). Convert your food into medicine by
serving it in Pattal of Indian state Chhattisgarh.
http://www.Ecoport.org
Oudhia, P. (2008).
Medicinal Rice Tenduphool. Google Knol. http://knol.google.com/k/pankaj-oudhia/medicinal-rice-tenduphool/3nerdtj3s9l79/3#
Oudhia, P. (2008).
Leucoderma and Medicinal Rice. Google Knol. http://knol.google.com/k/pankaj-oudhia/leucoderma-and-medicinal-rice/3nerdtj3s9l79/4
Oudhia, P. (2008).
Type II Diabetes and Medicinal Rice. Google Knol.
http://knol.google.com/k/pankaj-oudhia/type-ii-diabetes-and-medicinal-rice/3nerdtj3s9l79/5
Useful
Links
Type II Diabetes Report: Important
Links
Complicated cases of Type II
Diabetes
© Pankaj Oudhia 2008
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