Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is the most
predominant, persistent and troublesome
aquatic weed in India. It was first introduced as an ornamental plant in India in 1896 from
Brazil (Rao, 1988). In Chhattisgarh, water hyacinth grows as a pond weed and also as a rice
weed in lowland fields. In ancient Indian literature, it is clearly mentioned that every
plant on this earth is useful for human beings, animals and also for other plants
(Oudhia, 1999a). Many medicinal, industrial and allelopathic uses of common weeds have been
reported (Oudhia, 1999b; 1999c). The natives of Chhattisgarh use many common weeds to treat
their health problems (Oudhia, 1999c; 1999d).
In order to list the existing medicinal uses of this noxious weed, a survey was conducted during
the year 2000. The survey was conducted in six selected districts
of Chhattisgarh state. From each selected district, two blocks were selected and from each
block, a random sample of four villages was taken to make a sample of 100 respondents.
Information regarding existing uses was collected through personal interviews.
The survey revealed that many natives are using the water hyacinth as a medicinal plant.
It is mainly used as a remedy to treat the goitre disease. Two basic formulations were
identified as the most frequently used:
2) Dried water hyacinth is burnt and taken with fresh
cow urine.
The above mentioned uses of water hyacinth have not been reported in available literature.
This survey suggests there is a strong need to identify the potential medicinal uses of this
obnoxious weed so that it can be used for the welfare of human beings.
References:
Oudhia, P. (1999b) Medicinal weeds in groundnut fields of Chhattisgarh
(India).
International Arachis Newsletter 19:62-64.
Oudhia, P. (1999c) Studies on allelopathy and medicinal weeds in chickpea
fields.
International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter 6:29-33.
Oudhia, P. (1999d) Medicinal weeds in wheat fields of Chhattisgarh (India).
Rachis 18(1):40-41.
Rao, V.S. (1988) Principles of weed science.
Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (India), 544 pp.
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