Traditional medicinal knowledge about a noxious weed, jal kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes), in Chhattisgarh (India)

by by P. Oudhia, Department of Agronomy, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur 492001, India, E-mail: pankaj.oudhia@usa.net


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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:


1) Fresh water hyacinth, table salt and Pippali (Piper longum), a common herb, are mixed in equal quantity. 12 grams of this mixture are prescribed for a patient daily until relief is gained.


2) Dried water hyacinth is burnt and taken with fresh cow urine.


In Chhattisgarh, water hyacinth also is used as a styptic. Natives apply fresh juice of the weed in fresh wounds. It is believed to stop the spread of infection. For rice farmers, it is one of the best first aid remedies for minor injuries. In septic wounds, it is applied with vinegar.


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. (1999a) Medicinal weeds in rice fields of Chhattisgarh (India). International Rice Research Notes 24(1):40.


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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