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Bar or Bargad is a large spreading evergreen tree extending laterally by sending down aerial roots, which grow in thickness and form pillars supporting the branches. It is sacred in India. It is planted mostly for its nice shady canopy and its religious connotations. Bar is present in Chhattisgarh since generations. The villages named due to heavy natural population of this herb, viz. Bargaon, Bargarh, etc. clearly proves this. It is one of the most common trees found in typical Chhattisgarh village. Without this tree in any painting competitions, the judges reject the paintings. Last week, when I was attending a painting competition, as judge, at Mahakaushal Kala Vithika, Raipur, the well known art gallery of Chhattisgarh, Mr. Rajesh Ganodwale from media, attracted by attention towards decreasing natural population of Bar trees in Chhattisgarh and requested me to organize a special photography competition focused on Bar trees in Chhattisgarh. I am convinced with him and now planning seriously for this competition. Although the aerial roots of Bar can cause damage to homes, but the natives are aware of that the presence of Bar tree in their home gardens is beneficial for them. It is common belive among the natives, that this presence brings happiness and prosperity. It is mentioned in ancient Indian literatures that trees like Bar, Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Neem etc. purifies the atmosphere and now modern research have also confirmed this important fact. The villages of Chhattisgarh are still free from industrial and other populations, like urban areas. In villages, old Bar trees are still present but in urban areas due to urbanization and other development activities, it is very hard to find this herb. In fact, its presence in large number is essential in heavily polluted urban areas, as air purifier. Although now all of us are aware of Bar’s unique enviro qualities but it is realised that local administration is planting exotic trees under social and agroforestry schemes. I have yet not heard about any programme in my country, in which the plantation of Bar is under promotion. Through this article, I would like to request the concerned officials to think on this important aspect also. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. As our fore fathers were aware of air purifying, and medicinal properties as well as uses of this herb, they associated the information of happiness and prosperity with this herb. This is the result of their experiences and blessings that today Bar is still an important and sacred tree for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. The natives informed that one must not plant the Bar tree in west direction. Like Bar, Pipal on east, and Gular (Ficus glomerata) on North are restricted. The natives have no scientific explanation for this belief but they are strictly following this rule since generation. I am trying my best to find scientific explanation.

I feel that this scientific explanation will motivate the present and upcoming generation to respect these beliefs with confidence. In urban areas, the natives living in small homes and at crowded streets, have found Bonsai culture very useful to maintain the Bar tree in there small home gardens. Although the traditional healers are not happy with this practice but I feel that seeing their problems, a little bit modification can be adopted. As sacred tree and also for ornamental purpose, one can plant this Bonsai version of Bar in home gardens but the traditional healers warns the natives to not to use different parts of Bonsai Bar as medicine, as according to them, it may cause more harmful effects as compared to natural Bar tree. This is a matter of scientific investigation. I have not compared the medicinal properties of both versions, but I am convinced with the healers that by disturbing the natural growth, we can loose its medicinal properties. In reference literature, I have yet not been found any clarifications. This is new field on which the young herb researchers can focus their studies. In ancient literatures, it is also mentioned that one must plant atleast two new plants of Bar in his or her life in order to get free from Apradh (crimes) done in this life. The Bar trees presence in Chhattisgarh, clearly indicate that the native have followed the instructions sincerely. But the number of strict followers are decreasing with alarming rates. The natives collect the aerial roots on Thursdays and after small worship, keep it in their cash lockers. It is common belief among them, that the presence of these roots, increases the cash in flow. I have found these roots as insect repellent. How the presence of these roots increases the cash inflow, is a matter of scientific investigation. The natives associated with Tantra activities, collect the orchids of Bar tree at special occasion and keep it with them. It is common belief that its presence repels away all evil-spirits. The Bar plant growing under the shade of big Bar tree is also considered as thing of good luck and prosperity. The natives visit to this small plant and after giving invitation through worship, that ‘I am collecting you, please take place in my home garden, where I will take all cares life long.’ Next day, early morning before sun rise, they again visit same place and dig out the new plant carefully and plant it at home gardens. This practice is still in good shape and in existence in rural and forest areas. The traditional healers use the wood pieces of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea), Bar and Pipal in treatment of patients suffering from mental troubles. During attack, the healers burn all the wood pieces, and suggests the patients to inhale the fumes. They also utter Mantras during this treatment. They also advise them to take bath with water having fresh young leaves of Bar in it. The natives offer the latex of Bar to different Gods, during worship. On every Saturday, the natives offer cow milk nearer the roots of Bar and worship the trees. The traditional healers informed that the cow milk is good for the growth and development of Bar tree. So, when the natives offer cow milk, the trees grow vigorously and as trees look healthy, the natives think that now their bad days are over and the time of happiness is near, I am really fortunate to document this unique information. In present article, I am describing the results of my ethnobotanical surveys conducted among the selected traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains. As Bar is present in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh, a lot of ethno information are available. In other parts, my surveys are in progress and I will write about the results in my future articles. At first I am describing the botany and reported medicinal uses of Bar.

According to reference literatures, Bar is a large evergreen tree, spreading horizontal branches from which numerous thick, fibrous aerial roots descent. When they reach the ground, they take root and develop into new trunks, helping to spread the crown, Crown upto 150 meters in diameter supported by more than 100 root-drop trunks, height 24-27 meters; Bark smooth, thick, green when young, grayish white when mature, turning pink when cut, exfoliating in sheaths; Leaves alternate, glabrous when mature, approximate hear the end of branches, ovate, mostly obtuse, base cordate or rounded, thickly coriaceous, basal nerves 3-7, the midrib with 4-6 pairs of secondary nerves, blade 10-20 cm, petiole 2-5 cm long, shoot pubescent, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, sessile, scarlet, red when ripe, male flowers crowded near the mouth of the receptacle, female flowers with shorter perianth, style long, male and female in the same receptacle; Fruits globose, sessile in axillary pairs, 1.5-2.0 cm diameter, red to dark purple when ripe; seeds tiny. Bar holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. As medicine all parts viz. bark, root fibres, leaves, seeds, milky juice etc. are used. According to Ayurveda, Bar is astringent to bowels and useful in treatment of biliousness, ulcers, erysipelas, vomiting, vaginal complaints, fever, inflammations, leprosy etc. According to Unani system of medicine, milky juice is aphrodisiac, tonic, vulnerary, maturant, lessens inflammations and useful in treatment of piles, nose diseases, gonorrhea, etc. The aerial roots are styptic and useful in syphilis, biliousness, dysentery, and liver complaints.

Through my surveys, I have identified forty traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains specialized in use of Bar as medicine. There are more healers using this Bar with other herbs or herbal combinations. As mentioned earlier, the natives are also aware of medicinal uses of different parts of Bar. Here I am describing some traditional uses. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the fruits of Bar as medicine for diabetes. According to them, it is good for treatment and they have not found it as preventive to diabetes. The fruits are collected and after drying converted into powder. A teaspoon full of this powder is given daily with water to the patients as treatment. On the basis of severity and age of the patients, the traditional healers decide the duration of treatment. But they informed that one must not use it whole life considering it as herbal produce having no side-effect. The traditional healers of Basna region, prefer the young leaves in place of fruits. According to them, one can use the leaves more safely as compared to the fruits. The leaves are collected and patients are instructed to swallow it daily. I interviewed the patients using this herb. They were satisfied with the treatment. I have written a lot on traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used in treatment of diabetes in Chhattisgarh. Every traditional healer have their own specific herb or herbal combination and they have reason to give preference to specific herbs among other herbs. I am now realizing that one life is not enough to gather in depth traditional knowledge of even one traditional healer, in true sense. Although as compared to other articles and research notes, my articles are many informative and close to the reality but I want to write more specifically on various issues. Here I would like to request the other researchers to help me in documentation of this knowledge by writing articles on important aspects. As the Bar fruits and leaves, both are used in treatment of diabetes, and both are available free of cost in surroundings (also in abundance); there is a scope of establishing Bar based pharmacies in Chhattisgarh with the joint efforts of governmental and non governmental organisations. During survey, I got an interesting information on use of Bar latex in bird hunting by the hunting tribe, Pardhi of Chhattisgarh. They simply collect the latex and smear it on the branches, where desired bird species visit frequently. When birds come, the sticky latex fix it at branches so effectively as the hunters simply collect it from branches. They have other promising alternatives but Bar latex is used specially to capture the bird species sitting on branches spread over water and where it is very difficult to reach by hiding themselves. This traditional knowledge is still in practice and they are earning from this unique traditional knowledge. The traditional healers also use Bar in treatment of skin troubles. The aerial roots are used very frequently. The dried roots are mixed with fresh cow urine and paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on affected parts as treatment. In many parts, healers also use goat’s urine in place of cow urine. The healers of Bagbahera region prefer the latex for application. The use of latex in treatment of dental troubles is very popular among the natives. They simply apply the latex on painful teeth in order to get immediate relief. The latex is also applied on joints to reduce the joint pains. The traditional healer of Kapsi, prepare a special herbal oil using Bar leaves and use it in treatment of joint pains. The leaves are boiled in base oil and lason buds (Garlic) are added. After evaporation of all watery contents, oil is collected for future use. As base oil, Til oil is used commonly. The healers of other parts are also aware of this oil. Many of them add Mitti ka Tel (Karosene oil) in this oil to make it more effective. In treatment of urinary troubles particularly the polyuria, the healers use to decoction of Bar Chhal (barks) as treatment. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh also use the latex of Bar as aphrodisiac. It is given alone or in combination with other herbs. But as other promising alternatives are available, it is used less frequently by them.

The above mentioned traditional uses, clearly indicates the importance of Bar tree among the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. Thank you very much for reading the article.

Pankaj Oudhia

There are over hundred villages having names due to heavy natural population of Doomar trees in these villages. Doomar, DoomarTarai Doomarpali etc. are some examples. These village names are proof that Doomar is not a new herb for the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. For the natives, it is very important herbs as they use it in many worship ceremonies and festivals. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are well aware of important medicinal properties and uses of Doomar. They are using different parts of Doomar as medicine in the treatment of over 50 common diseases both internally and externally. During my ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted many valuable information on traditional uses of Doomar. You will be surprised to know that the traditional healers use the common insects feeding on Doomar fruits, as medicine. According to them the insects with full stomach (after complete feeding) possess more valuable medicinal properties as compared to Doomar fruits on which they feed. The healers use dried insect powder very frequently in different herbal combinations. It is also used as an alternative to Doomar fruits. The use of insects feeding on Doomar fruits as medicine is not reported in reference literatures. I am proud to write that this is the discovery of traditional healers of Chhattisgarh and its most frequent uses in different herbal combinations clearly indicate that the insects have some specific medicinal properties. I personally feel that this is new field and through this article, I would like to request the researchers to start systematic research on this important aspect. Doomar is not under cultivation in Chhattisgarh. As non-wood forest produce, there is no routine demand of different parts. This is the reason , that there is no threat on its natural population. Not much have been done by early workers on ethnobotany of Doomar in Chhattisgarh. Through my ethnobotanical surveys, I have collected many rare and valuable information on traditional medicinal knowledge and uses of this important herb. Before describing these uses, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Doomar is medium tall tree having height upto 16 meters; Bark reddish grey, often cracked; Leaves dark green, 7.5-10.0 cm long, ovate or elliptic covered with white dots, acute, but little narrowed to the base, 3-nerved, veiny, on the upper side dark-green and shining, on the under very much marked with green dots; petiole half an inch long and more; Fruit racemose, resemble the figs (also known as Foolish’s fig), green when raw, orange, dull reddish or dark crimson on ripening; Seeds innumerable, tiny and grain-like. As medicine, Doomar holds a reputed position in all systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, roots are useful in hydrophobia whereas bark is acrid, cooling, galactagogue and good for gynaecological disorders. Fruits are astringent to bowels, styptic, tonic and useful in treatment of leucorrhoea, blood disorders, burning sensation, fatigue, urinary discharges, leprosy, menorrhagia, epistaxis and intestinal worms. According to Unani system of medicine, leaves are astringent to bowels and good in case of bronchitis, whereas fruits are useful in treatment of dry cough, loss of voice, diseases of kidney and spleen. Bark is useful in Asthma and piles.

Doomar is not recommended for home gardens. It is general belief among natives, the presence of Doomar in home garden may cause harmful effects on family. As researcher, I interpritate this recommendation in other way. Because Doomar is a big tree and like trees of Bar (Ficus benghalensis) and Pipal (Ficus religiosa), its roots can cause damage to structures of house, the forefathers have instructed the natives not to plant this herb in the home gardens. Many natives use the parts of Doomar for Tantra activities. It is really surprising that the natives never root out the spontaneously growing Doomar tree from home gardens. To nullify its harmful effects they plant Sita Ashok (Saraca indica) herb near to Doomar. I am trying to reveal the scientific part of this recommendation. In ancient Indian literatures, it is clearly mentioned that one should plant atleast eight trees of Doomar in life.

The natives of Chhattisgarh are aware of this quote and they are sincerely following it. This is the reason, Doomar is present in Chhattisgarh since generations. In rural areas the natives pierce iron rod or screw in stem of old Doomar trees. According to the natives, this piercing practice is adopted by the natives having mental problem. Also , this piercing protect their families from evil-spirits. The traditional healers of Nandini-Ahiwara region, informed me the although this piercing practice seems to be associated with the faith, but this piercing promotes the growth of Doomar tree, and possibly the forefather were aware of this advantage. This is the reason, they associated the faith with this. The beneficial effects of piercing on Tobacco and Papaya plants have been reported and this is in practice. I am confident that the researchers will try to answer and explain the science of important traditional practices. The orchid growing on Doomar tree is also consider as a sign of good luck by the natives. They always keep this orchid in their cash boxes. The use of Doomar roots in treatment of Diabetes is becoming very popular in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are using this promising treatment since generations. Its positive effects are now motivating the patients, tired of allopathic and other medicines, to try it. The natives are also aware of this use but unfortunately, they are not aware of precautions and care that should be taken during its use. This is the reason, the patients always prefer traditional healers for treatment. The traditional healers informed me that if Doomar roots are cut from the main plant, inside the soil, it exudates water. This water possess valuable medicinal properties. The healers collect this water carefully and use it in different ways. At specific doses it is given to diabetic patients early morning (empty stomach). The healers also dip the dried herbs used in treatment of diabetes, in this medicinal water and after sufficient soaking, dry it in shade. After drying it is given to the patients.

According to the healers, this soaking activates the natural chemicals presence inside the dry herbs and makes it more effective. The researchers working on phytochemistry can better understand the term and process of “Activation”. In my previous articles, I mentioned the traditional medicinal knowledge about different herbal glasses in Chhattisgarh. The use of herbal glasses for diabetes is also common and during preparation of these diabetic glasses the traditional healers dip it in different herbal solutions. They also dip it in Doomar root water. The use of Doomar as styptic is reported. Both for external and internal bleeding, the healers use the decoction of Doomar bark. The traditional healers specialised in treatment of gynaecological disorders informed me that Doomar is a valuable herb for them. In case of dysmenorrhoea, they use the decoction of bark internally. One important information, I would like to mention here is that , the healers always use old (at least of ten years age) trees for collection of parts to prepare the drugs. According to them, young trees posses less good natural chemicals and more bad natural chemicals. Unfortunately, the natives and local herb collectors are not aware of this important information , hence they are getting less benefits from Doomar as medicine. After abortion, the healers give the unripe fruits of Doomar with sugar to the patients. The fruits are boiled in milk and used it for same purpose. Like the latex of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea) and gel of Dhikuar (Aloe vera), the latex of Doomar is also capable of dissolving the thorns inside the body. In case of painful boils, like the leaves of Bariyara (Sida acuta), the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, apply the latex on boils to suppress it. The milk or latex of Doomar is used in treatment of Sukhandi (Marasmus) very frequently. The healers give five to six drops of milk with cow milk to the child patients having Sukhandi as treatment. According to them, one should be very cautious in counting the drops, because 15-20 drops in cow milk act as sex tonic and recommended for the young patients having poor vitality and sexual desire. In serious cases of dysentery, the traditional healers use the roots of Doomar. The powdered roots are given with water for immediate and long lasting effects. The natives collect the Doomar fruits and dry it in shade. After drying they convert it into powder. The decoction is prepared using this fruit powder and use it as mouth wash. According to them, this is very useful in case of gum and teeth related diseases. They prefer unripe fruits as compared to matured fruits.

Many of above mentioned uses have not been documented by early workers. The uses of Doomar insects as medicine and the beneficial effects of Doomar root water in diabetes management, are unique information. Many such valuable information are available with the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh. This is our responsibility to document all the traditional knowledge and uses before the great loss. Thank you very much for reading the article.

Pankaj Oudhia