Medicinal Rice Tenduphool

In Indian state Chhattisgarh, Rice is considered as medicinal plant (Das and Oudhia, 2000a; Oudhia, 2006a, b, and c). Insects attacking on rice are also used in Traditional Healing (Oudhia, 2000b). The Traditional Healers use different parts of medicinal rice in treatment of both common as well as complicated diseases (Oudhia, 2008). The area under traditional medicinal rice is decreasing at alarming rate. Young farmers are taking more interest in new varieties and chemical farming. A detailed Ethnobotanical survey was conducted from year 2001-2007 in Chhattisgarh Plains to enlist medicinal rice and traditional medicinal knowledge about it.  Face to face interactions were done with 150 farmers and Traditional Healers. The survey revealed that poplar medicinal rice Alcha, Laicha, Baisoor, Maharaji, Jhilli, Kanthi Banko, Udan Pakheru, Ramkeli, Shyam Lal, Tenduphool etc. are still under cultivation and in use in Traditional Healing. Detailed information on medicinal rice Tenduphool was collected.

Tenduphool is Haruna i.e. early maturing rice. Farmers raise it in upland. Crop depends on rainwater. They avoid applying chemical inputs. In general organic farming is practiced. They use herbs like Negur (Vitex negundo), available in surroundings to manage pest. They informed that Tenduphool is attacked by fewer insects. They consume its grains. The Traditional Healers informed that regular use of this rice throughout year develops natural resistance. They claimed that you will never find modern seasonal diseases in houses where this medicinal rice is used round the year. In treatment of Heart troubles patients are suggested to consume this rice with Kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum) in order to increase the efficacy of herbal formulations. The Healers complained that earlier this type was more pure and more effective in treatment. Now it is loosing its many medicinal properties. The Healers having expertise in treatment of Type II Diabetes informed that patients are advised to use herbal bed while taking internal remedies. In such bed, flowers and leaves and many times in combinations, are spread and patients are suggested to lay with maximum exposure. When they use forest flowers to prepare herbal bed cover they add new leaves of medicinal rice Tenduphool in order to increase its efficacy.  Tenduphool Leaves are also added in over 150 herbal formulations used externally in treatment of many diseases. Earlier Healers were preparing herbal oil by using leaves as main ingredient. The Healers of present generation are using it less commonly. They have other promising alternatives. Roots of medicinal rice Tenduphool are used both internally as well as externally. The Healers add it in popular smoke in order to increase its performance. Roots are added in herbal formulations used externally in treatment of Piles. Such formulations are burnt and fumes are directed towards Piles. It gives immense relief and also helps in stopping bleeding. Extracts and leachate of different parts of this medicinal rice are used to enrich different trees with medicinal properties. This medicinal rice is an integral part of Traditional Allelopathic Knowledge. These extracts and leachate are used both alone as well as in combination with other extracts and leachates.

The reference literatures are lacking information about this Traditional Medicinal Rice Tenduphool. It seems that this research note is first written document on this aspect. The survey revealed that there is need to conserve traditional medicinal rice and promote its organic cultivation. Also there is need to conduct such surveys in other parts of Chhattisgarh.  

References

Das, GK and Oudhia P. (2000a). Rice as a medicinal plant in Chhattisgarh, India. NBPGR Newsletter 122:46

Oudhia, P. (2000b). Traditional medicinal knowledge about green leaf hopper, Nephotettix spp. in Chhattisgarh (India). International Rice Research Notes.25(3):40.

Oudhia, P. (2006a). Ignored Medicinal Rice in Chhattisgarh needing immediate attention. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2006b). Shurbut And Medicinal Rice cure vomiting. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2006c).Its time to gain from Rice not to blame it. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). One Day in Chhura forest region, Chhattisgarh, India rich in floral and faunal diversity. Part-I: Medicinal Rice and Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about it. http://www.Ecoport.org

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