By Dr Kasturi Desai
we have reached the third Sunday of Shravan. Locally, the leaves used for Aitar pujan are very interestingly named such that they are very easy for the kids to identify and collect.
Today, we start with a leaf belonging to a Fern group, that is a group which are recognised by their elaborate leaves and they do not bear any flowers and fruits. Botanically this plant is Athyrium hohenackeranum, and in Konkani they call it Ghodyachi jhibli, meaning tongue of a horse. It is very interesting to note that though the direct use of this plant is not known, the other species of the same plant are eaten by including them in salads. Scientific research has sited that this plant has the potential for being used as medicine in future
Two other interesting ferns used in Aitar pujan are Ramachin botan meaning Ram’s fingers as the plant rightly resemble five fingers and Ramachin Paola, meaning Ram’s feet. Both these plant are two different species of Lygodium. The first plant is used locally to cure cough in children. Among the folk medicines of Tibet, China and Japan both these plants are used as medicines. This shows how limited our knowledge is; there is a possibility that our elders knew its use but it is not recorded today.
The next plant is interesting in the sense that one of the local names of this plant is maad. Actually, all palms are referred to as Maad. But this is a small herb of about three to four cm above the ground having a crown of leaves on top, like the palm. They have yellow flowers. Since, it also resembles an umbrella; it is also called Satri. The entire plant is used in Ayurveda and in folk medicines. It is a tonic and stimulant and used in chest complaints, convulsions, cramps and inflammatory tumours. The ash mixed with lemon juice is given for relief from stomach-ache. The roots and the leaves are used to arrest haemorrhage that is bleeding. Decoction of the leaves is given in diabetes, asthma and phthisis. Powdered seeds are applied to abscesses to promote suppuration.
Another plant which resembles a palm is Rhynchospora wightiana and is locally called Bhillmad. Well, this plant finds its use as green manure and fodder. The tribals of Java have been using this plant as medicine but our researched knowledge falls short once again!
One plant that fascinates both children and adults is Laj or Lajalu or in English, the touch-me-not. Botanically it is Mimosa pudica. The leaves and the roots are useful to treat kidney stones and other diseases of the kidney. Half a cup of an infusion of the leaves is recommended to treat kidney complaints. The juice of the entire leaf and the roots with milk is given to treat piles and fistula. In large doses the decoction of the root is poisonous as it acts as an emetic, inducing vomiting. The leaf juice is also externally used as dressing for sinus, fistula sores and abscesses. Application of paste of the leaves is used to get relief from glandular swellings. Application of the juice of the whole plant helps to arrest bleeding. A hot infusion or decoction of the leaves is used as a hip bath for relief of pain of the hips and kidneys.
A number of varieties of grass are seen in this season. Though most of them look similar, botanically they are placed in two different groups. One group is Cyperaceae, identified by the presence of three angled stems and the other Poaceae with round stem. One common member of Cyperaceae is Cyperus rotundus locally called, Bimblo. The bulbous roots are pungent, aromatic and acrid and are used as an agent to induce perspiration. A little of the root is scraped and given with ginger and honey to treat stomach and intestinal disorders. An infusion of the roots is administered to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and infection of round worms in the stomach. It is also effective in treating vomiting, cholera and in fevers. A poultice of the root is applied to the breast of nursing mothers to promote the flow of milk. The poultice also gives relief to wounds, sores and ulcers. The climate of Goa facilitates the growth of many types of ferns, but unfortunately much research is not done to find the uses of this group of plants.
