Seeds of Change: Exploring the Simple Beauty and Rich Benefits of Species Planted for tribals project"

In the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh, valued local trees play a significant role in meeting the nutritional demands of the tribal and indigenous population. The trees aid the forest-dependent communities in the region toward building a sustainable rural economy. The primary goal of this article is to gather precious knowledge of the benefits of the species planted and utilized by the locals.

Bauhinia vahlii (Camel’s Foot Climber)

• Indian name: Taur or Mahul
• Benefits: The taur seeds are edible and eaten both as raw or cooked. It is good source of food. fodder, fuel, fiber, medicine and material for local people. Large leaves of this plant are good source of earning for local people as these are heavily utilized to prepare platters, which are used in every social gathering to serve food. It is of use on rocky or disturbed and bare slopes, where it can quickly clothe the ground and its large leaves protect the soil from erosion. 

Holarrhena antidysentrica (Conessi tree)

• Indian name: Kuda
• Benefits: It is made of dried bark and proven to be a powerful curative agent for fever and chronic colins. Powder of Kuda is used to treat indigestion, abdominal pain and also used to stimulate low digestive fire. Roasted powder of Kuda is recommended to treat vomiting.

Terminalia arjuna (Arjun)

• Indian name: Arjuna
• Benefits: A decoction of the bark with milk is used as a beverage. In India, it is one of the most religious and sacred trees. The bark is a cardiac tonic, lowers blood pressure and reduces blood cholesterol levels. It is also of value in helping to maintain a steady heartbeat.

Terminalia bellirica (Bedda Nut Tree)

• Indian name: Baheda
• Benefits: In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Baheda is known as "Bibhitaki;" in its fruit form it is used in the popular Indian herbal rasayana treatment triphala. The fruit is used internally principally in the treatment of digestive and respiratory problems. The fruit is often used to treat upper respiratory tract infections that cause symptoms of sore throats, hoarseness and coughs.

Tamarandus indica (Tamarind)

• Indian name: Imli
• Benefits: Tamarind is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, known for its tangy flavour. It has various health benefits and is used in traditional medicine. Tamarind can be eaten fresh (ripe or unripe) and it can be consumed processed into different products.

Mangifera indica (Mango)

• Indian name: Aam
• Benefits: Mango is one of the most popular of all tropical fruits. The juice of the tree of Mangifera Indica is a restorative tonic and can be used to relieve heat strokes.

Pongamia pinnata (Pongam Tree)

• Indian name: Karanja
• Benefits:  The seed oil is given as a stomachic and cholagogue in the treatment of dyspepsia and cases of sluggish liver. It is used externally as a liniment for rubbing on skin diseases and rheumatic joints. A decoction is used as a cough remedy. The leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice for the treatment of parasitic skin diseases and to relieve bleeding haemorrhoids.