Unani medicine is an alternative medicine method that originated in ancient Greece. But people in India mainly practice it now. It involves the use of herbal treatments, dietary habits, and complementary treatments. Unani medicine addresses the treatment and prevention of diseases.
Principles of Unani Medicine
According to their practitioners, achieving a balance of body fluids known as “the four humors” (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) is important to health.
In Unani medicine, the principle is that the imbalance of air, earth, water, and fire causes the illness. Four components comprise everything that remains in nature, including the human body.
Besides that, Unani treatment believes that environmental factors may significantly affect health.
History of the Unani Medicine
Unani medicine is the result of principles suggested by physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen.
Many Arab and Persian scholars have contributed to Unani medicine’s creation.
It has an outstanding record in India. The Arabs and Persians introduced it during the 11th century. India is one of the leading countries concerned with the practice of medicine in Unani. India has the highest number of educational, study, and health institutions.
The evolution of medicine is as ancient as man himself is. Every civilization has its system of medicine, so is the Greek civilization. The Unani medicine method (Greek medicine) rose from the land of Greece (Unan). Hippocrates (460-377 BC) set down the foundation. The theories of Hippocrates, Galen is its base. Arab, Persian physicians such as Rhazes, Avicenna, and so many others built it into an elaborate medicinal method.
Unani medicine is somewhat similar to ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine developed in India.
Treatment of Unani Medicine
In Unani medicine, disorders are often treated with herbal formulations containing several natural substances. E.g., the formula known as Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala contains botanicals such as:
- The Safran
- Cardamom
- Indian bay leaf;
- Citron
Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala is said to improve cardiac health. And it helps to treat cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure and angina.
Although according to Unani medicine, the treatment of every illness depends on the diagnosis of the disease. Hence, proper diagnosis depends on the patient’s signs and temperament.
However like Ayurveda, Unani depends on the theory of the existence of the components of the human body. According to Unani medicine followers, these components are present in fluids. So, their balance leads to health, and their imbalance leads to sickness.
According to Unani practitioners, the failure of Quwwat-e-Mudabbira-e-Badan, or the body’s ability to preserve its health, can disturb the normal balance of the body’s akhlat (humor). For example, abnormal moods lead to pathological changes in tissues at the affected site. As a result, this creates clinical manifestations of illness. Hence, the theory is that there is blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile in the human body. So this means each person’s mizaj (temperament) determines the unique mixture of these substances. Therefore, the predominance of blood gives a blood temperament. Similarly, the predominance of phlegm renders one phlegmatic; yellow bile, bilious (or choleric).
Once the diagnosis of the condition is complete, treatment follows the following pattern:
- Izalae Sabab (elimination of cause)
- Tadeele Akhlat (normalization of humor)
- Tadeele Aza (normalization of tissues and organs)
Treatment entails regimental treatment known as Ilaj-Bil-Tadbeer. These treatments include tapping, aromatherapy, bloodletting, bathing, yoga, and dalak (massaging the body). It can also involve the prescription of surgery or Unani drugs.
Commonly prescribed therapies in Unani medicine include lifestyle modifications, leech therapy, and surgery.
How does Unani medicine work?
Our environmental factors influence health. The balance between the human body and the environment is, therefore, essential. For instance, pollution and unsanitary conditions make the body weak, and medicines are needed to overcome weakness. Hence, medicine helps to collect the disease-causing agent in the body. So, the natural forces are found in the body to maintain the body in a disease-free state.
Research of Unani Medicine
Recent scientific research on the health impacts of Unani medicine is extremely limited. There is some evidence from animal experiments that suggest that Unani medicine may benefit.
Arthritis
Majoon Suranjan is promising in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, according to one report. Majoon Suranjan is a herbal formula used in Unani medicine.
In rat experiments, researchers have found that Majoon Suranjan (including ginger, aloe vera, and other substances) may help treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation.
Cataracts
Kohl-Chikni Dawa can help protect against cataracts, another herbal formula used in Unani medicine.
Diabetic rats showed that treatment with it containing eyedrops helped inhibit cataract development. In addition to glaucoma, cataracts are widespread among people with diabetes.
Brain Health
Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala is one of the most commonly used formulations in Unani medicine. This preparation includes hundreds of natural substances (including saffron, cardamom, bay leaf).
Researchers published rat-based research in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006. It showed that Unani medicine can help reduce age-related impairments in brain function. The authors of the study determined that the antioxidant-rich formula can help preserve brain health. It preserves brain health by protecting from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Side Effects of Unani Medicine
Some of the Unani medicine treatments can be dangerous to certain people. Keep in mind that nutrients have not been tested for safety. And dietary supplements are largely unregulated.
In certain cases, the product can provide doses that vary from the amount specified for each herb. In other cases, other substances, such as metals, can contaminate the product.
You face such risks when you buy any dietary supplement. These risks could be of greater significance when you purchase products that contain a range of herbs at varying doses.
Researchers didn’t test the safety of supplementation in:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Children
- Those with medical problems or taking medications
You should remember that Unani medicine is not a licensed medical practice in the United States.
The Bottom Line
Study on Unani medicine is minimal and mainly done on animals, not on humans. Suppose you are considering using Unani medication to treat some medical problem. Then please contact your health care provider before starting treatment.
Please keep in mind that self-treatment and ignoring treatment can have serious consequences.
Several other antioxidant-rich substances can help protect your brain’s health as you age. For example, studies suggest that green tea consumption can help reduce Alzheimer’s disease.
