Is Unani Medicine Effective in Chronic Diseases?

Avicenna, also known as Ibn-e-Sina, a well-known scholar of the Unani system of medicine, explains it as the science that explores the various states of the human body. This system of medicine allows practitioners to identify whether a patient is in good health or not, and the consequences of losing health, and how to restore it. 

The Unani system of medicine is an old, traditional system of medicine that is very effective in treating chronic diseases. A successful application of Unani can yield reliable and productive results in treating all types of chronic problems. 

According to estimates, the global market for Unani and Ayurvedic medicine has expanded to more than US$100 billion, of which E.U. (Europe) accounts for about 40%, Japan 20%, and the USA 10%. Asian countries together represent 30% of the global market. This indicates that more people are getting attracted towards this system of medicine to treat their health problems.

Role of Unani Medicine in Chronic Diseases

This system of medicine has experienced an increasing demand due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects towards diseases. Let's now examine some chronic conditions and how the Unani system cures them.

Sinusitis in Unani 

Sinusitis is one of the most common types of allergic diseases that affect people worldwide. It is particularly prevalent among Indians; even more prevalent than Asthma, Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease. 

The Unani medicinal system explains that this condition is caused by the brain's cold morbid temperament (Sue-Mizaaj Baarid) which can be due to exposure to cold air, cold water, and other external factors. The olfactory organs may also be affected by the collection of putrefied matter (Khilt-e-Afin), which can lead to the occurrence of this disease. Cold temperament, old age, and cold season are all contributing factors.

Treatment of Chronic Sinusitis

1. Boiling Eucalyptus leaves and inhaling their steam can provide relief from sinusitis pain. By thinning mucus, sinusitis can better be relieved.
2. Itriphal Ustukhudus contains Amla, Haritaki, Baheda, Lavender, and Amla Bhel that promotes the secretion of phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract. Take one tablespoon twice per day with lukewarm water.
3. Tiryaq Nazla contains Liquorice, Pudina, Gulab, Coriander. These herbs together suppress the symptoms of sinusitis and reduce its severity. Take one tablespoon twice a day.

Arthritis in Unani

According to the WHO, about 0.8% of the population suffers from Arthritis worldwide. In most countries, it is between 0.3 and 1%. In India, over 1% of the population suffers from Arthritis. 

Waja-ul-Mafasil (Arthritis or Arthritis of the joints) is a complex health problem affecting people over fifty years of age in industrialized countries. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, and the major symptom of Arthritis is joint pain.

The joint pain is usually constant and localized to the affected joint, characterized by pain during walking. Along with pain, there is stiffness of joints, swelling, and fatigue. Because of these symptoms, Arthritis’ patients look lean and thin when compared with others. Also, the chances of other diseases, e.g., heart diseases, Diabetes, Hypertension, or intestinal cancer increase. 

Treatment of Arthritis

1. Massaging knees and joints in the morning give instant relief from knee and joint pain symptoms. Using sesame oil, massage stiff and sore joints to improve circulation and decrease inflammation.
2. Habbe Suranjan is one of the most effective medicines to treat knee pain, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve pain and inflammation associated with Arthritis. Take 2 tablets twice a day with plain water.
3. Rogan-e-Surkh stimulates blood circulation of affected areas and reduces swelling. Apply warm oil and massage on the affected area.

Premature Ejaculation (Surat-e-Inzaal) In Unani

It is well known that Unani medicines are excellent for treating sexual problems. These medicines are known to work like a miracle to treat chronic sexual disorders. Surát-e-Anzal, or premature ejaculation, is the most prevalent sexual problem today. It is the uncontrolled discharge of semen during sexual interaction, especially before or shortly after penetration. This condition can be described as ejaculating before the climax. This problem occurs with minimal sexual stimulation during the foreplay or immediately after insertion of the penis or before the person wishes to ejaculate, thus resulting in unsatisfactory sex for both partners. It can also happen when the clothes rub together. At times, the friction of the clothes releases this phenomenon. It may cause anxiety and guilt, which may exacerbate the issue. Almost every man has been affected by this at some point in their life.

Treatment for Premature Ejaculation

1. Majoon E Arad Khurma - It is a natural aphrodisiac and helps increase semen consistency. Take 10-15 grams twice a day.
2. Majoon Salab - It strengthens the sexual organs. Take 10-15 grams twice a day.
3. Qurs Kushta Qalai - It improves the nerves and the thickness of semen. Take two tablets twice a day.
4. Jawarish Jalinoos - It strengthens the kidney and is good for vital organs. Take 1 tablespoon after meals.

Note

To maintain good health, the patients have to follow a strict regimen as per the Unani system of medicine guidelines. Therefore, self-medication is strongly discouraged. To get Unani treatment and advice, patients should visit an authorized Unani Centre or consult an Unani practitioner online at the HealthyBazar website. You can connect with Dr Asfiya Najmi a Unani consultant and Practitioner that deals with various lifestyle issues along with sexual problems.  

Conclusion

The above discussion indicates that Unani Medicine strives to ensure that every individual can lead a healthy lifestyle with the least or no sickness. It is based on the major approaches of health promotion and takes a holistic approach to health care. It is an indisputable fact that the Unani system of medicine is widely accepted around the world since it is affordable, widely accessible, and free of severe side effects. There is an urgent need to establish herbal strategies that support the Unani medical system globally as it has the potential to become a Global Healthcare System.