Treatments
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Gastritis / Acidity
Gastritis/Acidity in Unani medicine is caused by an imbalance in the stomach’s temperament, often due to excessive heat or poor dietary habits. It leads to inflammation and increased secretion of acidic fluids. Treatment includes cooling and soothing herbs, dietary adjustments (Ilaj bil Ghiza), and strengthening digestion with herbal formulations (Ilaj bil Dawa). Regimental therapies like Hijama may also be used to relieve symptoms and restore balance.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic Ulcers in Unani medicine are seen as ulcers in the stomach or intestinal lining caused by excessive heat and bile (Safra), poor digestion, and dietary irritants. Treatment focuses on correcting the temperament, using soothing and cooling herbs, mucilaginous substances like Sapistan and Tukhme Khashkhash, and dietary regulation (Ilaj bil Ghiza) to heal the lining, reduce inflammation, and restore digestive harmony.
Duodenal Ulcer
Duodenal Ulcer is caused by an imbalance of hot and dry temperament, leading to irritation and ulceration in the intestinal lining. Treatment includes cooling and healing herbs such as Mulethi and Gule Surkh, a soft and non-irritating diet, and stress management. Regimental therapies like leech therapy and massage help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair naturally.
GERD
GERD results from a weakening of the digestive temperament, causing upward movement of acidic humors into the esophagus. Contributing factors include overeating, improper food combinations, and stress. Management involves strengthening digestion with herbs like Aslus Soos (liquorice) and Zanjabeel (ginger), regulating diet to avoid irritants, and applying regimental therapies to balance gastric heat and support harmonious digestion.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) arises from a disturbance in the balance of humors, especially cold and moist or cold and dry temperaments, affecting intestinal function. Symptoms like bloating, cramps, and irregular bowel movements are managed through digestive-strengthening herbs such as Zanjabeel and Asl-us-Soos, a light, easily digestible diet, and calming regimens to reduce stress and restore gut harmony.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic Constipation is often due to dryness and cold temperament affecting the intestines, leading to sluggish bowel movement. Treatment focuses on moistening and stimulating the digestive tract using herbs like Turbud, Ispaghula, and Sana. A fiber-rich, easily digestible diet, adequate hydration, and regimental practices like abdominal massage and moderate exercise help restore regularity and bowel balance.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic Diarrhea is often due to weakened digestion and an excess of cold and moist humors affecting intestinal function. Treatment focuses on strengthening the stomach and intestines using astringent and warming herbs like Zanjabeel and Asl-us-Soos, along with a bland, easily digestible diet. Regimental measures such as dry cupping and abdominal massage help regulate bowel movement and restore balance.
Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Hemorrhoids (Piles) are caused by accumulation of heat and dryness in the intestines, leading to swelling and inflammation of the veins around the rectum. Treatment involves cooling and laxative herbs like Isphaghol and Amaltas, blood-purifying preparations, and a moist, fiber-rich diet. Regimental therapies such as leech therapy and sitz baths help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and support healing.
Fissures
Fissures are caused by an imbalance of heat and dryness, leading to cracks and tears in the anal region. Treatment involves soothing, cooling herbs like Neem and Amla, along with dietary adjustments to ensure soft stools and proper digestion. Sitz baths with herbal infusions and gentle massage therapies help reduce pain and inflammation, while maintaining proper hydration and stress management aids in natural healing.
Abscess
Abscess occurs due to the accumulation of morbid humors, leading to localized infection and pus formation. Treatment focuses on balancing the body’s temperament and using purifying herbs like Neem and Turmeric to reduce inflammation. Regimental therapies such as Hijama (cupping) and local poultices help in draining and healing the abscess while preventing further complications. Proper diet and hygiene are also crucial for recovery.
Indigestion
Indigestion results from an imbalance in digestive heat (Hararat-e-Mahzi) and weak stomach function. Treatment involves strengthening the digestive fire with warming herbs like Ajwain and Saunf, and consuming easily digestible foods. Proper diet (Ilaj bil Ghiza) and herbal formulations are used to improve digestion, while regimental therapies like gentle massage and hot compresses help stimulate digestive activity and restore balance.
Intestinal Worms
Intestinal Worms are caused by an imbalance in the digestive system, leading to accumulation of toxins and disturbed gut function. Treatment focuses on purging the worms using natural anthelmintic herbs like Tukhm-e-Kalonji and Tukhm-e-Hindi. A mild, easy-to-digest diet is recommended, alongside detoxification therapies like Qurs and Hijama to cleanse the body and restore digestive balance.