Holistic Health Print Unani Medicine Health Benefits and Uses By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD on October 07, 2019 facebook linkedin Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywell's Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Medical Review Board Richard N. Fogoros, MD Updated on October 29, 2019 Maximilian Stock Ltd/Getty Images More in Holistic Health Herbal Medicine Supplements Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Massage Therapy In This Article Table of Contents Expand Principles Treatments History Research Side Effects A Word From Verywell View All Back To Top Unani medicine is a system of alternative medicine that originated in ancient Greece but is now practiced primarily in India. Involving the use of herbal remedies, dietary practices, and alternative therapies, Unani medicine addresses the prevention and treatment of disease. Principles According to practitioners of Unani medicine, achieving a balance of the bodily fluids known as "the four humors" (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) is essential to health. Another key principle of Unani medicine is that disease results from an imbalance in air, earth, water, and fire, four elements thought to comprise all that exists in nature, including the human body. In addition, Unani medicine is partly based on the principle that environmental conditions, including the quality of water and air,) can significantly impact health. Treatments In Unani medicine, conditions are often treated with herbal formulas containing a variety of natural substances. For example, a formula known as Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala contains such botanicals as saffron, cardamom, Indian bay leaf, and citron. Considered a tonic, Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala is said to enhance heart health and aid in the treatment of cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and angina. Commonly prescribed treatments in Unani medicine also include dietary changes, leech therapy, and surgery. 12 Most Common Questions About Insurance and Alternative Medicine History Unani medicine is largely based on principles proposed by such physicians as Hippocrates and Galen. In addition, a number of Arab and Persian scholars (including the Arab philosopher and physicist Avicenna) have contributed to the development of Unani medicine. The word "Unani" means "Greek" in Arabic. Unani medicine was introduced in India around the tenth century. Research Although recent scientific research on the health effects of Unani medicine is extremely limited, there's some evidence from animal studies that certain treatments used in Unani medicine may have some benefits. Here's a look at several key findings from the available studies: Arthritis Majoon Suranjan (an herbal formula used in Unani medicine) shows promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, according to one study. In tests on rats, researchers found that Majoon Suranjan (which contains ginger, aloe vera, and other substances) may help treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. Cataracts Another herbal formula used in Unani medicine, Kohl-Chikni Dawa may help protect against cataracts. In the study, diabetic rats demonstrated that treatment with eyedrops containing Kohl-Chikni Dawa helped inhibit cataract development. Along with glaucoma, cataracts are common among people with diabetes. Brain Health One of the formulas widely used in Unani medicine is Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala, a preparation that contains dozens of natural substances (including saffron, cardamom, Indian bay leaf, and citron). It may help prevent aging-related impairments in brain function, suggests a rat-based study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006. The study's authors determined that the antioxidant-rich formula may help preserve brain health by protecting against the harmful effects of free radicals. Side Effects Certain treatments used in Unani medicine (such as certain herbal preparations) may be harmful to some people. Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. While consumers face such risks when purchasing any dietary supplement, these risks may be of greater magnitude in the purchase of products containing a variety of herbs in varying doses. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. It should also be noted that Unani medicine is not a licensed health profession in the United States. The Health Benefits of Thunder God Vine A Word From Verywell Research on Unani medicine is extremely limited and has mostly been done on animals, not humans. If you're considering the use of Unani medicine in the treatment of any health condition, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before beginning treatment. Keep in mind that self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. Unani medicine is somewhat similar to ayurvedic medicine, a form of alternative medicine that originated in India. Several other antioxidant-rich substances may help protect brain health as you age. For example, studies show that increasing your intake of resveratrol and green tea may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nazmi AS, Ahmad SJ, Rashikh A, Akhtar M, Pillai KK, Najmi AK. Protective effects of 'Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala', a unani formulation against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Toxicol Mech Methods. 2011;21(1):41-7. doi:10.3109/15376516.2010.529188 Singh S, Nair V, Gupta YK. Antiarthritic activity of majoon suranjan (a polyherbal Unani formulation) in rat. Indian J Med Res. 2011;134:384-8. Siddiqui TA, Shadab Z, Nishat I, Ayasha N, Zehra Z, Alavi SH. Anticataract activity of Kohl-Chikni Dawa--a compound ophthalmic formulation of Unani medicine in alloxan-diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;86(1):109-12. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(03)00046-1 Khan MB, Hoda MN, Yousuf S, et al. Prevention of cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration by Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;108(1):68-73. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2006.04.012 Dwyer JT, Coates PM, Smith MJ. Dietary Supplements: Regulatory Challenges and Research Resources. Nutrients. 2018;10(1). doi:10.3390/nu10010041 Additional Reading Ahmad S, Rehman S, Ahmad AM, et al. Khamiras, a natural cardiac tonic: An overview. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2010 Apr;2(2):93-9. Lone AH, Ahmad T, Anwar M, Habib S, Sofi G, Imam H. Leech therapy- a holistic approach of treatment in unani (greeko-arab) medicine. Anc Sci Life. 2011 Jul;31(1):31-5. Rahman SZ, Khan RA, Latif A. Importance of pharmacovigilance in Unani system of medicine. Indian J Pharmacol. 2008 Feb;40(Suppl 1):S17-20.