Unani Medicine: History, Principles, Benefits, and Safety Explained
Since time immemorial, man has been discovering the organic processes that can help him maintain health and balance. Traditional systems of medicine – long before today’s modern hospitals and labs took shape were already placing people on the path to wellness. One of these ancient systems is Unani medicine – a holistic approach to wellness that emphasises balance, lifestyle and natural treatments.
Staying aware of unani medicine history can help you understand the way this system developed throughout different cultures and how it has continued being significant to the present day. Originating in ancient Greece and developed systemically in the Islamic world, the practice of Unani medicine traveled over time and around the world. Unani medicine has its deep roots lying in philosophy, observation and complete respect for nature.
Currently, Unani medicine enjoys the status of a traditional system in several countries and is being studied for its preventive as well as curative aspects. This article provides a clear and informative account of the history, principles, applications and safety of IRT
What Is Unani Medicine?
Unani is a system of traditional medicine that originated in Greece and later became established in Persia, India, and other countries. It is based on a principle that the human body needs to be in balance as opposed to simply treating symptoms.
Key Features Include:
- Holistic view of health
- Emphasis on lifestyle and diet
- Use of natural substances
- Personalized approach
The system considers that health is based on equilibrium between physical, mental and environmental elements.
History of Unani Medicine: From Where It Started
More than 25 centuries ago, the unani medicine history began. The word “Unani” comes from “Greek,” reflecting its origins.
Ancient Greek Foundations
Unani medicine first appeared in the 10th–11th century, in ancient Greece, when the ideas and concepts relating to prevention and cure of diseases were developed by scholars.
Key contributors include:
- Hippocrates (460–370 BCE)
- Galen (129–216 CE)
Hippocrates introduced the idea that:
- Disease is natural, not supernatural
- When the body is in balance, it remains healthy
These principles served as the foundation of that system.
Unani Medicine History and Islamic Golden Age
Unani medicine system started from the Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th century).
Role of Muslim Scholars
Student saved translated and elaborated upon Greek medical texts. Important contributors include:
- Ibn Sina (Avicenna)
- Al-Razi (Rhazes)
In the West, Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine lasted for over 600 years.
According to historical records:
- Until the 17th century, The Canon of Medicine was used as a text book in European universities.
- It shaped the way medical ideas were both written and thought about.
This was the period which gave an organized form of Unani medicne.
Transmission of Unani Medicine to the Indian Subcontinent
Contact of Unani with South Asia was achieved by:
- Trade routes
- Scholars
- Royal patronage
In India, Unani system of medicine was introduced by Arabs and soon it took firm roots in the soil.
Key Developments:
- Establishment of teaching centers
- Development of pharmacopoeias
- Integration with local herbs
Today, India has:
- Government-recognized Unani colleges
- With 250,000 odd registered practitioners in Unani (AYUSH data)
This is evidence of the legacy of unani medicine history.
Core Principles of Unani Medicine
Theory of Four Humours
The following are some of the teachings which are taught in unani medical colleges: Theory Unani system regards that the body and all things depend on —the harmony, balance equilibrium of these four humours.
- Blood (Dam)
- Phlegm (Balgham)
- Yellow bile (Safra)
- Black bile (Sauda)
Health is the harmony of these humours.
Concept of Mizaj (Temperament)
Every individual possesses its own ‘nature’ (in Urdu called Mizaj).
Types include:
- Hot
- Cold
- Moist
- Dry
Treatment relies on an individual’s Mizaj, so it is personalized.
Treatment In Unani System of Medicine
It is done in unani medicine in a sequential manner:
Lifestyle Management (Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer)
- Sleep routines
- Physical activity
- Stress management
Diet Therapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza)
- Food selection based on temperament
- Seasonal diet planning
Natural Medicines (Ilaj-bil-Dawa)
- Herbs
- Minerals
- Natural compounds
Regimental Therapy
- Massage
- Cupping
- Bath therapies
This structured approach is based on the observation made by practitioners of unani medicine over hundreds of years.
Advantages of Unani Medicine (Historical as well as Educational Background)
In Unani, treatment is centered on prevention and balance rather than rapid relief.
Key Educational Benefits
- Holistic approach to health
- Emphasis on root causes
- Personalized care model
- Strong focus on lifestyle correction
According to WHO reports:
- More than 80% of the population in the world relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care.
This is the reason systems like Unani are still applicable.
Unani Medicine and Its Safety: Here is All You Need to Know
It is important to be safe when you study any traditional system of knowledge.
General Safety Principles
Unani medicine emphasizes:
- Correct diagnosis
- Proper dosage
- Qualified practitioner guidance
Government Regulation
In India:
- Unani system is supervised by the Ministry of AYUSH
- Education follows standardized BUMS curriculum
Important Safety Notes
And just because something’s “natural” doesn’t mean it isn’t without its dangers.
- Self-medication should be avoided
- Quality and authenticity matter
Responsible use is consistent with the ethics of unani medicine origin and application.
In the Modern Context: Unani Medicine
Unani medicine is practised even now in conjunction with modern health care system.
Modern developments include:
- Scientific research on herbs
- Standardization of formulations
- Integration in public health systems
Countries recognizing Unani medicine include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
This recent recognition speaks volume of the history of Unani medicine and its organized principles.
Conclusion
Unani medicine is more than 1,000-year-old tradition. It is a describable philosophy-based system which has developed over thousands of years. By tracing the history of unani medicine, we can glimpse how knowledge moved from Greece to the Islamic world and then on to South Asia.
The unani medicine history presents us with a system based on observation, balance and ethics. Its tenets of personality, lifestyle and diet are applicable even in today’s wellness-obsessed culture.
Used and taught responsibly, there is much in Unani that we can take on board with regards to the art of feeling good. However, knowledge, consciousness and expert direction are still necessary before it can be used safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. On what is unani medicine history based?
Unani medicine (also from Arabic yūnānī “Greek”) is based on the concept of the four humours: Phlegm (، balgham), Blood, Yellow bile, Black bile; and the cause of all diseases are due to excess or deficit of one or more of these. It was transmitted to them during their invasion and rule over Persia They developed their own system which they should be given credit for.
Q2. What is the source of unani medicine?
The origin of the Unani medicine is Greece.[Galen], Roman (Byzantine) with later persian and Islamic contributions; It then developed in to South Asia.
Q3. Is Unani medicine scientifically recognized?
It is a traditional system of medicine which used to be practiced in the mughal era and is now regulated in India by the ministry of AYUSH.
Q4. Is Unani medicine safe?
Unani medicine is safe with suitable dosage and under the care of qualified practitioners.
Q5. What is the difference between Unani medicine and Ayurveda?
Both are rooted in philosophy—Unani medicine revolves around humours and temperament, while Ayurveda is based on the idea of doshas. Both are “holistic,” but very different philosophically.
Author Information
Dr. Saleha Parveen
BUMS Doctor
Traditional Medicine Researcher
Expertise in Unani health-care teaching and awareness