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Herbal Medicine: Exploring Its Scope Across Belief Systems of the Indian Medicine

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Herbal Medicine Phytochemistry

Part of the book series: Reference Series in Phytochemistry ((RSP))

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Abstract

The acceptance and use of any system of medicine is influenced by belief of their practitioners, founders, teachers, and most importantly the general public. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of herbal medicines are utilized worldwide for better heath. The strong belief systems that underpin herbal medicine are crucial to comprehending the concepts of health, disease, disease physiology, disease pathology, and treatment modalities. One of the oldest medical systems is Unani, which primarily uses plants as a form of treatment. The fundamental knowledge of Unani medicine was collected by famous scholars of ancient time like Buqrat (Hippocrates 460 BC, Greece), Jalinoos (Galen 129 CE, Anatolia), Zakariya Razi (Rhazes 854, Persia), Ibn Sina (Avicenna 980, Persia), and later on Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868, India) emerging to be a significant contribution to its spread in India. The foundation of the Unani system is based on the core theory of the seven basic physiological principles, temperament, self-regulating power called “Tabiat,” and six essential factors. Unani scholars employ these theories as therapeutic and diagnostic tools in their clinical practices. Patients and general population’s belief on herbal medicine particularly Unani medicine varies. Some common believes are the following: It is restrained to Muslims only, is harmless, can be taken without advice of a physician directly over the counter, is only effective in chronic diseases, and can be taken in addition along with conventional medicine. The physician should be a religious or spiritual preacher, according to the general public’s perception of Unani practitioners. These viewpoints are similar to those of other branches of traditional medicine, which all employ holistic approaches to treat illnesses rooted in a close connection to the associated religion. As a result, different groups of people favor these branches of medicine for their medical needs.

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Abbreviations

A & UTC:

Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College

AKTC:

Ajmal Khan Tibia College

AYUSH:

Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy

CCIM:

Central Council of Indian Medicine

CCRIM & H:

Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy

CCRUM:

Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine

CT:

Cup** Therapy

IMPCL:

Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited

ISM & H:

Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy

MMT:

The Munzij w Mushil Therapy

NIUM:

National Institute of Unani Medicine

NIUM:

National Medicinal Plants Board

NRHM:

National Rural Health Mission

NTC:

Nizamia Tibbia College

PCIM:

Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine

PLIM:

Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine

RT:

Regimenal Therapy

SEF:

Six Essential Factors

TKDL:

Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

TM:

Traditional Medicine

UM:

Unani Medicine

USM:

Unani System of Medicine

WCT:

Wet cup** Therapy

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Mumbai, India

    Nikhat Shaikh

  2. University Department of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India

    Falak Bamne & Ahmad Ali

  3. Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India

    Munira Momin

  4. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Quality Assurance, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India

    Tabassum Khan

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  1. Nikhat Shaikh
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  2. Falak Bamne
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  3. Ahmad Ali
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  4. Munira Momin
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  5. Tabassum Khan
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Nigeria

    Sylvester Chibueze Izah

  2. Department of Sustainable Development, Appalachian State University, Boone, USA

    Matthew Chidozie Ogwu

  3. Government College, University of Faisalabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Muhammad Akram

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Shaikh, N., Bamne, F., Ali, A., Momin, M., Khan, T. (2024). Herbal Medicine: Exploring Its Scope Across Belief Systems of the Indian Medicine. In: Izah, S.C., Ogwu, M.C., Akram, M. (eds) Herbal Medicine Phytochemistry. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21973-3_46-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21973-3_46-1

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