Health and Fitness

The Origin of Humoral Medicine

When Adam descended from Paradise, God  taught him the workmanship of everything including all necessary aspects for living on Earth as well as medicinal science. Adam taught some of this knowledge to his children, like the fact that there are four natures: hotness, coldness, wetness and dryness. He also taught that the herbal drugs are divided into these four natures.

Likewise, the science of the pulse, from which the condition of the interior major organs like the heart, the liver and the brain can be known, is also from the Prophets. As time progressed, people’s knowledge of this science increased.

Humoral Medicine is the Correct Reference for All Medical Science

Humoral medicine is the reference for all medical science. Humoral Medicine is based on the four natures: hotness, coldness, wetness and dryness. The balance and moderation of these natures is the cause for good health and the imbalance of these natures is the cause of illness.

Written by:
Doctor Khaled Hijazi and Doctor Hani al-Batal

The Four Humors are the Components of Blood

According to what is substantiated in humoral medicine, the four humors are, in fact, the four fundamental components of blood.

This concept is endorsed in modern medicine by the Swedish doctor Fehraeus, the discoverer of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in 1921. To affirm the four humors, one observes coagulated blood in a transparent container that has been left untouched for about an hour.

Dr. Fehraeus said that four different layers can be seen in the coagulated form: 1) The bottom layer which is the “black bile humor”. 2) The layer above is a layer of red blood cells known as the “blood humor. 3) The layer above is a layer of white blood cells known as the “phlegmatic humor”. 4) The top layer is a clear yellow serum known as the “yellow bile humor”.

The Effect of the Non-moderate Humors on the Blood, Arteries and Pulse

The effects of the four humors on the texture and form of the blood and the arteries vary according to its forms, quantity and its mergence with each other.

Written by:
Doctor Khaled Hijazi and Doctor Hani al-Batal

The Effect of Humors on Diseases According to Food

  • The hot wet temperament diseases occur when the foods in their temperaments are hotter and wetter than they should be. If the stomach and liver of a blood humor predominant person receives foods which are in their temperament hotter and wetter than they should be, they will be transmuted into a blood humor which is hotter and wetter than it should be. This will cause the hot wet blood humor diseases type.
  • The cold wet temperament diseases occur when the foods in their temperaments are colder and wetter than they should be. If the stomach and liver of a phlegmatic humor predominant person receives foods which are in their temperament colder and wetter than they should be, they will be transmuted into a phlegmatic humor which is colder and wetter than it should be. This will cause the cold wet phlegmatic humor diseases type.
  • The hot dry temperament diseases occur whenever the foods in their temperaments are hotter and drier than they should be. If the stomach and liver of a yellow bile humor predominant person receives foods which are in their temperaments hotter and drier than they should be, they will be transmuted into a yellow bile humor which is hotter and drier than it should be. This will cause the hot dry yellow bile humor diseases type.
  • The cold dry temperament diseases occur whenever the foods in their temperaments are colder and drier than they should be. If the stomach and liver of a black bile humor predominant person receives foods which are in their temperaments colder and drier than they should be, they will be transmuted into a black bile humor which is colder and drier than it should be. This will cause the cold dry black bile humor diseases type.

It becomes clear to us that the correlation between diseases and food in humoral medicine is strong and evident.

Diseases occur due to the four humors becoming non-moderate, either in their form, quantity or both. Subsequently, the material cause of diseases is when the four humors become non-moderate. Thus the non-moderate food in its form and quantity is the main cause of diseases.

This concept is endorsed by what is sometimes demonstrated in modern medicine. Many sufferers of diseases such as migraine diabetes and others have reported decrease of symptoms due to avoidance from certain food. Modern research considers, as well, that it is beneficial for individuals to avoid what has been a definite cause of diseases in relation to food.

Islamic Medicinal Advises
We define Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) as a system of healing practiced since antiquity in the Arab world within the context of religious influences of Islam and comprised of medicinal herbs, dietary practices, mind-body therapy, spiritual healing and applied therapy whereby many of these elements reflect an enduring interconnectivity between Islamic medical and Prophetic influences as well as regional healing practices emerging from specific geographical and cultural origins.
Figure 1
Figure 1. A Unifying Conceptual Model of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) A, Dietary practices derived from Islamic/ Prophetic tradition include prescription for fasting and drinking Zam Zam water. B, Mind-body therapy practices originating from Islamic/ Prophetic tradition include prayer. C, Applied therapy consequential of Islamic/ Prophetic tradition include cupping

TCM–Traditional Chinese Medicine

Global Journal of Health Science Vol. 4, No. 3; 2012 

Disclaimer

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Yogurt – Out of his extreme generosity, Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him) would have 100,000 lambs and 30,000 cows slaughtered everyday and offered to the people. However, Prophet Sulayman, himself, ate barley bread and yogurt. It was related that yogurt aids in digestion and helps relieve dry stomach. Regular use of yogurt makes the skin and nerves healthy. It also protects the skin from harmful effects of the sun. Yogurt is beneficial for those who suffer from various stomach and intestinal diseases. The probiotics found in yogurt benefit the intestines by killing harmful bacteria.Yogurt doesn’t affect the acidity levels in the body, as some mistakenly think. Those suffering from insomnia should consume yogurt regularly and massage the scalp with it. Regular consumption of yogurt also helps to reduce the appearance of aging.

Regular use of yogurt lassi (shake) is beneficial against swollen intestines, constipation, appendicitis, and stomach ulcer. Yogurt or yogurt lassi mixed with honey is an excellent remedy against jaundice. Drinking yogurt lassi regularly also benefits those who suffer from severe types of skin diseases, such as eczema. Also, if one is suffering from eczema, they should dip a cloth in yogurt lassi and wrap it over the affected area overnight, take it off in the morning, and wash it off thoroughly. This helps to relieve swelling, burning, and redness of the affected area. Hepatitis causes excessive ammonia production which can cause one to faint. If one consumes yogurt, it stops this excessive production of ammonia, in shaa’ Allaah. And God Knows best.
Sugarcane – It was related that sugarcane juice contains many medicinal properties. It strengthens the stomach, kidneys, heart, eyes, brain, and sexual organs. In extreme heat, sugarcane juice is very thirst-quenching and refreshing. Adding lemon juice to it enhances the taste and cooling effect, and it is also beneficial for those suffering from jaundice. Sugarcane juice is also beneficial against fevers. A blend of sugarcane juice, lemon juice, ginger juice and coconut water is a beneficial remedy for urinary tract problems and swollen prostate. This concoction also helps to regulate kidney processes. Chewing raw sugarcane and consuming the juice helps to strengthen and clean weak teeth. Regular use of sugarcane juice benefits those who are underweight. And God Knows best.
Fennel seeds – It was related that fennel seeds are beneficial for brain health, strengthening eyesight, purifying blood, detoxifying the liver, and increasing breast milk. It is also a beneficial remedy against digestive problems, menstrual pains, respiratory disorders, hair fall, and rheumatism. and God Knows best.
Quails – Quails were among the food that God provided to Baniyy ‘Israa’eel when Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and Prophet Haroon ( peace be upon him ) were with them.

It was related that quail meat is an excellent source of protein, beneficial cholesterol, iron, selenium, zinc, and niacin. It was also said that quail eggs are rich in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and other essential micro-nutrients, minerals, and amino acids. Quail eggs are also a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 and vitamin D. Quail eggs are also beneficial for rejuvenating and fortifying the body, strengthening the immune system, promoting memory health, maintaining brain health, maintaining the nervous system, improving sexual potency, reinforcing weakened organs, improving organ functions, and improving the quality of breast milk.

and God Knows best.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) – It was related that echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection and is used for boils, erysipelas, septicaemia, cancer, syphilis, and other impurities of the blood; its action being antiseptic. It also has useful properties as a strong alterative and aphrodisiac. As an injection, the extract has been used for hemorrhoids. A tincture of the fresh root is beneficial against diphtheria and putrid fevers. and God Knows best.
Vinegar – It was related that vinegar is beneficial in reducing cholesterol, managing diabetes, and reducing weight. It is also a beneficial remedy for fevers, ulcers, and constipation. It is effective as an antimicrobial. When applied topically, diluted vinegar is said to be beneficial against burns and skin inflammations. Diluted vinegar is also an excellent hair conditioner. A drink made by mixing honey and vinegar can be used to detoxify the body and treat coughs.
and God Knows best.

Beans – It was said that beans produce a lot of wind and are difficult to digest. Beans result in flatulence and can cause forgetfulness. However, they are said to be a good source of nourishment. The ill effects of beans can be avoided by eating them with thyme, olive oil and salt.And God Knows best.


Honey distinction – It was related that you can distinguish between natural honey and synthetic honey by taking a spoonful of honey from the container and then heat it until that spoonful boils. Let it cool down and then taste the honey. If the honey tastes exactly the same way as the honey from the jar (from which it was taken) then it is synthetic. If the taste changed, then it is natural.

And God Knows best.

Cardamom – Cardamom has been used internally for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, liver problems, gallbladder problems, sore throat, tendency to infection, bedwetting, chest congestion, colds, coughs, fever, pulmonary diseases and other complaints of the lung.

It is said to contain anti-asthma compounds. Cardamom seeds added to coffee can be used to prevent imminent asthma attacks,God Willing. In cases of emphysema, 1 teaspoon of powdered seeds in juice or tea has been used to give relief.

It is said that cardamon prevents viruses from multiplying. It has also been used as a nervous system stimulant to prevent fainting. Cardamom has also been used to improve bile flow from the gall bladder but SHOULD NOT be used in the presence of gall stones, as it could cause an attack. The seeds can be chewed to relieve flatulence, indigestion, and bad breath. It can also be used as a tea for headaches.

And God Knows best.


Dandelion – It was related that the yellow flower can be rolled in batter, fried, and eaten. The leaves of the young plant can be used in salad and eaten like lettuce. The root can be dried, baked and ground, and can be used as a coffee substitute. The root is alterative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, an appetite stimulant, an astringent, a blood cleanser, a potent diuretic, laxative, detoxicant, and tonic. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It is also beneficial for the digestive system, glandular system, circulatory system, liver, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, and blood. The taste is bittersweet.

And God Knows best.


FIRST AID WASH (RECIPE)

1 Tablespoon crushed fennel seeds
1 Tablespoon crushed comfrey root
6 oz distilled water

Bring this mixture to a boil on a stove. Turn off the stove and steep until it is cool. Strain the mixture and keep it in a sterile jar. Use it on cuts, bruises, and other wounds. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. An old batch can be used as a fertilizer for plants.

And God Knows best.


Rose hip – It is the fruit of the rose plant. It was said that the dried and pitted rose hips can be eaten raw and make an excellent survival food, because they can often be found throughout the winter and are packed with vitamin C. Since rose hips require infusion to release its vitamins, rose hip tea should be made, and daily use of it is a good source of vitamin C. It is said that rose hip tea is also a remedy for stomachache and it regulates vital energy. Rose hip tea with a pinch of cloves and cinnamon, and a slice of lemon is considered stimulating and restorative. Cold rose hip tea can be diluted and served with fresh peppermint, lemon and ice, and is considered refreshing. Rose hips should be avoided at night since it is an adrenal stimulus.

And God Knows best.


Eggs – It was said that among the best of eggs is chicken egg. Soft-boiled eggs are better than hard-boiled eggs. In the egg there is a perfect balance. An egg that tends to be hard-boiled helps to expel gassy wind. The yolk tends to be hot and the white tends to be cold.

Applying egg whites to the face soothes sunburn. When put in a paste, it soothes burns and prevents scarring. It also relieves eye pains. Soft-boiled eggs are good for coughs, roughness in the chest, hoarseness, and hemorrhages. Eggs are a good food, and they are an aphrodisiac.

God is the Creator of all benefits. And God Knows best.