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An ancient Graeco-Arab system of medicine, not much is known about unani's
efforts in developing an AIDS cure. Clinical trials of nigella sativa
are, however, on amongst unani medical researchers in Florida. They say
the herb is effective in boosting the immune function and should help
in the search for an AIDS antidote.
Traditional
systems of medicine are no doubt prevalent in various countries of the
world, but most of these are empirical. On the other hand, unani and its
allied branches have rational and scientific basic principles. It is distinct
from other branches of medicine, as the drugs it uses are natural in their
sources and forms. It emphasizes on retaining natural compounds which
belong to the human body, and hence prescribes only natural remedies.
Unani medicine believes that diseases can be kept at bay by the use of
clean and fresh water, breathing clean air and consuming fresh food. Likewise,
a balance should be maintained between the mind and the body so that the
metabolic process can take place easily and the body waste evacuated.
Unani medicine also believes that all life forms have originated from
the sea.
In Unani medicine, herbs are used in many different systems in different
ways. However the ultimate objective of their use is that they should
interact directly with our body chemistry. They may be used in various
forms like food, medicine, cosmetics or perfumes. But in all cases their
active herbal constituents must be observed into the body for deriving
the required benefits. They circulate to influence our whole system. According
to Hakeem Hashmi, a prominent Unani physician, the skill of the herbalist
lies mainly in strengthening the body's own healing mechanism instead
of suppressing or disturbing it, as modern medicine tends to do.
According
to the Unani discipline as it stands today, the human body is composed
of 7 natural and basic components called 'Umoor e Tabaiyah' which
are responsible for maintenance of health. These are :
The loss of any one of these basic components or alteration in their physical
state could lead to disease, or even death. It is highly essential to
consider all these factors so as to reach the correct diagnosis and consequently
the correct line of treatment.
The Unani physicians describe that there is a special ability hidden in
every individual called the defensive mechanism of the body or in the
language of Unani 'Tabiyat-e-Muddabare Badan'. The 'Tabiyat'
may be defined as the sum total structural function and psychological
character of the human being. The 'Tabiyat' or nature is the best
physician, and maintains the equilibrium of the four humours or 'Akhlat'.
Their quantity and quality should be as per the natural chemical composition
of the body.
A regular at the Salvation Army HIV/AIDS Counselling Center, a patient
tried various therapies, including unani. When he was down with jaundice
and his weight dropped below 60 kg, he took aaraish, an inexpensive unani
medicine. He regained 15 kg. AC says many PWAs are trying naturopathy,
auto-urine therapy and ashwagandha (Indian ginseng).