Introduction

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, and digestive disorders are now the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. They develop slowly, persist for years, and often require lifelong management. Conventional treatments usually involve continuous medication that controls symptoms but rarely addresses the underlying imbalances that cause disease progression.

The Unani system of medicine, a holistic healing tradition rooted in Hippocratic and Greco-Arabic principles, offers an alternative view. Unani medicine does not classify disease merely as symptoms or numbers—it interprets illness as an imbalance of the four humors (Dam, Balgham, Safra, and Sauda) and temperament (Mizaj). By restoring equilibrium through Unani herbs, diet, lifestyle changes, and classical Unani treatments, the system aims to not only manage chronic diseases but also improve overall vitality.

This integrative approach has made Unani treatment increasingly relevant in today’s era of lifestyle-related illnesses.

Understanding Chronic Diseases in Unani Medicine

In Unani medicine, chronic illnesses are understood as the result of long-term disruption in humoral balance, poor digestion (Su-e-Hazm), accumulation of waste (Mawad-e-Fasida), and weakness of vital organs (Tafarruq al-Ittisal). Unlike acute conditions, chronic diseases progress silently over time due to poor diet, stress, environmental factors, and lack of physical activity.

Examples of chronic conditions and their Unani interpretations:

• Diabetes (Ziabetus Shakri): A disorder of excessive heat and dryness affecting the kidneys and liver, leading to excessive urination and thirst.
• Hypertension (Imtila-e-Dam): Excess fullness of blood due to faulty digestion and stress, creating vascular strain.
• Arthritis (Wajaʾ al-Mafāsil): Accumulation of cold/moist humors in joints, causing pain and stiffness.
• Asthma (Dama): Imbalance of phlegmatic humor (Balgham) leading to airway obstruction.

This framework allows Unani treatment to be tailored to each patient’s temperament and root causes, rather than applying one-size-fits-all therapies.

Key Unani Herbs in Managing Chronic Diseases

The Unani pharmacopeia is rich in herbs that address systemic imbalances associated with chronic diseases. Many have now been validated by modern pharmacology.

1. Asgandh (Withania somnifera)

A rejuvenating tonic (Muqawwi), Asgandh is used in arthritis, diabetes, and stress disorders. Modern studies show it reduces inflammation, regulates blood sugar, and improves energy.

2. Hulba (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek seeds are prescribed in diabetes, obesity, and digestive disorders. They improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cholesterol, and enhance metabolism.

3. Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)

A cardiotonic herb used in classical Unani treatments for hypertension and heart disease. Research validates its role in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiac function.

4. Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale)

Prescribed in gout and arthritis, it reduces inflammation and joint pain by clearing harmful humors. Colchicine, derived from Suranjan, is still used in modern medicine.

5. Tukhm-e-Kasni (Cichorium intybus)

Known for cooling and detoxifying effects, it supports the liver and kidneys, helping in chronic metabolic conditions.

These Unani herbs work synergistically, targeting root causes rather than simply suppressing symptoms, which is why Unani medicine is considered sustainable for chronic disease care.

Classical Unani Treatments for Chronic Conditions

The strength of Unani treatment lies in its multi-pronged approach, combining herbal, dietary, and regimental therapies.

Pharmacological Preparations (Ilaj bil Dawa)

• Majoon Suranjan: For arthritis and chronic joint pain.
• Sharbat-e-Bazoori: For hypertension and kidney support.
• Arq-e-Kasni: For liver disorders and metabolic health.
• Qurs-e-Gul: For digestive and stress-related ailments.

Dietary Therapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza)

Patients are advised to adopt a temperament-appropriate diet—light, warm foods for phlegmatic disorders; cooling foods for sanguine excess; and detoxifying foods for bilious conditions.

Regimental Therapies (Ilaj bil Tadbeer)

• Hijama (Cupping): Removes stagnant humors, beneficial in hypertension and arthritis.
• Hammam (Steam Bath): Relieves stiffness, stress, and improves detoxification.
• Exercise and Massage: Strengthens organs, regulates blood flow, and restores vitality.

Together, these classical Unani treatments provide a holistic framework to slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Modern Relevance of Unani Medicine in Chronic Disease Care

The rise of lifestyle-related illnesses has exposed the limitations of drug-only approaches. While conventional drugs manage blood pressure, glucose, or inflammation, they often need lifelong use and may cause side effects. The Unani system of medicine complements modern care by targeting diet, lifestyle, and root causes.

• In diabetes, herbs like Hulba and Jamun seeds reduce glucose levels naturally.
• In hypertension, Arjun and Sarpagandha act as natural blood pressure regulators.
• In arthritis, Suranjan and Asgandh reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
• In chronic respiratory disorders, Zufa and Banafsha provide bronchodilatory effects.

Thus, Unani medicine can be integrated alongside modern medicine for a more comprehensive and safer approach to chronic disease management.

Conclusion

Chronic diseases require more than quick fixes—they demand a lifelong commitment to balance and prevention. The Unani system of medicine addresses this need by focusing on humoral balance, temperament-based diagnosis, and holistic therapies.

Through Unani herbs, dietary regulation, and classical Unani treatments, patients not only find relief from symptoms but also regain systemic balance, energy, and resilience.

As science continues to validate these methods, Unani medicine stands as a bridge between tradition and modern healthcare, offering sustainable solutions for today’s chronic disease burden.

Evidence-Backed Validation of Unani Treatment in Chronic Diseases

Modern studies increasingly confirm the effectiveness of Unani herbs in chronic illnesses. For example, Withania somnifera significantly improves glycemic control and reduces stress-related complications in diabetes (PubMed). Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) has demonstrated reductions in fasting glucose and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes patients (NCBI). Terminalia arjuna has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve left ventricular function in hypertensive patients (PubMed). Similarly, Colchicum autumnale shows anti-inflammatory benefits in gout and arthritis (ScienceDirect). Clinical evaluations of Unani polyherbal formulations such as Majoon Suranjan and Arq-e-Kasni show positive outcomes in arthritis, hypertension, and liver disorders (CCRUM). Together, these studies provide strong scientific backing that Unani treatment, grounded in classical Unani treatments, is a reliable and effective option for managing chronic diseases.