Introduction
Women’s health is a multidimensional field that spans reproductive health, hormonal balance, bone strength, cardiovascular wellness, and mental well-being. From adolescence to menopause and beyond, women encounter unique physiological transitions that demand holistic healthcare approaches. Modern medicine often addresses these challenges with targeted drugs or hormonal therapies, which, while effective, can sometimes lead to side effects or dependency.
The Unani system of medicine, with its roots in Greco-Arabic traditions, provides a holistic and time-tested framework for women’s health. By emphasizing humoral balance (Akhlat), temperament (Mizaj), and natural therapies, Unani medicine offers comprehensive care for conditions ranging from menstrual irregularities and infertility to osteoporosis, hypertension, and depression.
With a blend of Unani herbs, diet-based interventions, and classical Unani treatments, this system has played a vital role in supporting women’s health for centuries. Modern research is now validating its safety and effectiveness, making Unani treatment increasingly relevant for women seeking holistic healthcare.
Understanding Women’s Health in the Unani System of Medicine
In Unani medicine, women’s health is closely linked to the balance of humors and the strength of vital organs like the uterus (Rahim), liver, heart, and brain. Disorders arise when humors become imbalanced due to poor diet, stress, sedentary lifestyle, or environmental factors.
Common women’s health concerns and their Unani interpretations:
•Menstrual Disorders (Ihtibas al-Tamth, Kasrat al-Tamth): Excess or deficiency of blood due to imbalance of Damvi Mizaj (sanguine temperament).
•Infertility (Uqr): Weakness of reproductive organs or accumulation of phlegmatic humors blocking conception.
•Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Linked to deranged metabolism, excess phlegm, and irregular humoral activity.
•Menopause and Osteoporosis: Considered natural aging with dryness and weakness of bone tissues.
•Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, and depression are associated with imbalance of black bile (Sauda).
By targeting the root causes rather than just symptoms, Unani treatment provides personalized solutions for women at every stage of life.
Key Unani Herbs for Women’s Health
The Unani pharmacopeia contains a wide range of herbs known for regulating menstruation, enhancing fertility, balancing hormones, and strengthening vital organs.
1. Asgandh (Withania somnifera)
Used as a rejuvenating tonic, it improves reproductive health, relieves stress, and strengthens the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
2. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Traditionally used for fertility and lactation, it balances female hormones and supports reproductive wellness.
3. Tukhm-e-Balanga (Ocimum basilicum seeds)
Prescribed for menstrual irregularities and digestive issues, improving overall vitality.
4. Gul-e-Gaozaban (Borago officinalis)
A nervine tonic with stress-relieving and hormone-balancing effects, beneficial during PMS and menopause.
5. Habb-e-Suranjan & Majoon Supari Pak (compound formulations)
Used for gynecological health, strengthening the uterus, and regulating menstrual flow.
Together, these Unani herbs demonstrate how Unani medicine nurtures both physical and emotional aspects of women’s health.
Classical Unani Treatments for Women’s Health
Classical Unani treatments combine pharmacological, dietary, and regimental therapies that ensure safe, long-term management of women’s health issues.
Pharmacological Treatments (Ilaj bil Dawa)
•Majoon Supari Pak: Strengthens reproductive organs and treats leucorrhea.
•Arq-e-Kasni & Arq-e-Gulab: Detoxify, cool, and calm the system, useful in menstrual and menopausal complaints.
•Habbe Supari: Used for gynecological and urinary tract issues.
Regimental Therapies (Ilaj bil Tadbeer)
•Hijama (Cupping): Beneficial for hormonal imbalances and chronic pelvic pain.
•Massage (Dalk) & Hammam (Herbal Baths): Improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce stress.
•Exercise & Lifestyle Correction: Recommended to regulate metabolism and enhance fertility.
Dietary Therapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza)
Foods like pomegranate, figs, dates, sesame, milk, and honey are commonly recommended for reproductive and bone health. Avoidance of heavy, moist, and cold foods is emphasized for menstrual and fertility disorders.
This layered approach makes Unani treatment particularly effective for managing chronic gynecological and metabolic issues in women.
Modern Relevance of Unani Medicine in Women’s Healthcare
Today’s women face rising health challenges due to lifestyle stress, hormonal imbalances, and sedentary habits. While conventional medicine offers rapid interventions like contraceptives, hormone replacement, or surgery, many women seek safer, natural options.
The Unani system of medicine bridges this gap by addressing root causes through holistic care:
•In PCOS, herbs like Asgandh and Hulba regulate metabolism and restore cycles.
•In menstrual disorders, Tukhm-e-Balanga and Majoon Supari Pak provide balance without synthetic hormones.
•In menopause, nervine tonics like Gul-e-Gaozaban reduce anxiety and hot flashes.
•For fertility support, uterine tonics and regimental therapies strengthen reproductive organs naturally.
By integrating diet, herbs, and regimens, Unani medicine offers long-term safety and effectiveness in women’s health
Conclusion
Women’s health requires care that goes beyond symptomatic relief—it demands therapies that are safe, sustainable, and holistic. The Unani system of medicine fulfills this role by emphasizing humoral balance, emotional well-being, and reproductive strength.
Through Unani herbs like Asgandh, Shatavari, and Gul-e-Gaozaban, along with classical Unani treatments such as massage, cupping, and dietary regulation, women can find natural solutions to menstrual, reproductive, and menopausal challenges.
As modern science validates these approaches, Unani treatment emerges as an effective option for women seeking comprehensive health solutions rooted in tradition yet relevant for modern life.
Evidence-Backed Validation of Unani Treatment in Women’s Health
Several studies confirm the effectiveness of Unani medicine in women’s health. Withania somnifera has been shown to improve fertility, stress, and hormonal balance in women (PubMed). Asparagus racemosus supports lactation and hormonal regulation, reducing menopausal symptoms (ScienceDirect). Clinical evaluation of Majoon Supari Pak demonstrated significant improvement in leucorrhea and uterine weakness among women (CCRUM). Trigonella foenum-graecum improved menstrual regularity and insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients (NCBI). Furthermore, nervine tonics like Borago officinalis reduced anxiety and premenstrual stress in women (PubMed). These findings confirm that Unani treatment, rooted in classical Unani treatments, is both safe and effective for long-term women’s health care.