What Is Unani Treatment? A Guide to Unani Medicine
You may have heard the terms Unani medicine, Unani treatment or Hikmat in conversations about traditional healthcare, but what do they actually mean?
Unani is not simply a collection of herbal home remedies. It is a structured medical tradition with its own historical concepts of health, assessment, diet, lifestyle and treatment.
This guide explains what Unani medicine is, how the system developed, what ideas such as Mizaj and the four humours mean and which treatment methods may be recommended by practitioners.
What Is the Unani System of Medicine?
The Unani system of medicine is a traditional healthcare system whose intellectual roots are linked with ancient Greek physicians, particularly Hippocrates and Galen. It was later developed by Arab and Persian scholars, including Al-Razi, commonly known as Rhazes, and Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna.
Over time, it became firmly established in South Asia and developed an extensive tradition of clinical practice, teaching and formulation.
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The word Unani comes from Yunan, meaning Greece. The system is therefore also described as Graeco-Arabic or Greco-Arab medicine. However, the form practised in India reflects contributions from several regions and centuries rather than one historical period alone.
Hamdard’s story of Unani medicine traces this journey and explains its traditional principles, diagnostic approach and treatment modes.
Core Principles of Unani Medicine
The traditional framework of Unani medicine views health as a state of balance involving a person’s constitution, bodily functions, habits and environment.
One central idea is Mizaj, usually translated as temperament. It describes qualitative tendencies traditionally understood through combinations such as hot, cold, moist and dry.
The four humours
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Classical Unani theory describes four humours, known as Akhlat:
- Dam – blood
- Balgham – phlegm
- Safra – yellow bile
- Sauda – black bile
Within the traditional framework, the proportion and quality of these humours are considered in relation to temperament, health and disease.
The six essential factors
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Unani also emphasises Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya, or six essential factors traditionally associated with maintaining health:
- Air and environment
- Food and drink
- Physical movement and rest
- Mental or emotional activity and rest
- Sleep and wakefulness
- Evacuation and retention, including normal bodily elimination
In Unani reasoning, foods, seasons, occupations and medicines may also be described by temperament. A recommendation is traditionally selected by considering its relationship with the person’s Mizaj and the nature of the complaint.
In practice, the factors are considered together because changes in diet, sleep, activity or environment may influence one another.
Main Types of Unani Treatment?
The Unani system traditionally describes four principal modes of treatment. The chosen approach depends on the person, the complaint and the practitioner’s assessment.
Ilaj-bil-Ghiza: Dietotherapy
Ilaj-bil-Ghiza means treatment through diet. A practitioner may recommend changes to food type, quantity, timing or preparation.
Within Unani theory, foods are considered for nourishment as well as their qualitative properties and relationship with temperament.
Dietary advice must still be nutritionally adequate and adapted for conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, food allergy, pregnancy or undernutrition.
Ilaj-bil-Tadbir: Regimental therapy
Ilaj-bil-Tadbir refers to planned physical or lifestyle regimens. Depending on the indication and clinical setting, this broad category may include exercise, massage, bathing, cupping, leech therapy or other procedures described in Unani practice.
Such procedures require trained practitioners, appropriate screening, hygienic conditions and informed consent. They should not be attempted through unsupervised online instructions.
Ilaj-bil-Dawa: Pharmacotherapy
Ilaj-bil-Dawa means treatment with medicines. Unani formulations may traditionally contain ingredients of plant, mineral or animal origin. They can be prepared as tablets, powders, syrups, semisolid preparations, oils or distillates.
“Natural” does not automatically mean free from side effects, contamination, interactions or dosing risks.
Hamdard’s Unani product categories show the range of traditional dosage forms, but a product should not be selected as a substitute for diagnosis or practitioner guidance.
Ilaj-bil-Yad: Surgery
Ilaj-bil-Yad refers historically to treatment by hand, including surgical and para-surgical intervention. Modern surgical procedures must be performed only by appropriately qualified professionals in regulated clinical facilities.
Benefits and Safety of Unani Medicine
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People may choose Unani medicine for its emphasis on diet, routine, prevention and individualised care.
A detailed consultation may encourage closer attention to sleep, food, activity, stress, medicine use and follow-up. These can be useful aspects of health management when advice is safe, practical and coordinated with necessary care.
Use medicines and procedures responsibly
Before taking a Unani formulation:
- Check the complete ingredient list and labelled dosage.
- Use products from a reputable, licensed manufacturer.
- Check batch details, expiry dates and storage instructions.
- Avoid combining several remedies for the same symptom without advice.
- Tell every healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements you use.
- Do not give adult formulations to children unless specifically directed.
- Seek advice promptly if an unexpected reaction occurs.
Additional caution is appropriate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, before surgery, and for people with allergies or chronic liver, kidney, heart or bleeding conditions.
Sometimes, herbal and complementary products can cause side effects, interact with medicines or present contamination concerns. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises these safety guidelines for complementary health products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unani Medicine
Is Unani medicine the same as Ayurveda?
No. Both are traditional systems practised in India, but they have different histories, terminology, theories and treatment traditions.
Ayurveda developed within Indian knowledge traditions, while Unani traces its classical framework to Greek medicine and later Arab-Persian scholarship. Their assessment methods and formulations should not be treated as interchangeable.
Is Unani treatment only herbal?
No. Herbs are important in many formulations, but traditional Unani pharmacotherapy may also include mineral and animal-origin ingredients.
The system additionally includes dietotherapy, regimental therapy and, historically, surgical care. The natural origin of an ingredient does not guarantee safety or suitability.
What happens during a Unani consultation?
The practitioner may ask about symptoms, previous illnesses, medicines, diet, sleep, digestion, activity, stress and bowel or urinary habits.
Physical examination and traditional observations may be combined with modern tests where required. The plan may involve dietary advice, lifestyle changes, medicines or an appropriate supervised regimen.
Can Unani medicine be taken with modern medicines?
Sometimes the two may be used together, but the combination should be reviewed by qualified professionals.
Herbal and other ingredients can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Do not stop, reduce or replace prescribed treatment without consulting the clinician managing it.
Conclusion
Unani medicine is a complete traditional healthcare system rather than a single herbal remedy. Its approach brings together temperament, diet, lifestyle, traditional assessment and several treatment modes.
Explore Hamdard’s Unani resources to learn more, and consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment. You can locate a Hamdard Wellness Centre to explore available consultation options.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
