ConjunctivitisSabaq al-Ain — classical name in Unani

Overview

In Unani medicine, Conjunctivitis is known as Ramad, which signifies an inflammation of the Tabqa-e-Multahima, or conjunctiva. This condition can manifest in two primary forms: haar (hot) and barid (cold), indicating different underlying humoral imbalances.

The causes of Ramad are diverse, stemming from factors such as heatstroke (Humma-e-Shamsia), the presence of foreign bodies (Ajsam-e-Khabisa), or imbalances in the yellow bile (Safra) and blood (Dam) humors. Impairments in yellow bile (Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Safra), black bile (Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Sauda), or phlegm (Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Balgham) can also contribute. Exposure to extreme cold breezes, cold weather accompanied by coryza, and certain systemic diseases like diphtheria (Khunaq), syphilis (Aatshak), and gonorrhea (Suzaak) are also recognized as potential triggers.

Ramad typically presents with symptoms such as swelling, pain, irritation, and redness of the eye. Other common manifestations include watery discharge (epiphora), purulent discharge, and a feeling of heaviness in the head, often accompanied by symptoms related to the dominant imbalanced humor. The Unani approach to treatment focuses on principles like evacuation through purgation (Tanqiya through Ishāl), resolution of swelling (Tahlīl-i Waram), and moistening the brain (Tartīb-i Dimāgh) specifically for the Sawdāwī type of Ramad.

Causes According to Unani

• ✅ Humma-e-Shamsia (Heatstroke)
• ✅ Ajsam-e-Khabisa (Foreign bodies)
• ✅ Predominance of yellow bile (Safra) and Dam (blood)
• ✅ Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Safra (Impairment of yellow bile)
• ✅ Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Sauda (Impairment of black bile)
• ✅ Sue-e-Mizaj-e-Balgham (Impairment of phlegm)
• 💨 Extreme cold breeze
• 💨 Cold and coryza
• 🦠 Some systemic diseases such as Khunaq (diptheria), Aatshak (syphilis), Suzaak (gonorrhoea), etc.
• 🌧️ Dust
• 🌧️ Smoke
• 🌧️ Exposure to sunlight

Signs & Symptoms Recognised in Unani

• 👁️ Inflammation of the conjunctiva (Tabqa-e-Multahima) known as Ramad.
• 🌡️ May be associated with 'hot' (haar) or 'cold' (barid) humours.
• 🩸 Predominance of yellow bile (Safra) and blood (Dam) can be a cause.
• 💨 Can be caused by extreme cold breeze or cold with coryza.
• 🦠 Associated with systemic diseases like diphtheria (Khunaq), syphilis (Aatshak), and gonorrhea (Suzaak).
• ⚠️ Characterized by swelling, pain, and redness in the eye.
• 💧 Accompanied by irritation, epiphora (watery discharge), and purulent discharge.
• ⚖️ A feeling of heaviness in the head can be present.
• ✨ Symptoms may vary based on the causative humour.

Herbs & Natural Substances

Therapeutic Approaches in Unani

The Unani system of medicine employs a multi-faceted approach to treating conjunctivitis, focusing on evacuation, resolution of swelling, and balancing humors. For conditions like Ramad Sawdāwī, specific treatments aim to moisten the brain. Pharmacotherapy involves the use of various herbal decoctions and preparations, such as the Joshānda-i Halayla for Ramad Safrāwī, and irrigations of decoctions containing Gul-i Bābūna, Gul Surkh, and Marzanjosh applied to the head.

External applications and procedural practices are also integral to Unani treatment. This includes the local application of pastes made from ingredients like Sandal, Rasawt, Māmīsa, and others. Eye drops prepared from mucilaginous decanted liquids derived from Tukhm-i Hulba and Tukhm-i Katān are administered directly into the eyes.

Principles of treatment also encompass evacuation through purgation (Ishāl) to remove morbid humors from the body. The resolution of swelling (Tahlīl-i Waram) is a key objective, alongside specific interventions like brain moistening for conditions attributed to black bile predominance. These methods aim to restore the natural balance and function of the eyes.

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

• ✅ Keep the eyes clean.
• ❌ Avoid frequent rubbing or touching of the eyes.
• ✅ Apply Kohl (Surma) in the eyes.
• ✅ Use Arq-e-Gulab (Rose water) as eye drops frequently.
• ✅ Wash eyes frequently.
• ✅ Apply Asl (Honey) in the eyes.
• ✅ Use a muslin cloth dipped and dried in Chob Zard Mehlool (turmeric paste) for wiping the eyes.
• 💨 Protect eyes from extreme cold breezes.
• ❌ Avoid exposure to dust and smoke.
• ❌ Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Traditional Preparations

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Experiences

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