JaundiceIcterus (الصفراء) — classical name in Unani
Overview
In Unani medicine, Yarqan (Jaundice/Hepatitis) is understood as a condition where body fluids shift towards the skin, resulting in a yellow or blackish discoloration. This manifestation is often linked to imbalances in the body's humors and temperaments.
This condition can arise from various causes, including obstructions in the bile duct (Suddah-e-Baab-e-Kabid), impairment of liver function (Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Kabid), or an imbalance in the hot temperament (Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Haar). Other contributing factors include excessive secretion of bile or black bile, indigestion, heat stroke, foreign bodies (Ajsam–e-Khabisa), and diseases of the gallbladder (Amraz-e-Marara).
From a Unani perspective, the treatment principles for Yarqan Asfar (Jaundice) focus on evacuating the causative matter through methods like purgation (Ishāl), emesis (Qay’), and diuresis (Idrār). It also involves correcting the liver’s temperament (Islāh-i Mizāj-i Jigar), resolving inflammation (Tahlīl-i Waram-i Jigar), toning the liver (Taqwiyat-i Jigar), and removing obstructions (Taftīh-i Sudad).
Causes According to Unani
- ❌ Obstruction in bile duct (Suddah-e-Baab-e-Kabid).
- ❌ Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Kabid (impairment of liver function).
- ❌ Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Haar (impairment of hot temperament).
- ❌ Excessive secretion of bile.
- ❌ Indigestion.
- ❌ Excessive secretion of black bile.
- ❌ Heat stroke.
- ❌ Foreign bodies (Ajsam–e-Khabisa).
- ❌ Disease of gall bladder (Amraz-e-Marara).
- ❌ Excessive production or reduced excretion of bile.
- ❌ Waram-i Kabid (Hepatitis).
- ❌ Sudda-i Majārī-i Marāra (Biliary duct obstruction).
- ❌ Ihāla al-Dam ila’l-Safrā’ (Haemolysis).
- ❌ Drug induced.
Signs & Symptoms Recognised in Unani
- 💛 Yellow discoloration of body skin.
- 💛 Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes.
- 💛 Yellowish urine.
- 💛 Yellowish stool (except when caused by biliary duct obstruction, which presents with whitish stool).
- 🤢 Pain in the right hypochondrium.
- 🤢 Nausea.
- 🤢 Vomiting.
- 🤢 Loss of appetite.
- 🤢 Excessive thirst.
- 🤢 Bitterness of taste.
- 🤢 Gastric pain.
- 🤢 Flatulence after food intake.
- 🤢 Constipation.
- 🤢 Generalized itching.
Herbs & Natural Substances
Therapeutic Approaches in Unani
The Unani system of medicine employs several principles for treating Yarqān Asfar (Jaundice). A primary approach is Istifrāgh-i Mādda, which involves evacuating the causative matter through purgation (Ishāl), emesis (Qay’), and diuresis (Idrār). This is complemented by Islāh-i Mizāj-i Jigar, focusing on correcting the liver's temperament, and Tahlīl-i Waram-i Jigar, aimed at resolving hepatic inflammation.
Further therapeutic strategies include Taqwiyat-i Jigar, which focuses on toning up the liver, and Taftīh-i Sudad, the removal of obstructions, particularly in the biliary ducts. Pharmacotherapy involves oral administration of specific herbal mixtures, such as a combination of radish juice, Cassia fistula pulp, Chenopodium album seeds, and Aloe vera. These treatments aim to restore the liver's function and alleviate the symptoms of jaundice.
Preventive measures are also crucial in Unani management, emphasizing adherence to hygiene principles (Hifzan-e-Sehat) and avoiding contaminated water (Maa-e-Kadir) and alcohol. Maintaining regular bowel movements with mild laxatives (Mullayinat) like Gulqand and Anjeer is advised, alongside consuming easily digestible foods (Zood Hazm/Lateef Aghziyah) and ensuring adequate physical rest (Sukoon Badani).
Dietary Guidance
✓ Favour
- Easily digestible/light diets (Zood Hazm/Lateef Aghziyah).
- Mild laxatives (Mullayinat) to prevent constipation, e.g., Gulqand, Anjeer.
- Boiled water.
✗ Avoid
- Alcohol intake.
- Sedatives like sleeping pills, hypnotics (mukhaddiraat).
- Contaminated water (Maa-e-Kadir).
- Venesection (Fasd).
Lifestyle & Daily Routine
- ❌ Avoid use of contaminated water.
- ✅ Adhere to principles of hygiene.
- ❌ Avoid alcohol intake.
- ❌ Avoid sedatives like sleeping pills and hypnotics.
- ✅ Wash hands properly before meals and after defecation.
- ✅ Dispose of excreta properly.
- ❌ Avoid venesection.
- ✅ Avoid constipation and use mild laxatives.
- 💧 Drink boiled water.
- ✅ Take optimum physical rest.
Traditional Preparations
Radish Leaf Juice Mixture
Oral administration of the mixture of juice of leaves of radish 32 ml., Maghz-i Falūs Khiyār Shambar (Fruit pulp of Cassia fistula, Linn.) 24.5 ml., Tukhm-i Bathwa (Chenopodium album, Linn.) 3.5 gm. and Sibr (Aloe vera, Linn.) 500 mg.
Used for Yarqān Asfar (Jaundice) as part of pharmacotherapy.
Radish Peel Decoction
Oral administration of decoction of peel of radish prepared in donkey milk.
Used for Jaundice.
Masur Decoction
Oral administration of decoction of Masūr (Lens esculenta, Moench.), prepared in vinegar.
Used for Jaundice.
Halayla Decoction
Joshānda-i Halayla
Used for Jaundice.
Afsantin Extract
Oral administration of ‘Usāra-i Afsantīn (Extract of Artemisia absinthium, Linn.).
Used for Jaundice.
Qurs-i Zarishk
4 pills of 1 gm. each with Murawwaqayn/ Sikanjabīn Bazūrī.
Used for Jaundice.
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