MalariaHummā (حمى) — classical name in Unani

Overview

In Unani medicine, Malaria is known as Humma Ajamiyah or Humma-e-Khilti. It is characterized as a type of fever resulting from a derangement of the body's humours (Akhlat). This condition is often observed in environments with poor hygiene, such as areas with stagnant water, particularly those surrounded by dense vegetation like bamboos and shrubs, which gives rise to its name, Humma-e-Ajamiyah (fever related to shrubs).

The Unani perspective attributes the cause of Malaria to several factors, including unhygienic living conditions, the presence of foreign bodies (Ajsaam-e-Khabisa), contaminated water (Aab-e-Praganda), and importantly, a derangement of humours (Fasaad-e Khilt), primarily the bile (Safra).

Preventive measures in Unani focus on maintaining a clean environment, proper disposal of household water to prevent water stagnation (Ijtimaa-e-Maa) and insect breeding, and personal protection through mosquito nets and repellents, as well as covering the body to minimize exposure.

Causes According to Unani

• 🦠 Unhygienic conditions around the living.
• 🦠 Ajsaam-e-Khabisa (Foreign bodies).
• 💧 Aab-e-Praganda (Contaminated water).
• 🔥 Fasaad-e Khilt (Derangement of humor) mainly bile (Safra).

Signs & Symptoms Recognised in Unani

• 🌡️ A type of fever in which the humours (Akhlat) of the body have become deranged.
• 🌡️ Also referred to as Humma-e-Khilti.
• 🌡️ Often observed in localities or houses with unhygienic surroundings.
• 🌡️ Associated with stagnant water lodgings surrounded by bamboos and other shrubs.
• 🌡️ Named as Humma-e-Ajamiyah, indicating a fever related to shrubs.

Herbs & Natural Substances

Therapeutic Approaches in Unani

In Unani medicine, the treatment of Humma Ajamiyah (Malaria) focuses on restoring the balance of humours and strengthening the body's natural defenses. Dietary recommendations emphasize light and easily digestible foods that support the body's ability to combat the disease. Foods that are hepatoprotective, such as orange, papaya, and Amla, are encouraged, along with those that help maintain hemoglobin levels like jaggery and roasted grams.

The therapeutic regimen may also include specific herbal remedies known for their efficacy against malaria. Herbs like Dikamaali (Gardenia gummifera Linn. f.), Zarishk (Berberis aristata DC), and Zaranbad (Zingiber zerumbet Rosc ex Smith) are traditionally used. These herbs are believed to possess properties that help in managing the fever and its underlying causes.

Preventive measures are also a crucial part of the Unani approach, emphasizing hygiene and avoiding conditions conducive to malaria transmission. This includes proper disposal of household water, managing breeding grounds for insects, avoiding water stagnation, using mosquito nets, and covering the body to prevent mosquito bites.

Dietary Guidance

Lifestyle & Daily Routine

• ✅ Maintain hygienic surroundings to prevent disease.
• ❌ Avoid water stagnation in the vicinity.
• ✅ Dispose of household water properly.
• ✅ Manage breeding fields for insects in nearby areas.
• ✅ Use mosquito nets or repellents.
• ✅ Keep the body covered as much as possible.
• ✅ Ensure that diets are light and easily digestible.
• ✅ Engage in activities that support the body's natural ability to combat disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Community Experiences

Share your personal experience with Unani for Malaria. All experiences are reviewed before being published.