In Unani medicine, diabetes is referred to as "Diabetes Mellitus" or more commonly as "Dulab" or "Batoor". Unani medicine classifies diseases based on the balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) in the body. Diabetes is believed to be caused by an imbalance, particularly involving the "Dam" (blood) and "Balgham" (phlegm). The condition is often linked with an excess of "Balgham" (phlegm) or "Sauda" (black bile), which leads to improper digestion and excessive sugar in the blood, resulting in symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss.
1. Imbalance of the Four Humors (Akhlat)Dam (Blood): Excess blood can lead to weakened metabolism, which affects the body's ability to process food and sugars properly.
Balgham (Phlegm): An excess of phlegm (mucus) is considered a key factor in diabetes. It is believed to obstruct the natural flow of digestion and metabolism, leading to improper processing of sugars.
Sauda (Black Bile): An increase in black bile can result in sluggish digestion and an inability to convert food into proper energy, contributing to the accumulation of sugar in the body.
Safra (Yellow Bile): A disturbance in yellow bile can also affect the digestive fire, or "Hararat", leading to improper digestion of food, especially sugars, and affecting the body's energy production.
2. Weakness of the Stomach (Mida) and Digestion The stomach's role in digestion is paramount. If digestion is weak, it leads to the incomplete processing of food, especially carbohydrates. The unprocessed food turns into waste products (like excess phlegm and bile), which can cause an imbalance and lead to diabetes.
3. Excessive Intake of Sweet, Fatty, or Rich Foods Unani medicine suggests that consuming too much sugar, fatty foods, and processed items can overwhelm the body's ability to digest and regulate these substances. This can lead to excess sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia), which eventually results in diabetes.
4. Lack of Physical Activity A sedentary lifestyle or a lack of physical movement is seen as a contributor to the weakening of digestive function and metabolic disturbances, which can increase the risk of diabetes. It also affects the body's ability to utilize glucose efficiently.
5. Genetic and Hereditary Factors In Unani medicine, a family history of diabetes is considered a contributing factor. An imbalance in the humors may be inherited, making individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.
6. Emotional Stress and Mental Strain Unani believes that emotional distress, anxiety, and mental strain can affect the balance of the humors, particularly increasing the black bile (Sauda), which can lead to digestive disturbances and contribute to diseases like diabetes.
7. Ageing :As a person ages, the bodyâs humoral balance may naturally deteriorate, leading to weaker digestion and metabolism, which increases the likelihood of developing diabetes in later years.In Unani treatment, the focus is on restoring balance to the humors through dietary regulation, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, and physical activity to manage and treat diabetes.
1. Herbal Remedies :Unani medicine uses a variety of herbs that are believed to have properties that regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and balance the body's humors.
Jamun (Syzygium cumini):
Known as "Black Plum," this fruit is widely used in Unani for diabetes. Its seeds and pulp help in controlling blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism.
Karela (Bitter Gourd):
Karela is known for its bitter properties, which are believed to lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and stimulating the pancreas.
Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Neem is considered to have anti-diabetic properties. It is believed to help in regulating blood sugar levels by improving the functioning of the pancreas.
Methi (Fenugreek):
Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber and have been used in Unani to lower blood sugar levels. It helps in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels.
Haldi (Turmeric):
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is thought to improve the function of insulin and regulate blood sugar levels.
Ginseng:
This herb is sometimes used in Unani medicine for its adaptogenic properties, improving the body's ability to manage stress and supporting overall metabolic health.
2. Dietary Modifications :Diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes in Unani medicine. Key dietary recommendations include:
Avoid Excessive Sweets:
Reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks is essential in controlling blood sugar.
Increase Fiber Intake:
High-fiber foods, such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, help in regulating blood sugar levels.
Include Bitter Foods:
Foods with a bitter taste, like bitter gourd and fenugreek, are emphasized as they are believed to help balance the body's humors and manage blood sugar levels.
Light and Balanced Meals:
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Avoid Overeating:
Overeating can lead to an imbalance of humors and increased sugar levels in the body, so it's advised to eat in moderation.
3. Lifestyle Modifications:In Unani medicine, the treatment of diabetes also emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle:
Regular Physical Activity:
Exercise is encouraged to improve insulin sensitivity, promote digestion, and help control weight, which in turn helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Avoid Emotional Stress:
Emotional well-being is considered important for maintaining a balance of the humors. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises is beneficial.
Proper Sleep:
Adequate and restful sleep is important for the body's metabolic processes and maintaining a healthy hormonal balance.
4. Cupping (Hijama) and Other Therapies :Unani practitioners sometimes use Hijama (cupping therapy) as a treatment to promote blood circulation, balance the humors, and remove excess toxins from the body. This therapy is believed to help improve insulin function and support the bodyâs metabolic processes.
5. Natural SweetenersUnani suggests replacing refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey (in moderation) for a healthier alternative. Honey has properties that help regulate blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients.
6. Use of "Tibb-e-Unani" MedicinesUnani doctors may prescribe formulations such as:
Safoof-e-Batoor:
A combination of herbal ingredients used to regulate blood sugar levels.
Majoon-e-Mithar:
A paste containing medicinal herbs to improve digestion and control blood sugar levels.
Shahad (Honey):
Used as a therapeutic agent to balance the body's humors and manage diabetes when used in moderation.
7. Blood Purification: Since diabetes in Unani is associated with an imbalance in the humors, treatments often focus on blood purification using herbs and therapies that cleanse the body of excess toxins, phlegm, and bile, thereby restoring balance and improving overall health.
8. Avoidance of Cold and Wet FoodsIn Unani, it is believed that cold, wet, and damp foods can aggravate phlegm (Balgham), leading to digestive disturbances and an imbalance in the body's humors. Therefore, it's advised to avoid excessive consumption of cold and heavy foods, especially for diabetic patients.
Diabetes Type 1 is attributed to an imbalance in the body's humors, particularly a deficiency in insulin production. Treatment focuses on restoring balance, improving digestion, using medicinal herbs to control blood sugar levels
Diabetes Type 2 is primarily seen as a result of insulin resistance and imbalanced humors (Dam, Balgham, Safra, Sauda). Treatment focuses on regulating blood sugar, restoring balance in the humors, improving digestion, and managing insulin resistance.