Types of Unani Tibb Medications (A-Z)

Preliminary remarks - the content of this information is from 'Hamdrad, Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine.' It is a fantastic and informative book regarding herbal formulations and medication in Unani Tibb. It was written by Hakim Mohammad Said, a vibrant figure in the development and continuation of Unani Tibb.

Full reference to the book is here - Said, Hakim Mohammad, editor—Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine. Hamdard Academy, 1970.

Itrifal

Itrifal is derived from the Hindi words tri - three & phal - fruit, hence this formula is comprised of three fruits: Halila (Terminalia Chebula), Bahera (Terminalia belerica), and Amla (Emblica Officinalis).

This formula is designed to target the entire body - to strengthen and cleanse it. It is specifically effective for diseases of the brain, eye, nose, and ear as well the digestive tract. There are many variations of this formula with different herbs added to target different illnesses and ailments, e.g., Itrifal Ustukhuddus (lavender), which has in it lavender, rose, senna, and a few other herbs used to relieve cerebral impurities, constipation, and counteract premature graying hair.

Jawarishat

Jawarish (jamarishat, plural) is one of the more palatable medicine, its name meaning pleasant tasting. It's designed to be stomachic, meaning it is used to strengthen the stomach. The herbs of this medicine are grounded to a medium size so that the actions of the medicine are prolonged.

Some of the known Jawarish are:

1. Jawaish Jalinus - strengthens the vital organs (1)
2. Jawarish Anarain - relieves biliousness
3. Jawarish Kamooni - cleanser for the stomach and bowels

Jawahar Mohra

This is a unique medicine with great medicinal properties.

1. It is a tonic for the vital organs (heart, brain & liver)
2. It is a restorative (a medicine used to restore health)
3. It is a memory and intelligence sharpener
4. It is also especially useful as a tonic when the patient is on the deathbed.

Pills (Habub)

Habub means grains, and Hub is the singular word meaning grain. It is a pill made of grounded or powdered (depending on how fine the formulation requires) herbs that are mixed with water or another liquid to mold into a pill shape. It is then left to dry.

To make them more palatable, especially when the Hub is, particularly unpleasant tasting, more recent practitioners opt for using capsules as they hide the taste of the herb. They, however, would still be considered a hub in Unani Tibb terminology.

Sweets (Halway)

Translating as sweet, this medicine is designed to use its principal ingredient, sugar, as a nutrient and tonic agent to aid health. Sweetness is not considered a poison in Unani Tibb; in fact, we often use it as medicine. It is, however, dependent on the quality of the sugar and quantity one takes sweets into their diet.

Types of Halway:

1. Halwa-i-Badam
2. Halwa-i-Sa'lab:
3. Halwa-i-Supari Pak

Khamiray

A khamira is a semi-solid formulation prepared with a decoction of a particular herb(s) and then sweetened with syrup. It has been reported to have been a more recent invention in the Unani Tibb medicinal history to make medicines more palatable for the Mughals of its time.

They are usually used for heart ailments, common formulations being Khamira Aabresham & Khamira Gaozaban (2).

Liquid distillations (Ruhain)

A ruh is the ''liquid distillate which is obtained by re-distilling the aqueous extract of plant material'' (1). What this entails usually is soaking herbs overnight in water and then distilling half of the liquid. The distilled liquid is added with the original another half of the water soaked with herb (that was originally left behind), mixed, and then put back into the distillation to be re-distilled a second time.

Oils (Roghaniyaat)

Roghan means oil. Many different types of oils are used in Unani Tibb for various purposes. Some can be administrated orally, while others are only for topical uses, whether it be for massage therapy, dropped into the ear or nasal cavities, etc. Many organs can also be used in poultices or added to other medications.

Vinegar (Sirkay)

Sirkay is the Unani term for vinegar. Below are some of the types of vinegar Unani practitioners use with their uses.

1. Grape vinegar is used as 1. a digestive aid, 2. an ingredient for various medications.
2. Java Plum vinegar is used to: 1. assist in relieving stomach, liver, and spleen ailments, 2. also an ingredient for various medications.

Dried, grounded herbs (Sufufat )

A suffuf is the ground herbs used by themselves (by mixing with water/milk) and drunk or added to other medicines to create other medicinal formulations. Depending on the need of the client or formula, and sometimes on the absorption rate of the herb itself, the herbs will be grounded and sieved to different sizes. Some will be very fine and powder-like, while others will be more coarse and larger.

Honey-based formulas (Sikanjbin )

Sikanjbin is a honey-based vinegar preparation more commonly referred to as oxymel in the West. These formulations are not always honey-based - they can also use sugar as a replacement.

Dental Medications (Sununat)

Sunnat are formulations used for dental problems. Examples of sunhats include; Sunun Tambaku, Sunun Khas, Sunun Zard, etc.

Sharbat

Sharbats are soft drinks sweetened with sugar, honey, or any other sweetener. They are a very palatable medicine - sometimes referred to as syrups. There are several Unani Sharabt with very effective results. They can be made from herbs or fruit.

Below are some of the sharbat with their uses:

1. Sharbat Nilofar (Waterlily): Refrigerant, thirst quencher.
2. Sharbat Murakkab Musaffi Khuan: Depurative, anti-syphilitic, relieves itching & emollient.
3. Sharbat Laukat: Sedative, Cholagogue, Refrigerant & Thirst Quencher.

Suppositories (Shiyaf)

Shiyaf is applied through the external cavities, i.e., nostrils, ears, rectum, urogenital tract, and womb). They are also applied to the eyes by rubbing a few drops on the eyes.

Pastes/Poultices (Zimadat)

These medications are applied topically to treat external and/or internal organs (they treat the internal by applying the herbal formulation on the external area connected to the internal organs).

Tila

these are liquid medicines applied to the male genitalia to treat conditions such as muscular weakness, impotence, and low sex drive.  

Distillations (Arqiyat)

Arqiyat, plural for arq, are water distillations of various herbs. They are a common medicine. Below are examples of some Arq with their benefits.

1. Arq Ajwain: appetizer, carminative & anti-phlegmatic.
2. Arq Ilaichi: exhilarate and refrigerant, stomach tonic & anti-dyspepsia

Tablets (Aqras)

Unlike pills, this medicine is flat and round. However, it acts similarly to pills or hubbubs. Note Qurs is the singular word for Aqras. Below are a few examples of Unani Tibb's tablets with their benefits.

1. Qurs Abiaz: aphrodisiac, curative for excessive emissions, enhances ejaculations, and curative for spermatorrhoea.
2. Qurs Asfar: depurative & refrigerant.
3. Qurs Alkali: Antiflaulent & antidyspeptic
4. Qurs Habis: Curative for nasal bleeding and prevents excessive menstrual discharge.

Collyriums (Kuhl)

Sufuf powders are specially used for ocular treatments, whether it be to help the eyes retain vision in old age or for general eye weakness. They are also used to remove ocular opacity.

Kushtay

Kushtay are powerful medicines used in small quantities by highly effective. They are known to and are used because they act fast. They are formed from a blend of metals, metallic oxides, non-metals, and minerals.

Kushton kay Qurs

These are very powerful medications taken in very minute quantities - 30 to 125 mg. They usually come in the form of powders or tablets - tablets to make sure clients get the exact quantity they need. They are incorporated with magnesium carbonate, arrowroot, and gelatin.

Lububat

Lub, the singular form of lububat. They are a type of major known for having the majority of their ingredients in the form of fruits and seed kernels. They are usually taken before breakfast with milk.

Below are some examples of Lububats and their benefits:

1. Lubub Barid: aphrodisiac
2. Lubub Saghir: aphrodisiac & increases the viscosity of the seminal fluids.

Electuaries (Laooquat)

Linctus or linctures are sort of like herbal lollypops - they are meant to be taken via licking. They are composed of a herbal blend sweetened and then molded into shape. They are usually taken as a remedial medicine for the lungs, throat, etc.

Preserves (Murabbay)

Murabbay, the Arabic word meaning something that has been fostered, is a formulation made of fresh fruit and roots. They were intended to be used in seasons when fresh fruit where not available.

Marhamain

Marhamain, plural for Marham, are semi-solid substances prepared from the stuff of more than one ingredient, wax and oil. They are generally tended to be used externally for inflammations, swellings, abrasions, wounds, cuts, boils, pustules, etc.

Confections (Ma'junain)

Majunain, Majun singular, are semi-solid preparations composed of a sufuf and a syrup or honey. Technically, Triphals, anushadru, jawarishat, dawa'ul-misk, lububat & muffarehat are all classied as Majuns.

Exhilirants (Muffarehat)

These are majuns that are, among other things, specifically employed as exhilarants. They are usually made with a large number of ingredients.

Digestive Medicines (Naushdaroo)

These are also majuns, with the main ingredient being Emblic officinalis, Amla, used specifically for digestive complaints.

References:

1. Said Hakim Mohammad, editor—Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine. Hamdard Academy, 1970.
2. Ahmad S, Rehman S, Ahmad AM, Siddiqui KM, Shaukat S, Khan MS, Kamal YT, Jahangir T. Khamiras, a natural cardiac tonic: An overview. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2010 Apr;2(2):93-9. doi 10.4103/0975-7406.67009. PMID: 21814439; PMCID: PMC3147110.

DISCLAIMER: Shifaa Khan's content is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship, a consultant-client relationship, or a practitioner-client/patient relationship between Shifaa Khan and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. No presentation or communication shall expressly or implicitly bind any person or entity to any contract, agreement, or course of conduct or waive any part of this disclaimer, and no one should rely on unverified claims that Shifaa Khan is part of any endeavor and all such reliance is expressly disclaimed.