The healing world of scents: Aromatherapy in Unani medicine

Abstract

The Unani System of medicine is based on Rational and Scientific principles as it strives to find the best possible ways for a person to lead a healthy life. The maintenance of health both preventive and curative aspects are achieved by prescribing suitable diets, regimens, and herbal medicines. One of the important regimens in Unani medicine is Aromatherapy which uses fragrances which are harmonizing, balancing humours and therapeutic in action based on individual temperaments. The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates has said that “The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage every day”. The purpose is to highlight various Aromatherapy regimens performed in Unani medicine with aromatic herbs. Method used is the review of Classical Unani texts to collect information about Unani herbs used in Aromatherapy. In addition, literature from published research article for evidence on the therapeutic action of drugs. The comprehensive review highlights aromatherapy used in Unani medicine in the form of Bukhoor (Vaporization), Inkebab (Steam bath), Lakhlakha (Inhalation), Dhūnī (Fumigation), ‘Aṭūs (Snuff), Shamūm (Olfaction) etc. The aromatic medicinal herbs mentioned in Unani medicine have exhilarant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties due to which they are used in the treatment of palpitations, insomnia, dementia, and pain management. Aromatherapy is widely used in Unani medicine because of its effectiveness in reducing illness and also in improving the quality of life. The medicinal herbs with their pharmacological activity will be discussed in detail in this paper.