The Divine Medicine
Since the beginning of time, nations have relied on plants to cure diseases and save lives. From the enslaved Africans smuggling their herbs to lands unknown, to ‘witches’ being burned at the stake for their healing abilities, one thing is obvious: they were willing to risk their lives to preserve their medicine.
In T&T, we are no strangers to what we affectionately call ‘bush medicine’. The legacy left behind by our West African, and East Indian ascendants included a rich assortment of herbal remedies. Unfortunately, the oral preservation of these traditions has made them susceptible to dying out. The herbs that were once our means of survival are quickly being replaced.
While herbal medicine is often considered taboo in the West, these practices have not been lost in other cultures. Many regions have very little access to allopathic medicine and thus herbalism is very much alive and practised in the world today.
Islam is not unfamiliar with the concept of using food and plants as medicine. It is quite difficult to mention all the contributions made in the field of medicine by Muslims, but the Muslim physicians of a thousand years ago would be pleased to know that after their deaths, their works were rapidly being made accessible to the whole of Europe. In fact, Gray’s Anatomy, the famous medical encyclopedia, follows traditions begun by Muslims. Additionally, the entire European medical system was fashioned after the hospitals in the Muslim world. “The European medical system is Arabian, not only an origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans.” – Dr Donald Campbell.
So what caused our success in the field of medicine? The Muslims referred to the guidance brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Prophetic Medicine comprises a set of practices and principles that have been meticulously preserved over the centuries by Muslim scholars. We believe that he was sent as a guide for all affairs. Although he was not a doctor, he is recorded to have made specific statements on 37 ailments and 61 medicinal plants, while making prescriptions for sick people who requested his guidance. There are nearly 1000 statements of divine revelation that can be of great benefit to mankind if followed correctly. Here are just a few of the essential components of Prophetic Medicine.
Honey
“And the Lord inspired the bee… There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colours wherein is healing for men…” (Qur’ān, 28:29)
While common in Trinidad, the medical benefits of honey are quite underrated. Best known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, it is famous for its use as a sore throat remedy in coughs and colds. It helps lower blood pressure and improves cholesterol, triglycerides, and is used to heal wounds and stomach ailments such as diarrhoea and acid reflux. It is impossible to list all of the benefits of honey but one that is worth mentioning is that due to its texture and sweetness, it is often used as an alternative sweetener and can help treat diabetes.
Black seed
The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, “the black seed is a cure for all diseases except death.”
While it is difficult to test this, insofar, black seed has been successful in treating any disease it has been tested against. Additionally, many others agreed with this testimony, including the Greek physician Hippocrates, and the pharmacologist and physician, Pedanius Dioscorides. The latter is the author of a five-volume encyclopedia on herbal medicines, which was referred to for over 1,500 years. It was found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and is even mentioned in the Bible as a remedy.
Nigella sativa, black cumin, kalonji… whatever name it goes by, black seed has been used in medicine and cuisine for 2000 years. Its nutrient-dense composition allows it to be used as a treatment for a variety of health conditions pertaining to the respiratory system, digestive tract, kidney and liver functions, cardiovascular system, and immune system support.
Numerous studies reveal that black seed may be able to help fight and prevent all different kinds of cancer, boost liver health and kill antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’.
Other possible health benefits of this oil include help with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Black seed oil is popular for hair and skin as it helps improve cosmetic concerns like acne, eczema, and hair loss.
With the accolades of these two natural medicines, during the recent coronavirus pandemic, doctors began testing black seed and honey for efficacy against the coronavirus. The lead doctor, a research fellow at Harvard medical school, said that they tested drugs against COVID-19 but were unable to find any effective ones. However, a mixture of honey and black seed produced miraculous results. What they saw made them certain that this was the only hope that humanity had to fight against this widespread disease. Unfortunately, this type of research can take years to complete, and as such, it may be some time before the results are fully known. Meanwhile, Black seed is widely available in Trinidad and has little to no side effects.
Ginger
“And they will be given to drink in (paradise) from a cup with a mixture of ginger.” (Qur’ān, 76:17)
Ginger contains gingerol, which has potent medicinal properties. A valuable spice, it has traditionally been used in regular and alternative medicine, to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold. It is highly effective against nausea and vomiting, can lower blood sugar, improve heart disease, and fight cancer and Alzheimers. It can inhibit bacteria growth, making it effective against infections.
Prophetic Medicine recommends that ginger, lemon, and salt be used to neutralise any harmful effects of grease, as He ﷺ, was known to have enjoyed the many health benefits of animal fat. Considering that ginger and fresh lemon have not been staples in the average Westerner’s diet, the decades-long controversy over dietary fat suddenly starts to make sense.
Even today, a blend of ginger, honey, turmeric, and garlic is recommended to boost the immune system and treat a myriad of problems from asthma to heart disease.
Dates
“And in the earth are neighbouring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops, and date-palms… watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily, in these things, there are signs for the people of understanding.” (Qur’ān 13:4)
Dates have been mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān at least 20 times. The Qur’ān describes the incident in which Maryam ‘alayhas-salām was divinely advised to eat dates while in labour with Isa ‘alayhis-salām Interestingly, experiments have shown that dates contain stimulants that strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of pregnancy. This helps the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery and reduces bleeding.
Dates are a great sunnah due to the love the Prophet ﷺ had for them. He even made the statement, “People in a house without dates are in a state of hunger.” This statement can only be understood by the one who knows the number of vital nutrients they contain and their role in the overall well-being of the human body.
Olive oil, vinegar, senna, kohl, aloe, henna, barley… it is impossible to even list the variety of prophetic foods and medicines, far less for extolling their virtues. One thing that cannot go without mentioning is Islam’s overall focus on health. Islam considers human life sacred and has honoured and prioritised human well-being.
Cleanliness is highly emphasized for Muslims as the washing of hands, rinsing of noses, and gargling is done five times a day in preparation for daily prayers. Hand washing and gargling before and after meals are also customary. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Cleanliness is half of faith.”
There are so many aspects of a Muslim’s daily life that encourage cleanliness and hygiene. It was almost made compulsory by the Prophet ﷺ to clean the teeth with the miswāk (the first documented toothbrush) before every prayer. The clipping of nails and grooming of hair is considered a part of human nature and as such we are encouraged to do so, along with taking a full shower, wearing clean clothing, and perfuming. These are acts done to honour the holy days (Fridays, Eid, et cetera). It is understood that these things should be done daily, but it was out of great wisdom that he did not impose these as many people in the world have limited access to water and other resources.
A balanced diet, fasting, and being physically active, are things that are heavily emphasized in the life of a Muslim, as they contribute to mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. If these recommendations are followed carefully they can improve human health immensely. “Food for one suffices two and food for two suffices for four.” This is just one example of the many simple but profound statements made by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In a time when more people die from overeating than under-eating, over a thousand years ago, he identified both the problem and the solution: cut down massive food portions to combat obesity. Obesity makes a person predisposed to many other fatal diseases. Inversely, rectifying obesity can cure a lot of these preexisting conditions.
The remedies mentioned here have been used as food and medicine for thousands of years and are of divine origin. After all, Allah has stated in the Qur’ān (17:82), “And We have sent down in the Qur’ān that which is healing and mercy for the believers…”
Aalimah Noorie K Khan