Gangrene In Unani Medicine
Gangrene of Foot
Gangrene in Unani Medicine is known as “Tasfīl-e-Udhw” or “Guṭrāb”, a condition where a part of the body tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, infection, or injury. Unani medicine views gangrene as a result of imbalance in humors (Akhlat), particularly a dominance of Sauda (black bile) or Balgham (phlegm) in the affected area, leading to tissue death and obstruction in blood circulation.
Causes of Gangrene in Unani Perspective
1. Imbalance in Akhlat (Humors):
Excessive Sauda causing dryness and hardness.
Stagnation of Dam (blood) leading to blocked circulation.
2. Wound or Injury:
If not treated properly, it can lead to putrefaction of tissues.
3. Infections:
Severe infections that obstruct blood flow.
4. Cold and Heat Imbalance:
Extreme exposure to cold (Frostbite) or heat.
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Major Benefits of Leech Therapy (Hijamat-e-Alaq) in Treating Gangrene
Leech therapy is an essential part of Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy) in Unani medicine. Leeches are used to remove stagnated blood, improve circulation, and reduce tissue inflammation, making it highly beneficial for gangrene management.
1. Restores Blood Circulation:
Leeches secrete enzymes like hirudin, which prevent blood clotting and improve microcirculation in the affected area, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissues.
2. Reduces Inflammation:
Leech saliva contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help decrease swelling and pain in the gangrenous region.
3. Removes Toxins (Tanqiya-e-Mawad):
By sucking impure, stagnated blood, leeches assist in detoxifying the area and removing necrotic tissues, facilitating faster healing.
4. Antimicrobial Properties:
Leeches release substances like calin and bdellins, which have antibacterial properties, preventing infections from spreading further.
5. Prevents Amputation:
Early intervention with leech therapy can help save the affected limb by restoring circulation and halting tissue death.
6. Stimulates Healing:
Bioactive compounds in leech saliva stimulate new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and tissue repair.
7. Minimal Side Effects:
Leech therapy is a natural and minimally invasive method, reducing the risk of complications associated with more aggressive treatments.
Unani Supportive Measures for Gangrene
1. Detoxification Therapies:
Fasd (Bloodletting) and Ishal (Purgation) to remove toxins from the body.
2. Herbal Remedies:
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Antimicrobial and blood purifier.
Turmeric (Haldi): Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Aloe Vera (Gheekwar): Soothing and regenerative for skin.
3. Dietary Recommendations:
A simple diet rich in antioxidants and devoid of acidic and greasy foods.
4. Topical Applications:
Herbal oils like Roghan-e-Gul and Roghan-e-Zaitoon for wound dressing.
Conclusion
Unani medicine offers a holistic approach to gangrene management through therapies like Leech Therapy, which is particularly effective in improving circulation, removing toxins, and facilitating healing. Combined with detoxification, herbal remedies, and dietary changes, Unani treatment can help manage gangrene effectively, potentially preventing severe outcomes like amputation.
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