Post Series: Global Traditional Medicine Systems
In order to spread awareness about the rich living herbal traditions from around the world, this post series is intended to introduce some of the characteristics of the herbal or traditional medicine systems to which plants belong.
Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), also known as Iranian Traditional Medicine, is a holistic system of healing that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. Rooted in the teachings of ancient Persian scholars such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina), who authored the Canon of Medicine, TPM combines natural remedies with a comprehensive understanding of the human body and its balance. The core philosophy of TPM revolves around the balance of the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and their relationship to the body’s temperament, which is classified into four types: sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic. The goal of TPM is to maintain this balance for optimal health, using a variety of natural therapies, including dietary management, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes.
In TPM, diagnosis and treatment rely heavily on assessing the patient’s temperament and humor imbalances. Practitioners focus on lifestyle modifications (such as sleep, exercise, and diet) to prevent disease and restore balance. Nutritional therapy is one of the key techniques, with specific diets tailored to a patient’s temperament and condition. Another important practice is Hijama (wet cupping), which involves creating small incisions on the skin to remove toxins from the blood. Herbal medicine is extensively used to treat ailments, often in combination with therapies like massage, and hydrotherapy. TPM also integrates spiritual well-being and mental health as essential components of treatment.
Many medicinal plants are used in TPM. Saffron (Crocus sativus), known for its antioxidant and mood-enhancing properties, is frequently used for depression and digestive issues. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is another common herb, prized for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, often recommended for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. Another important plant is Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), traditionally used to treat indigestion, menstrual disorders, and eye conditions. These plants, among others, are integral to TPM’s approach to managing disease, emphasizing natural remedies to restore harmony in the body.
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Traditional Persian Medicine
