Traditional medicine with its therapeutical and herbal resources in Iran

Abstract

Traditional medicine with its therapeutical materia medica goes back many centuries to before Avicenna, Razi…. Our studies are based: on our observations, particularly in rural families; on our practical experience in pharmacies during summer holidays in Tehran; and on lectures and study of handwritten manuscripts (in Persian, Arabic, French …) such as Canoun of Avicenna, Tohfe Hakim Momen or other lectures during our teaching at the Universities. In this paper we discuss the basis of traditional medicine and the treatment by different parts of plants (roots, stems, flower, grains…). Traditional medicine and its therapeutical methods have been used by therapists such as renowned Hakim or Hakim Bashi, and Sheikh Attar (herbalist) experts in medicine and also in education, philosophy and morality. Until recently materia medica were often prepared during long winter nights. Cupping glass, scarification and leeches were used. in therapy. To reduce fever, the willow tree, the bark of poppy and marsh mallow were used. Belladonna, morphine or opium (theriac) were used to relieve pain. Caster oil, known for its laxative action, is used for children and also adults. Finally, childbirth was carried out by midwives, known as `ghabele' until recently in villages. We also noted that mental illness, psychosis, dementia, behavioral disorders were long thought to be caused by supernatural forces or demonic possession. So, in several rural communities mentally ill people were given religious help in parallel with materia medica therapy. Hydrotherapy, thermo minerals.... have always been used for patients throughout history. In conclusion we do not deny that in spite of advances in medical sciences and pharmacology… Traditional medicine and therapeutical plants continue to exist in many countries. Medicinal plants, used in Medicine for about 3000 years B.C., have become popular today around the world