Medicines prepared in the Tibb-e-Unani pharmacopoeia are based on the following formulations:
Itriful
A paste-like formulation prepared in honey and sugar. An Itriful consist of 3
fruits - Terminalia chebula (Halaila), Terminalia belerica (Bahera) and Emblica
officinali (Amla), its main ingredients known as 'Ter-phala'. Itrifuls are
less-viscous than other forms of Unani preparations, and as a result are
assimilated and excreted faster.
Itrifuls
are mostly effective in elimination of waste material (ill-humors) from the
body especially the brain, eyes, nose, ears, stomach and intestine.
Prescriptions vary for illnesses ranging from headache, migraine, sinusitis,
cataract, and otitis media to cold, flu, asthma, stomach ache, intestinal
worms, blood impurities and piles.
Jawarish
A
paste-like formulation prepared in honey and sugar and usually pleasant tasting.
Jawarish is more viscous than an Itriful and its medicinal ingredients are not
finely ground so as to retain the medicine in the stomach for a longer
duration.
Jawarish
are mostly indicated for stomach disorders and aid in digestion and intestinal
cleansing.
Hab / Qurs
A Hab
or Qurs is in tablet form and is assimilated in the body much faster. A variety of tablets are manufactured catering to a wide range of indications.
Khamira
A
compound distinguished by its sweet aroma and smooth texture, Khamira is prepared
in a base of honey and sugar in a 2-stage process. A decoction of the medicinal
herbs is first obtained under controlled conditions, containing extracts of the
desired active ingredients, which is then added to the honey and sugar base. This
mix is then extensively kneaded, for an entire day in some formulations. The
resulting preparation is highly viscous and smooth.
All
Khamiras are intended to refresh the body and strengthen the brain and nervous
system. Some are also indicated in cough, flu, fever, and asthma.
Roghan
The
word literally means 'Oil' and all oils are extracted either from seeds or
herbs.
Most
oils are used as emollient or sedatives to relieve muscular pain, eliminate
dryness, reduce swelling and improve blood supply.
Sufuf
Sufuf means 'Powder', and represents all preparations in finely ground powder form.
This form of medication is intended for fast and instant relief and is retained
in the body for a longer period of time.
Indications
for Sufuf vary from fever to stomach disorders to piles and bleeding.
Sharbat
Sharbat
is an Arabic word meaning 'Syrup'. All Sharbats are prepared by first boiling the
medicinal herbs in water for obtaining a decoction, which is then added to a
base of sugar and glucose.
Sharbats
are indicated in a variety of disorders.
Tilla
This
preparation is for external use only. It is in the form of an ointment with
relatively little viscosity and its medicinal powder is very finely ground for
fast absorption through skin.
All
Tillas are indicated in providing strength to the male genital organ. Their
massage helps maintain erection for a longer duration and enhances libido.
Arq
The
literal meaning of this Arabic word is 'Distillate'. An Arq is obtained by
boiling an herb in a distillation plant at optimal temperature and collecting
the condensate which contains the active ingredient in pure form.
Arqs
are indicated in a variety of disorders.
Laooq
Prepared
in honey and sugar, Laooq is less viscous than a Jawarish and is by and large
prescribed in cold, flu, and sore throat.
It
is generally advised to consume a Laooq by dissolving it in a cup of lukewarm
water.
Lubub
Prepared
in honey and sugar but very viscous as opposed to a Laooq. Another
distinguishing factor is the high content of dry fruits and nuts in the
formulation of Lububs.
Lububs
are mostly indicated in sexual debility and impotence.
Majoon
Majoon
is another honey and sugar based formulation and is highly viscous. The
medicinal ingredients are finely ground intended for fast assimilation in the
body.
Majoons
are indicated for a wide range of diseases.
Mufarah
This formulation is
prepared in a base of honey only. All Mufarahs are intended to refresh and
invigorate the body and provide nourishment to all the vital organs.
