Concept of Hemorrhoid (Bawaseer) and Management in Unani System of Medicine: A Review

Abstract

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins within the anal canal in the sub-epithelial region formed by radicles of the superior and inferior rectal veins. The basic cause of bulging of veins (piles) is increase in intra-abdominal pressure as in the case of obesity, constipation and pregnancy. It is a common ailment among adults. In Unani system of medicine, hemorrhoids are known as bawaseer. Buqrat (Hippocrates) (460–377BC), the renowned Unani physician, stated that bawaseer is the varicosities of internal mucus membrane of rectum in which the veins get swollen similar to the veins of lower limb. Ancient Unani physicians such as Buqrat, Jalinoos, and Ibn sina gave description of bawaseer in details. According to the line of treatment of Unani system of medicine, it is advised to treat the hemorrhoid with Mushil-e-Sauda, Muqavvi Meda wa Ama, Mohallil Awram, Musakkin, Habis-e-Dam, Mundamil-e-Zakham, Mufattehat and mulaiyyan Adviya. Drugs having mufatteh, mulaiyyan and muqavvi meda wa ama properties are helpful to prevent and reduce intra-abdominal pressure specially caused by constipation. Musakkin and muhallil drugs reduce the inflammation and pain; while Habis Dam and mundamil zakhm help in checking bleeding and healing the wound. There are many mufrad (single) and murakkab (compound formulation) drugs described in Unani literature to manage bawaseer. Many of them are in clinical use and have been proved very beneficial. In this paper, there is an insight of causes, pathology and complications of bawaseer along with some of the single and compound formulations being used in the management of hemorrhoids.

Keywords: Hemorrhoids (Bawaseer), Unani system of medicine

Cite this Article

Sajid Ansari, Hussain Aqlimunnisa B, Aqueel Shaikh, et al. Concept of Hemorrhoid (Bawaseer) and Management in Unani System of Medicine: A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2018; 5(2):
15–18p.