Vol. 9, Issue - 2, Part A (2025)

Unani dietary principles across the human lifespan: A literary review

Dietotherapy, known as ‘Il?j bi’l-Ghidha?’ in Unani Medicine, plays a central role in both the prevention and treatment of diseases. It not only nourishes and strengthens the body but also helps in disease prevention and longevity. The Unani system categorizes life into four distinct stages based on the concepts of Rut?bat Ghari?ziyya (innate moisture) and H?ara?rat Ghari?ziyya (innate heat). Preserving Rut?bat Ghari?ziyya and maintaining the body’s Quwa? (faculties) are core objectives of Unani Tib, achieved through appropriate dietary regimens (Ghidha?’i? Tada?bi?r).
This study follows an input-processing-output framework, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. Primary materials were derived from classical Unani texts and their translations, while secondary sources included journals, theses, periodicals, and digital repositories.
The research identifies three primary factors contributing to aging in Unani medicine: the cold and dry shift in Miza?j (temperament), weakening of H?ara?rat Ghari?ziyya, and decline in Quwa?. For the elderly (Masha?yikh), Unani physicians recommend diets that are warming (Musakhkhin) and moistening (Murat?t?ib), to counterbalance these deteriorating factors.
The study concludes that Unani dietary guidelines are personalized and holistic, considering variables such as age, gender, temperament, season, climate, geographical location, and digestive strength (Quwa?’i Had?m). Within the six essential factors of health (Asba?b Sitta D?ar?riyya), Ma’k?la?t-o-Mashr?ba?t (food and drink) uniquely provide Badl Ma? Yatah?allal the replenishment of body tissues.