WARAM-I MEDA (GASTRITIS) AND ITS MANAGEMENT FROM UNANI PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In the present scenario, gastritis still remains a major public health problem that affects the population of both the developed as well as developing countries. More than 50% of the population in developing countries suffers from gastritis, whereas 34.7 % of the population in developed countries had health problems due to gastritis. Main causes of gastritis are infections, stress, continuous use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol and bile reflux. Gastritis if remains untreated or undiagnosed causes Quruh-i Meda (gastric ulcers). Prolonged and progressive inflammation results in destruction of gastric mucosa (Atrophic gastritis) and reduction in gastric acid secretions. These two factors are considered as the main risk factors in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Unani physicians have given much importance to this disease. In Unani system of medicine, there is elaborated description of gastritis under the heading of Waram-i Meda with causes, symptoms and its effective management. The fundamental principles of Unani treatment of gastritis is to restore the normalcy of the patient, correction of temperament (Mizaj ), humoral balance in the organ and the body, and toning up of the stomach. All these principles are achieved mostly by three modes of treatment i.e. Iaj bil Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy), Ilaj bil Ghiza (Dietotherapy) and Ilaj bil Dawa (Pharmacotherapy). In this review article, Waram-i Meda (gastritis) is elaborated with its type, causes and treatment in Unani perspective with the objective to reduce the burden of gastritis and prevention of complications associated with gastritis.