No products in the cart.
Journey of Unani Medicine from Antiquity to Modern India
Journey of
Unani Medicine
A Part of Indian System of Medicine (ISM)
What is Unani Medicine
Unani medicine is a traditional medical system having roots in ancient Greece & Arabian medicine, developed and further refined by Arab, Persian as well as Indian physicians.
It’s based on the principles of the four humors, like doshas in Ayurveda, balance of which is the aim of both pathies.
Now it is an integral part of Indian System of Medicine, under the ministry of AYUSH
Why Unani Medicine is Called Unani?
Unani medicine, derived from the word “Yunani” meaning “Greek,” is a holistic system of healing that traces its roots to ancient Greece. It has since traversed centuries and continents, evolving through interactions with various civilizations. From the philosophical foundations laid by Hippocrates to its flourishing in medieval Islamic culture and its establishment in India, Unani medicine remains a vital tradition in the global tapestry of health systems. Companies like Sana Herbals are now playing a crucial role in preserving and advancing its relevance in contemporary healthcare.
Origins and Classical Foundations
Unani Medicine is actually the root of modern scientific medicine.
Unani medicine began in Greece around the 5th century BCE, credited largely to Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine.” He introduced the concept of the four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—believing that disease results from imbalance among them.
Today, Hippocrates is considered as the father of medicine, as he is known to be the first person who encouraged evidence-based medicine. At that era this system of medical care was not known as Unani Medicine, but it was the latest, logic-based and modern therapeutic approach. This system sustained the status of mainstream care until European Renaissance.
This system was preserved and greatly expanded upon by Roman and later Arab-Persian scholars. Notably, Galen (129–216 CE) contributed to anatomy and pharmacology. However, it was during the Arabic Renascence Period (8th–13th centuries CE) that Unani medicine flourished more.
Hippocrates
Greek physician and philosopher of the classical period who is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine. He is traditionally referred to as the "Father of Medicine" in recognition of his lasting contributions to the field.
Galen
was a Roman and Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher. Considered to be one of the most accomplished of all medical researchers of antiquity.
By Bernard Gagnon - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
The Islamic Renaissance Period
The translation movement in Baghdad under the Abbasid Caliphate introduced Greek medical texts to the Arab world. Here, scholars like Al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) advanced Unani medicine through critical observation, documentation, and synthesis of Greek, Persian, and Indian medical knowledge.
- Al-Razi (865–925 CE), author of Kitab al-Hawi, compiled clinical cases and emphasized evidence-based diagnosis.
- Ibn Sina (980–1037 CE) , whose magnum opus Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine) became a foundational medical text in both the East and West for over 500 years.
Their works were translated into Latin and studied in European universities, solidifying Unani medicine’s global impact.
Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Zakariyyāʾ al-Rāzī
(865–925 CE) was a Persian physician, philosopher and alchemist who lived during the Arabian Golden Age. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of medicine,
By Hossein Behzad
Avicenna
Ibn Sina (980–1037 CE), commonly known in the West as Avicenna, was a preeminent philosopher and physician of the Mideval time.
By Turalhemidli - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Unani in India: A 900-Year Legacy
Unani medicine entered India around the 12th century, brought by Persian and Arab scholars during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. It found fertile ground in Indian culture due to its holistic nature and adaptability to local conditions.
Rather than remaining a foreign import, Unani medicine was embraced and gradually indigenized. Indian scholars and Hakims began integrating local herbs, Ayurvedic techniques, and regional health concepts, giving rise to a distinct Indo-Unani tradition. The Unani system flourished under the patronage of Sultans and later the Mughals, who appointed court physicians and commissioned translations and commentaries on classical texts.
The Mughal period, especially during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, marked the golden age of Unani in India. Unani physicians like Hakim Ali Gilani and Hakim Sadra became prominent figures at the royal courts. Their sophisticated understanding of health, nutrition, and pharmacology found wide acceptance among the masses, particularly in North India.
Hakim Ali ibn Kamal al-Din Muhammad Gilani
Hakim Ali Gilani was a 16th-century physician in Mughal India
Hakim Sadra Shirazi
Hakim Sadra arrived in India from Shiraz (Iran) in 1603 or the 46th year of the accession of Emperor Akbar
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Unani was firmly rooted in Indian society. It was practiced widely across Delhi, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and other cultural centers. Though the British colonial period saw a decline in traditional systems due to the imposition of Western medicine, the Unani system endured, preserved by committed Hakims and local communities.
One of the most prominent revivalists during this time was Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868–1927). A freedom fighter, medical reformer, and founder of Tibbia College in Delhi, he championed Unani medicine as both a scientific discipline and a national heritage. His efforts ensured Unani’s survival and institutional continuity even during the most challenging colonial years.
Hakim Ajmal Khan
Hakim Ajmal Khan, was a physician in Delhi, India. A freedom fighter and medical reformer as well.
By India Post, Government of India - [1] [2], GODL-India, Link
Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College
The Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, also popularly known as Tibbia College, is an institution under the Government of Delhi, located at Karol Bagh in New Delhi, India
Modern-Day Importance in India
Another towering figure in the modern evolution of Unani was Hakim Mohammed Kabiruddin (1894–1976), widely regarded as the father of Unani literature in India. A prolific scholar, teacher, and editor, he dedicated his life to compiling, translating, and preserving classical Unani texts in Urdu, making them accessible to generations of students and practitioners. His magnum opus, the multi-volume “Bayaz-e-Kabir”, remains a cornerstone reference for Unani diagnosis and treatment. Through his work at Ajmal Khan Tibbia College, he nurtured a generation of Unani physicians, contributing immensely to the educational foundation of the system in post-colonial India.
A significant contributor to Unani’s post-independence revival was Hakim Abdul Hamid (1908–1999), the visionary founder of Hamdard (India). In the wake of India’s partition and shifting political landscapes, he not only reestablished the Hamdard Laboratories in Delhi but also founded the Hamdard National Foundation and later Jamia Hamdard University. Through his efforts, Unani medicine gained structured education, research platforms, and pharmaceutical-grade production systems, laying the foundation for the modern Unani industry.
Hakim M Kabiruddin
Hakim Mohammed Kabiruddin (1894–1976) A 20th century academician of Unani Medicine
Hakim Abdul Hameed
Hakim Abdul Hameed (1908–1999) was an Indian physician of the traditional medicine system of Unani, the founder chancellor of Jamia Hamdard.
Photo: Hamdard Foundationz
India is now a global center for Unani medicine. Under the AYUSH Ministry, Unani is officially recognized and promoted. Institutions like the National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) in Bengaluru and the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) play pivotal roles in research and development. The 900-year-old tradition has not only withstood the test of time but has also evolved to meet modern healthcare needs with dignity and scientific rigor.
Today, Unani medicine is not just historical—it addresses modern challenges like lifestyle disorders, metabolic issues, skin conditions, and infertility with safe, time-tested remedies.
Geographical Spread and Global Influence
From Greece and the Arab world, Unani medicine reached Persia, Central Asia, India, and North Africa. Its adaptability allowed it to absorb local knowledge—such as Ayurvedic and Chinese practices in the East—while retaining its Greek foundations.
In modern times, it continues to be practiced in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran, and parts of the Middle East and Africa. Its principles have even inspired alternative therapies in the West.
Sana Herbals and the Revival of Unani Tradition
Amid growing interest in traditional medicine, companies like Sana Herbals Pvt Ltd are instrumental in preserving and advancing Unani medicine. With a commitment to quality manufacturing, scientific validation, and public awareness, Sana Herbals blends ancient wisdom with modern needs.
Sana Herbals is a progressive company dedicated to the manufacturing and marketing of Unani and Ayurvedic medicines, including classical and proprietary herbal formulations.
With a commitment to holistic health and wellness, Sana Herbals combines the wisdom of traditional Unani and Ayurvedic systems with modern quality standards. Our wide range of herbal products is formulated using time-tested ingredients and scientific processes to ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency. Trusted by physicians and preferred by health-conscious individuals, Sana Herbals continues to uphold the legacy of natural healing through innovation and integrity.
Their product range—spanning from digestive remedies, tonics, and herbal supplements to specific formulations for chronic conditions—demonstrates how Unani medicine remains relevant in today’s fast-paced world.
Sana Herbals also actively engages in public health education, digital outreach, and collaboration with Unani physicians, helping a new generation rediscover the benefits of natural healing.
Visual Timeline: The Journey of Unani Medicine
5th Century BCE – 9th Century CE
Ancient Origins
📍 Hippocrates (460–370 BCE) – Foundations of Greco-Roman medicine laid.
📍 Galen (129–216 CE) – Developed humoral theory.
📍 Translation Movement (8th–9th Century) – Greek works translated into Arabic in Baghdad (House of Wisdom).
📍 Galen (129–216 CE) – Developed humoral theory.
📍 Translation Movement (8th–9th Century) – Greek works translated into Arabic in Baghdad (House of Wisdom).
9th – 13th Century
Arabic Period
📍 Avicenna (Ibn Sina, 980–1037 CE) – Wrote The Canon of Medicine, a landmark Unani text.
📍 Al-Razi (865–925 CE) – Early clinical observations, medical ethics, and pharmacology.
🌐 Spread across the Islamic world: Iran, Iraq, North Africa, and into Spain.
📍 Al-Razi (865–925 CE) – Early clinical observations, medical ethics, and pharmacology.
🌐 Spread across the Islamic world: Iran, Iraq, North Africa, and into Spain.
12th Century
Arrival in India
📍 Unani introduced via Persian scholars during Delhi Sultanate.
🏰 Integrated with Indian herbs and practices, leading to a unique Indo-Unani tradition.
🏰 Integrated with Indian herbs and practices, leading to a unique Indo-Unani tradition.
16th – 18th Century
Mughal Period
📍 Court Hakims like Hakim Ali Gilani, Hakim Sadra serve emperors.
📍 Unani medicine flourishes in Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow.
📍 Unani medicine flourishes in Delhi, Agra, and Lucknow.
19th – Early 20th Century
Colonial Challenge & Reform
📍 Decline during British colonial rule due to preference for Western medicine.
📍 Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868–1927):
# Founded Tibbia College, Delhi.
# Champion of Unani and Indian independence.
📍 Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868–1927):
# Founded Tibbia College, Delhi.
# Champion of Unani and Indian independence.
1947–1990s
Post-Independence Revival
📍 Hakim Mohammed Kabiruddin (1894–1976):
# Authored and translated classical Unani texts.
# Created the legendary Bayaz-e-Kabir series.
# Key academic at Ajmal Khan Tibbia College.
📍Hakim Abdul Hamid (1908–1999):
# Founded Hamdard (India) and Jamia Hamdard University.
# Institutionalized modern Unani education and pharma.
# Authored and translated classical Unani texts.
# Created the legendary Bayaz-e-Kabir series.
# Key academic at Ajmal Khan Tibbia College.
📍Hakim Abdul Hamid (1908–1999):
# Founded Hamdard (India) and Jamia Hamdard University.
# Institutionalized modern Unani education and pharma.
2000–Present
Contemporary Era
📍 AYUSH Ministry formally recognizes Unani.
📍 Research institutions like CCRUM, NIUM expand evidence-based studies.
📍 Companies like Sana Herbals promote ethical, GMP-certified, and research-backed Unani products globally.
📍 Research institutions like CCRUM, NIUM expand evidence-based studies.
📍 Companies like Sana Herbals promote ethical, GMP-certified, and research-backed Unani products globally.
Conclusion
The timeline of Unani medicine is a rich narrative of intellectual exchange, cultural adaptation, and resilience. From Hippocrates’ clinical observations to Ibn Sina’s encyclopedic contributions and the flourishing of the system in medieval India, Unani medicine has withstood the test of time. Today, with the efforts of institutions and companies like Sana Herbals, Unani continues to serve humanity—not just as a relic of the past but as a living tradition with the potential to shape the future of global healthcare.
About author
