Pomegranates - Rumman

A July 2016 report found that one of the constituents of pomegranate acted upon by the gut allows muscle cells to "protect themselves against one of the major causes of ageing.”

Ibn Qayyim in "Medicine of the Prophet" mentions the different benefits of sweet, sour and medium tasting pomegranates and says, "It is related from Ibn Abbas ... that every pomegranate you have is pollinated from a seed from the pomegranates of Paradise." Ibn Qayyim mentions pomegranates, like honey, as an aphrodisiac.

As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet" said, " ...the Prophet, peace be upon him, ... said, 'there is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranates of the Garden in it.'  And another hadith states, 'No pomegranate grows ripe without being watered by a drop of the water of the Garden.' and yet another hadith goes, 'No one eats pomegranates without his heart being moved and shaytan fleeing from him.'"

Chishti in "The Traditional Healers Handbook" lists the pomegranate as an astringent (contracts muscular fibre by irritation), anthelmintic (kills or expels worms) and tenifuge (expels tapeworms) and advises its use for a range of conditions including dim vision.

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Bread & Wheat

A new 2016 study identifies a relationship between the protein found  in wheat with various chronic health conditions and suggests their may be a link with multiple sclerosis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, and may also contribute to the development of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said 'Honour bread, for Allah has made the earth and sky its servants.' (As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet")

Al-Jawziyya in "Medicine of the Prophet" tells us that Ibn Abbas said that "the food most loved by the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, was tharid made with bread, and tharid made with hays (dates, samn, and curd or bread)". Al-Jawziyya advises that the best bread is made from fresh wheat (hinta).  

As-Suyuti notes that a special characteristic of bread made from fresh wheat is that it causes fatness very quickly.

Walnuts - Juz

RECENT STUDIES AND ADVICE

A 2016 study suggests young men should eat a handful of walnuts each day to help their mood and overall health. And in a 2015 study suggests they may improve memory.  

SOME ADVICE OF THE SCHOLARS

As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet" records that walnuts are difficult to digest and bad for the stomach, that fresh ones are best and walnuts mixed with honey is good for sore throats. He also said that figs and dates are good for the digestive system.

Al-Jawziyya in "Medicine of the Prophet" advised not to eat walnuts at night.  The advice is also to eat walnuts when eating cheese.

Barley Bread

Barley – Arabic: “Sha’iir”

Seasoning

Ibn Qayyim says, “The Messenger of God, peace be upon him, used to eat bread with seasoning (idaam): sometimes he would season it with meat and would say: ‘This is the chief food of the people of this world and the next.’ This is related by Ibn Maaja and others. Sometimes he would eat it with watermelon, sometimes with dates. He put a date on a morsel of bread, saying, ‘This is the proper seasoning for that.’ This is an example that indicates the importance of balancing different types of food in order to obtain a proper diet. For barley bread is cold and dry, while dates are hot and moist. To season barley bread with dates is the best arrangement, especially for those accustomed to them, like the people of Madinah.”

Seasoning bread with, for example, vinegar which the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, did, is one method to preserve health.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used the same word for seasoning meaning harmony and suitability as when recommending that a man when proposing should see his prospective bride.

 

Barley or Wheat?

Barley bread is cold and dry. Wheat bread is more nutritious.  

 

Properties of Barley Bread

Barley bread is an astringent, is cooling and causes wind.

Barley mixed with honey is good for a fever.

Barley relieves thirst and sorrow.

The best barley is white.

Fresh Wheat Bread causes fatness very quickly

A meal of spinach and barley

Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, when recovering from an illness was advised by the Prophet, peace be upon him, to eat from a meal of spinach and barley that had been prepared for them.

A dish of barley and almonds – the food of tyrants

A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, related: The Prophet, peace be upon him, was brought a dish of barley and almonds, but he refused it, saying, ‘This is the food of tyrants and of those who will come after me.’

Sources

This Journal entry is based entirely on the following sources:

Ibn Qayyim in "Medicine of the Prophet"

As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet" 

Barley Broth - Talbina

Mending the heart of the sorrowful

Ibn Maaja relates an hadith of A’isha may Allah be pleased with her, who said: When any one of his family was indisposed, the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, used to call for a broth of barley to be made, then he would order them to drink the broth. He would say, ‘Indeed it mends the heart of the sorrowful and relieves the heart of the sick, just as one of you removes dirt from his face with water’. 

“Ratw” (mend) means to firm and strengthen.

“Sarw” (relieve) means to uncover and remove.

Talbina - Talabina - Barley Broth – Barley Gruel

Talbina is a white, thin broth made of ground barley with the husks. 

It is a type of soup that has the consistency of yoghurt,

Because it is thin and cooked rather than thick and raw it is good for sick people.

Driving Away Sorrow

A’isha may Allah be pleased with her, said:  the Prophet, peace be upon him, ‘Talbina soup fills up the inner parts of a sick man to the brim and drives away sorrow’ (Al Bukhari) As-Suyuti says, “the ‘inner parts’ means the cardia of the stomach.”

Awful but Efficacious

A’isha may Allah be pleased with her, said Talbina was “awful but efficacious” (As-Suyuti).  

Ibn Qayyim notes that is better than porridge made of barley and that cleanses, refines and dissolves.

Talbina Recipe

Ibn Qayyim says, “Take a good quantity of good, crushed barley, and five parts of pure water, put it all in a clean pot, cook it over a moderate fire until two fifths of it remain, then it is strained and as much as is needed may be used with sweetener added.”

Properties

Talbina is better than barley water (made from whole barley) for the sick because, according to Ibn Qayyim, “the special properties of barley are released through grinding.” 

Barley broth has more power to cleanse than barley water.

As-Suyuti notes that, “Some say that it is a laxative and some say it constipates.”

Happiness and Tranquillity

Talbina relaxes a sick person’s heart. It makes them tranquil and happy.

Distress and sorrow originate in the heart and make for a cold temperament.

This weakens the person’s innate heat.  Talbina increases the innate heat and disperses the sorrow and distress.

A sad person’s faculties are weakened

The organs, especially the stomach, of a sad person tend to dryness. This weakens their faculties. Talbina makes the stomach and heart moist, nourishes and strengthens them.

Putting the stomach at rest

An imbalance in the stomach can be dispelled by the use of barley broth which puts the stomach at rest.

The habit of the people of Madinah

Ibn Qayyim remarks, “This is especially so for the person who is accustomed to feed on barley bread. This was the habit of the people of Madinah, at that time. It was their staple food, for wheat was expensive in their region.”

Barley Broth mixed with Cress and Vinegar - Sciatica

For sciatica, make a poultice made up of mixed barley broth with cress and vinegar.

Sources

This Journal entry is based entirely on the following sources:

Ibn Qayyim in "Medicine of the Prophet"

As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet" 

Barley Water

When prepared with whole barley it cleanses, swiftly penetrating and provides “a subtle nourishment”.

It is best to drink it hot as it cleanses more quickly and effectively. It increases the innate heat and sticks to the stomach lining.

It is also very good for coughs and sore throats

Properties

As-Suyuti attributed to Hippocrates that barley water has ten beneficial properties, that is has the quality of being smooth and sticky and can be used for treating hot diseases.

 

Vitamin D

Three reports in February 2017 on vitamin D:

Vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections.  Queen Mary University of London say their findings "support the introduction of public health measures such as food fortification to improve vitamin D status in settings where profound vitamin D deficiency is common."

Birmingham University report that increasing active vitamin D can help to optimise muscle strength in humans.

And finally, a report finds that low level vitamin D during remission contributes to relapse in ulcerative colitis patients.

The NHS says, “Good food sources are:

• oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• red meat
• liver
• egg yolks
• fortified foods such as most fat spreads and some breakfast cereals

Another source of vitamin D is dietary supplements.

In the UK, cows' milk is generally not a good source of vitamin D because it isn't fortified, as it is in some other countries.”

Barley Pitta Bread

We noted the advice of Shaykh Othman Nazih Al Maghribi of the Prophetic Medicine Institute, Canada, in his lecture on the Prophetic Diet.  He reminded us that the Prophet, peace be upon him, would have barley bread as part of his evening meal after Isha Prayers.

So we made some unleavened barley pitta bread.

It's simple to make and very quick.

We found barley flour on sale in our local market for a good price. It's not currently available in the main supermarkets and online it costs a prohibitive amount when you include delivery.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of barley flour
• a pinch of salt
• a tablespoon of butter, melted
• warm water

Recipe

Mix the flour, salt and butter in a bowl and slowly add the warm water.

Leave to stand for 30 minutes, covered.

Break into egg-sized pieces.

Roll out in the shape of pitta bread.

Fry in a hot pan on high heat for a few minutes each side.

Serve.

Avoiding Weight Gain & Cardiometabolic Disease

A new study published in January 2017 discusses how to avoid weight gain and cardiometabolic disease.

The report is free to download until the end of February 2017.

After that, a summary can be found here.

When's lunch?

We were fascinated to hear in a lecture given by Shaykh Othman Nazih Al Maghribi of the Prophetic Medicine Institute, Canada that the Prophet, peace be upon him, would have lunch of barley bread, olive oil and apple cider vinegar and that he would eat lunch after Asr Prayers.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers & Mortality

A January 2017 study finds that there is an “association between eating hot peppers and decreased mortality”.

All fine. Sort of.  What must be cautioned though (again) is the “one-size-fits-all” mentality in nutrition and diet.  It is possible that for those with different temperaments and humour balances (and imbalances), hot peppers is the last thing they need.

Hijama: The Islamic Day Starts at Sunset

The Islamic day begins at sunset. This is particularity relevant to hijama

Lunar Days

Firstly, when calculating when the 17th, 19th and 21st days of the lunar month begin and end.

This month, for example, the 17th of the lunar month runs as follows.

 

(a) Saudi CALENDAR

Saturday 14 January 2017 at 4.23pm to Sunday 15 January 2017 at 4.24pm.

(b) Aqwaf Ministry, Maghreb

Sunday 15 January 2017 at 4.24pm to Monday 16 January 2017 at 4.26pm.

 

Saunas and Baths

A 2016 study concludes that frequent sauna bathing may reduce the risk of dementia.

From the Scholars

Another example of one-size-fits-all thinking which needs to be carefully examined.

Ibn Sina in “Avicenna’s Medicine” devotes an entire section to baths and what is required before and after baths and saunas.

Image by Satayman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Prophetic Medicine - Tibb Nabawi - Types of Medicine

Medicine of the Body

• By opposites
• By thought and reflection

Medicine by Opposites

• Hunger
• Thirst
• Cold
• Weariness
• Similar Conditions

Their opposite will put an end to these states.

Medicine by Thought and Reflection

Imbalance in the temperament as to heat or cold, dryness or moisture.

Eating Eggs

New 2016 research shows eggs are associated with a 12% reduction in the risk of stroke. The report says, "This systematic review and meta-analysis underscores prior research, showing the lack of a relationship between eggs and heart disease and now suggests a possible beneficial effect of eating eggs on risk of stroke."

Another recent 2016 report suggests adding whole eggs to salads to increase Vitamin E absorption from vegetables.

Ibn Qayyim in "Medicine of the Prophet" quotes Ibn Sina has saying it makes for healthy blood, strengthens the heart and is a mild nourishment and quotes another as saying it is good for the throat, lung, bladder and kidneys.

As-Suyuti in "Medicine of the Prophet" advises that there is perfect balance in the egg and that it is an aphrodisiac.

Chishti in "The Traditional Healers Handbook" confirms that eggs are 'garmi' - warming.

 

 

Vegetable & Spice Juice

An alternative to breakfast (or before breakfast), a great way to start the day and add some options to the diet is to have a vegetable and spice juice.

Here's a serving suggestion.

In a Ninja Bullet or Nutribullet put some frozen baby carrots, frozen kale and frozen spinach along with teaspoons of flaxseed, chia seed, dry ginger power, of blackseed seeds, a spoon of honey, a lemon juice, turmeric, a banana or some dried raisins.  Add water and blend.  

You can also experiment with other combinations including fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices such as blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, red grapes, maca powder, apple (Red Delicious or Granny Smith), walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pistachio (especially for men) and carrots.

Warming and Cooling Foods

Hakim Chishti in his classic work, sets out the metabolic values of foods:

Heating (Garmi) Foods

Meat: lamb, liver, chicken, goose, duck, eggs, goat (male)

Dairy products: sheep’s milk, cream cheese, cream, clarified butter (ghee)

Vegetables and Beans: asparagus, beet, radish, onion, mustard greens, kidney beans, leek, eggplant, chick peas, red pepper, green pepper, carrot seed, squash, turnip, parsley

Fruits: peach, plum, lime, lemon, rhubarb, banana, red raisins, green raisins, dates, figs, olive, ripe grapes, all dried fruit

Seeds and Nuts: sesame, almond, pistachio, apricot kernels, walnut, pine nuts

Grains: thin-grain rice, basmati rice, wheat

Oils: sesame oil, corn oil, castor oil, mustard oil

Beverages: black tea, milk

Herbs: basil, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, marjoram, mint, celery seed, anise seed, rue, saffron, garam masala (blend), curry powder (blend), senna, frankincense, mustard

Other: vermicelli, honey, rock candy, all sweet things, salt, all modern medicine

Cooling (Sardi) Foods

Meat: rabbit, goat (female), beef

Fish: all fish, in general

Dairy Products: cow’s milk, mother’s milk, goat’s milk, butter, buttermilk, dried cheeses, margarine

Vegetables and beans: lettuce, celery, sprouts (general), zucchini, spinach, cabbage, okra, cauliflower, broccoli, white potato, sweet potato, carrot, cucumber, soybeans, tomato, turnip, peas, beans (general)

Fruits: apple, melons (general), mulberries, peach, pear, coconut, fig, pomegranate, apricot, orange, carob

Seeds and nuts: none

Grains: brown rice, thick grain rice, barley, lentils

Oils: sunflower oil, coconut oil

Beverages: green tea, coffee

Herbs: coriander (dry), drill, henna, thyme, rose, jasmine

Other: refined sugar, vinegar, bitter things, sour things, truffles, water

Cupping whilst Fasting. Hijama in Ramadan

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was cupped while he was fasting - Sahih Bukhari (5694). That is, cupping does not break the fast.

We had the honour of speaking to Shaykh Taha Hanafy this morning about cupping whilst fasting. He reminded us that only those who are anaemic should avoid cupping whilst fasting.  In the case of someone who is anaemic, they can wait for the Maghrib adthan, be cupped and then break their fast.

For those who have been cupped whilst fasting, Shaykh Taha suggested that when the time comes to break the fast, the best thing to drink would be a glass of water with a small amount of pure honey and a small amount of cider vinegar. May Allah reward Shaykh Taha and grant him success.

Yusef & Malika

6 June 2016

Image - By "Clorion"/Scan by NLM (National Library of Medicine (ID: 2934014R)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Boils

According to Tibb, Chishti in "The Traditional Healers Handbook" said, "When there are toxic matters in the body, … the body tries to expel them as quickly as possible ... the normal systems are sometimes already congested … the body then tries to send the toxins out through … the pores of the skin. Since the skin is not designed to eliminate this type of matter, the pores themselves become clogged, and a boil is formed.”  He then advises on different types of boils appearing on different parts of the body.

In TCM many skin problems are seen as “heat and toxins in the blood” so the aim is to use herb formulae to increase sweating, coolness and defecation.  These herbs may include Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle), pictured.

Aches & Pains following an MRI scan

If you go for an MRI scan in the UK you will be given what's known as a "Contrast Dye" to improve the scan images.  This contract agent is usually gadolinium-based. A recent report questions the safety of gadolinium-based contrast dies.

Gadolinium is a heavy metal and the contrast dye containing it usually passes through the system in a short period of time.  

In some cases, the body doesn't get rid of the contrast dye very quickly and this can lead to aches and pains, including headaches and migraines.

Note 12 December 2016

New research relating to the repeated use of contrast agents in MRI scans as relating to deposits on the brain of those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) suggests that the risk is reduced if 'macrocyclic agents' are used.

Note 13 July 2017

In a study published in July 2017 states that researchers from MIT and the University of Nebraska, “have now developed a metal-free contrast agent that could be safer to use in those high-risk groups. Instead of metal, this compound contains organic molecules called nitroxides.”

“Furthermore, the new agent could be used to generate more informative MRI scans of tumors because it can accumulate at a tumor site for many hours without causing harm.”

Image: By Gadolinium table image created for Wikipedia by schnee on June 24, 2003, 11:26 UTC. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons