Medicinal benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe plant on my north facing windowsill.

Aloe Vera's miraculous list of benefits are many and mankind has been using this plant for both internal and external applications for over 5000 years. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

Aloe contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, poly-saccharides and fatty acids. No wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies.

Using Aloe in treating the eyes is from the Sunnah.

Aloe Vera  is particularly good for the eyes and the optical nerve, particularly if the patient is suffering from inflammation of the eyes:

A Muhrim (someone who is in the state of Ihram) being permitted to use Aloe to treat an illness of the eyes -
Nubaih bin Wahb said ‘Umar bin ‘Ubaid Allah bin Ma’mar (radhi Allahu anhu) had a complaint in his eyes. He sent (someone) to Aban bin ‘Uthman - the narrator Sufyan said that he was the chief of pilgrims during the season of Hajj – asking him what he should do with them. He said Apply aloes to them, for I heard ‘Uthaman (radhi Allahu anhu) narrating this on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Classed as Sahih from Sunan Abi Dawood Book 10, Hadith 1834

Most people will know Aloe Vera for its skin healing properties or its digestive benefits. In addition to this, Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) said it also helps to clear the stomach of excess bile and phlegm if two tablespoons of its freshly pressed juice are taken with some water [perhaps half a cup or so].

Juice from fresh leaves is vastly superior to that which is bought in a bottle from the market and there are a number of ways of preparing the juice, the simplest of which is to take the largest and fattest mature leaf from the plant and cut it into chunks. the juice from these chunks can be left to drain naturally into a bowl placed under a colander. If not much juice is coming out, you can press it gently with the back of a spoon.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful condition which leads to deformities in the joints as well as severe stiffness. Research published in the Journal of the American Union of Podiatrists in 1985 showed how, due to its anti inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera applied topically to the inflamed joints of mice was able to reduce the swelling in 88% of cases.

I would highly recommend everyone who is keen about the Cures from the Sunnah to grow an Indian Aloe (Sabir) plant at home, particularly if you have kids. It may well become invaluable for applying the juice to cuts and grazes. If you live in a cold climate, Aloes will do best indoors in a shady but well lit spot. They only need to be watered around once every two weeks (even less in the winter time). When you can see roots popping out of the bottom of the plant pot, its time to repot your Aloe and and since Aloes have a long life, in sha'Allah your plant will reward you with plenty of leaves to come.

Health Benefits of the Pomegranate.

The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and Allah the Almighty mentions this blessed creation in the Holy Qur’an,

“In them both (the Gardens of Paradise) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.” 
[55:68]

Sweet pomegranate has a hot and moist temperament, meaning it is particularly beneficial in helping those who suffer from poor blood circulation / have cold hands and feet. It is also beneficial for the throat, chest, lungs and an inflamed stomach.

Overall, it is an excellent nutritive fruit which benefits the body greatly. Pomegranates are naturally rich in many vitamins and antioxidants. Sweet pomegranate juice is an excellent base for fruit smoothies made with berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.)

A pomegranate concentrate (pomegranate juice with its flesh which has been cooked down until it is reduced and forms a thick paste, and then mixed with a little honey) is beneficial for treating dry, chapped lips and cold sores. This type of concentrate also helps induce bowel movement.

The high levels of antioxidants in pomegranates have been linked to improving heart conditions (by working in a similar fashion to aspirin, the juice helps in reducing the formation of harmful blood clots), reducing blood pressure, protecting against prostate and breast cancers, helping dental conditions and joint problems.

Youtube video on how to seed a Pomegranate easily;



Blue Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe.

Here is one my favourite smoothie recipes for using healthy pomegranate juice. It is dairy-free, but yogurt can be added if preferred. These smoothies are packed with Vitamins C and B.



2 cups of frozen blueberries, slightly thawed.
2 cups of frozen strawberries, slightly thawed.
3 cups of pomegranate juice.
1 tablespoon of runny honey (or caster sugar can be used).
1 sprig of mint (optional).

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The recipe can be adjusted to make healthy lollies/popsicles for kids with the addition of 1 tablespoon of yogurt added to the ingredients before blending.

Just pour the mixture into lolly/popsicle moulds and freeze until solid (around 4 hours).

Hijama (Wet Cupping).

In Islamic Medicine, Hijama (wet cupping) is used by the permission of Allah for the treatment of every type of physical and mential illness or disease and its excellence is recorded in many of the Sahih Hadith.

There are basically two forms of cupping, wet and dry. The procedure of Dry cupping involves heating up a glass cup shaped like a miniature fish bowl with a flame. The warm glass cup is then placed on a fleshy part of the body (normally the back) and the skin, blood vessels and muscle underneath the cup is drawn upwards into it by the vacuum created inside the cup. This leaves a characteristic round mark on the skin after the cup is removed. This mark usually fades after a couple of days.

Wet cupping [Hijama] is only different in that tiny incisions are made on the surface of the skin before the cup is reapplied. Through the reapplication of the vacuum inside the cup, stagnated blood, other toxins and heat is sucked out of the body through the incisions.

The benefits that Allah provides in Hijama are endless and due to its stimulating and strengthening effects and cupping has been used successfully to treat bowel conditions (IBS, constipation and diarrhoea), headaches, black magic, back pain, arthritis, period pain, injuries, asthma, cellulite, fatigue (ME), anaemia, depression and emotional problems, atrophy, sciatica, common cold and flu, skin problems, blood pressure, menstruation problems in women, weight loss, and more.

According to books translated from the works of Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) and others, administering Hijama between the shoulder blades helps cure shoulder pain, pains in the upper arms and pains of the throat. Hijama over the two posterior neck veins helps treat tremors of the head, and other conditions of the head, for example, of the face, teeth, ears, eyes, nose and throat.

Applying Hijama under the chin helps reduce face pain, toothache, and throat pain and helps to cleanse the head when applied at the proper time. Hijama on top of the foot helps against inflammation of the testes, leg ulcers and eases suppressed menses. Cupping behind the knee helps in the treatment of chronic abscesses, haemorrhoids and septic ulcers of the leg and foot. Hijama on the inner thighs is a good treatment for irritation of the back, gout and piles. Hijama can also help ease high blood pressure and high blood sugar.

The excellence of Cupping (Hijama) as a remedy.

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, "If there is any good in any of the remedies you use, it is in cupping [Hijama]."

Sunan Ibn Majah Book 31, Hadith 3605. Classed as Hasan by Darussalam.

http://www.sunnah.com/urn/1275210

And also;

Jabir bin 'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that he paid Al-Muqanna a visit during his illness and said, "I will not leave till he gets cupped, for I heard Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "There is healing in cupping."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.

And also;

Jabir bin 'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) also narrated that, "I heard the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "If there is any good in your medicines, then it is in a gulp of honey, a cupping [Hijama] operation, or branding (cauterization), but I do not like to be (cauterized) branded."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 603.

When to get cupped;

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allahu anhu); "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: If anyone has himself cupped on the 17th, 19th and 21st it will be a remedy for every disease."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3852. Classed as Hasan by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

The 17th, 19th and 21st [of the month] mentioned here is referring to the Lunar calendar.

It is generally understood that when the Moon is full, it has the strongest possible gravitational pull on the earth and its inhabitants.

The effect in human beings is that the volatile bodily fluids and humors are pulled into the uppermost part of the body during the 1 day either side of the full moon (and on the full moon). As the phases of the full Moon subside to the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar month, the volatile humours subside too and the underlying humours are pulled up into their place. It is within these underlying bodily fluids and humours that the patient might be suffering toxicity. Once these underlying humours come close to the skins surface within the upper body, any toxicity or excess can easily be extracted through Hijama.

This might also explain why the key sunnah Hijama points are always located on the upper part of the body (above the waist).

However, it's important to note that the patient does not need to wait for these dates if they are ill and have an urgent requirement to get cupped. Cupping can be applied on any day.

Hijama points of application from the Sunnah.

Top, middle of the head (crown).

It was also narrated by Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal located on the road to Makkah. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah s Apostle was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

Above the thigh [hip area].

Jabir ibn Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) had himself cupped above the thigh for a contusion from which he suffered.

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3854. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Either side of the neck (at the back) and on the shoulder.

It was narrated Anas ibn Malik that "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) had himself cupped three times in the veins at the sides of the neck and on the shoulder. Ma'mar said: I got myself cupped, and I lost my memory so much so that I was instructed Surat al-Fatihah by others in my prayer. He had himself cupped at the top of his head."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3851. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Top of the Foot.

It was narrated from Jabir (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) fell from his horse onto the truck of a palm tree and dislocated his foot. (One of the narrators) Waki’ said: “Meaning that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped because of that [on the surface of the foot] for bruising.”

Sunan Ibn Majah  Vol. 1, Book 31, Hadith 3485. Classed as Sahih by Darusalaam. Also recorded in Abi Dawood Book 10, Hadith 1833 and confirmed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

More information can be found here for general cupping points which are established by the Hijjaams.

Hijama for the one who is fasting;

There are a number of hadeeth on the matter of cupping during fasting and it seems as though it was initially outlawed.

It was narrated by Thawban that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "A man who cups and a man who gets himself cupped break their fast."
Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2364. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

The reason may have been due to the hardship and weakness it causes upon the body, and Allah Azzawajjal knows best. But there are also narrations in Al Bukhari which suggest that the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped while he was fasting.
Reference to Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 597.

And also;

It was narrated by Thabit Al-Bunani (radhi Allahu anhu) that Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) was asked whether they disliked the cupping for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "Only if it causes weakness."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 161.

My personal advice is to avoid it during fasting hours if the days are long and you fear it will cause weakness. It can always be performed during the night instead. However, there is no harm in those who are strong having it performed.

Hijama is permitted for the one who is in Ihram;

It was also narrated by Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was cupped on his head for an ailment he was suffering from while he was in a state of Ihram. at a water place called Lahl Jamal located on the road to Makkah. Ibn 'Abbas further said: Allah s Apostle was cupped on his head for unilateral headache while he was in a state of Ihram.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 602

It is strongly encouraged to give payment to the Hajjaam (cupper), but my understanding is that it is forbidden to request payment, such as that they will not provide the treatment unless they are paid.

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) sent for a slave who had the profession of cupping, and he [the slave] cupped him. The Prophet ordered that he be paid one or two Sa's, or one or two Mudds of foodstuff, and appealed to his masters to reduce his taxes.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 36, Number 481.

In other authentic narrations it is also mentioned that Rasool'Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) never withheld payment from the Hajjaam but at the same time, there are narrations which suggest that taking a payment for the price of blood, whereby Hijama treatment will not be provided unless the Hajjaam is paid, is forbidden;

`Aun bin Abu Juhaifa (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that "My father bought a slave who practiced the profession of cupping. (My father broke the slave's instruments of cupping). I asked my father why he had done so. He replied, "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) forbade the acceptance of the price of a dog, or blood, and also forbade the profession of tattooing, getting tattooed and receiving or giving Riba, (usury), and cursed the picture-makers."
Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 299

Consideration must be made for the cupper since they incur expenses for equipment, traveling and time spent with the patient, particularly if they have no other source of income. It is strongly recommended that they be gifted with payment as indeed Allah loves those who have good manners and courteousness.

Hijama is a key weapon from Allah against sorcery.

Hijama is one of the ways in which Allah Azzawajjal cures sorcery in those who are touched by the Jinn and it is recommended for them to get Hijama performed by an experienced Hajjaam in their area and it must be performed at the right time. By the permission of Allah, they will be cured after a couple of sessions.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) mentioned in his work Zaad al Ma'aad that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped on the top of his head when he was afflicted with Sihr (witchcraft) and that it is of the best of cures for this ailment if it is performed correctly.
(4/125-126).

There is no authentic prohibition on applying Hijama on certain days of the week, particularly if the patient is very ill.

A few hijama practitioners choose not to cup their patients on a Wednesday due to the following Hadith;

Nafi’ (radhi Allahu anhu) is purported to have related that “Ibn ‘Umar  (radhi Allahu anhu) said: ‘O Nafi’! The blood is boiling in me. Bring me a cupper and let him be a young man, not an old man or a boy.’ Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) say: “Cupping on an empty stomach is better, and it increases one’s intellect and memory. And it increases the memory of one who has a good memory so whoever wants to be cupped, (let him do it) on a Thursday, in the Name of Allah. Avoid cupping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Have yourselves cupped on Mondays and Tuesdays, and avoid cupping on Wednesdays, for that is the day on which the calamity befell Ayyub, and leprosy and leucoderma only appear on Wednesday or the night of Wednesday.”

Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 31, Hadith 3488.

This Hadith has been classed as Da'if (weak) by the consensus of scholars at Darussalaam. However in order to reconcile all the various hadith on the point of cupping days (and to make it easy upon the Muslims), it may be taken that it is acceptable to cup on a Wednesday if that day falls on either the 17th, 19th or 21st of the lunar month. But a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday are more preferred if any of them also fall on the 17th, 19th or 21st.

Turmeric; beneficial for Skin & maybe even for Cancer.

The use of turmeric is neither from the Qur'an nor the Sunnah, but nonetheless, it is a highly beneficial spice and this is the reason for mentioning it in this post.

Turmeric is derived from the root of a subcontinental plant, where the root is dried and ground to powder to produce a bright yellow spice used mainly in South Asian cuisine. Turmeric has been used in India for over 2500 years; as a dye and an ingredient in food and beauty products. Long renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, Turmeric proves exceptionally beneficial in the treatment of a wide variety of illnesses including Alzheimer’s, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Turmeric has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic which helps in healing cuts, burns, stings and bites. When combined in a dish with cauliflower, it can help sufferers of prostrate cancer. A paste made of turmeric can also help reduce skin melanoma. Turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier and has been used in Chinese Medicine as a natural treatment for depression. Sufferers of gallstones or bile obstructions and pregnant women should consult their doctor before using turmeric in natural remedies.

Turmeric is particularly beneficial in evening out skin pigmentation. It can be mixed with besan (gram flour) and cucumber juice and lemon juice to form a paste. The paste should be applied to the affected area for 15 minutes. Used frequently, you should be able to notice a more even skin tone insha’Allah. A tea made with Turmeric root is very good for fighting the bacteria which causes diarrhoea. Turmeric root powder (Haldi) should be used in cooking and can be added to stews and casseroles as well as omelettes and in marinades for meat and vegetables. 

Top 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Turmeric