Qust (Costus Root, Aloeswood) and its use in Medicinal preparations.

There are essentially two types of Qust, Indian (Qust al Hindi) and Marine/Sea (Qust al Bahri).  Both come in the form of a dried root and Qust has a praised high status in the aHadith which is on par with Hijama cupping.

Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyyah (rahimullah) said that both types of Qust provide considerable medicinal benefits. Qust is one of the remedies to always have at home which I must recommend to all my brothers and sisters who are serious about using Tibb an Nabawi to treat themselves and their loved ones.

Qust is hot and dry in the third degree and helps to dry out excess phlegm, help to remedy colds and influenza and nasal congestion. Imam Ibn Al Qayyim said that drinking an infusion of Qust helps strengthen the liver and helps to remedy weakness of digestion, slackness of the stomach, and if used as an ointment, it helps backache or rheumatic pain in the lumbar region. 

Sea/Marine Qust is a little paler in colour and also milder in taste and more suitable for administering to children.

Qust al Bahri root before it is powdered for use. This photo is owned by our brothers at tibbenabawi.org

Imam Ibn Al Qayyim said that Qust is also very beneficial for illnesses relating to breathing and the chest - pleurisy (a type of painful infection of the lining of the lungs), asthma, heaviness in the chest (breathing difficulties) and it helps to reduce thirst. It also helps remove freckles, fade scars and helps to control skin discolouration on the face and the chest which results from pregnancy or malnutrition.

Galen noted that Qust can also help kill ringworm (intestinal parasites) and if applied as an ointment can remove dry scales which are shed by the skin, including dandruff.

In the Sunan, the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) praises the excellence of Qust as a general remedy and he is also reported mentioning it as a remedy for inflammation/infection of the throat as well as in another Hadith mentioning it with Hijama. Qust contains helicene and benzoic acid, both of which are substances that kill germs, hence the benefit in the treatment of infections and inflammations.

Reference to Hadith regarding the general excellence of Qust, and partnering it with Hijama in the same sentence.

Anas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that he was asked about the wages of the one who cups others. He said, "Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped by `Abd Taiba, to whom he gave two Sa of food and interceded for him with his masters who consequently reduced what they used to charge him daily. Then the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "The best medicines you may treat yourselves with are cupping and sea incense.' He added, "You should not torture your children by treating tonsillitis by pressing the tonsils or the palate with the finger, but use incense."

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 599.

Qust will be used in Jannah.

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) that Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "The first group of people who will enter Paradise, will be glittering like the full moon and those who will follow them, will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. They will not urinate, relieve nature, spit, or have any nasal secretions. Their combs will be of gold, and their sweat will smell like musk. The aloes-wood will be used in their centers [as a fuel]. Their wives will be Houris. All of them will look alike and will resemble their father Adam (in statute), sixty cubits tall."

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 544

In respect of treating children for inflammation of the Uvula and its use in the treatment Pleurisy (a type of chest infection).

Umm Qasis (radhi Allahu anha) , the daughter of Mihsan said; "I brought my son to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) while I had compressed his uvula for its swelling. He (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Why do you afflict your children [hurt them] by squeezing for a swelling in the Uvula? Apply this Indian aloes wood, for it contains seven types of remedies, among them being a remedy for pleurisy. It is applied through the nose for a swelling of the uvula poured into the side of the mouth for pleurisy."

Sunan Abi Dawood in Kitaab At Tibb Book 28, Hadith 3868. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah)

Abu Dawood (may Allah be pleased with him) added "By Aloeswood he meant Costus."

Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani said concerning pleurisy that "it is a hot swelling that appears in the membrane covering the ribs."

Modern medical description of pleurisy - http://www.webmd.boots.com/a-to-z-guides/pleurisy-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment

Administration.

Qust is usually used on its own or partnered with water, honey or olive oil.

For tonsillitis.

Qust al Bahri powder.

Qust al Hindi powder should be inhaled through the nose as per the previously quoted Hadith.

The benefits behind administering medicine by snuffing (Sa'oot) - http://tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:tonsillitis-a-saoot&Itemid=94

For fading Freckles and spots, skin discolouration, scars, burns.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim's work 'At Tibb an Nabawwi', the ointment is made by mixing Qust al Hindi powder in equal parts with good quality raw honey and add a very small amount of clean water. The paste should not be runny so that it runs off the skin but should stick to the area where it is applied. I would personally advise to apply to the area once per day for 30 minutes, then wash it off.

This ointment is also recommended to be applied to help aid the healing of incisions of Hijama to help minimize scarring in those patients who have thin skin, are diabetic or elderly or are generally prone to scarring or where they have had cupping applied to the face.

It can also be used as a compress to dress the hijama incisions of patients who are hemophilic or taking blood thinning medications. Smear the mixture onto a sterile lint gauze or cotton fabric and apply to the skin, holding the gauze in place with medical adhesive tape. Once you are sure the wound has stopped bleeding, remove the dressing so as to encourage airflow and the formation of the hemostatic plug.

As an external application for rheumatic pain and as a hair oil.

Qust should be mixed in Olive oil as it was none other than Rasool'Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) himself who instructed His Ummah to use olive oil for eating and for massage. Qust infused olive oil should be massaged on the points of pain/joints in the evening before bed.

To make the massage oil, take 50g each of dried whole henna leaves and Qust whole root pieces (or its powder) and fry them on a very very low heat in around 250ml of good quality olive oil for 1 hour with continuous stirring. Make sure the heat is kept very low or the ingredients will burn. The oil will turn dark but it should not smell burnt. Once the oil has cooled down, filter it through muslin cloth, add 10 drops of the essential oil of Spikenard (Jatamansi) and then transfer it to a container bottle. Insha'Allah, it will over time should help to strengthen the bones and joints as well as have a rapid effect on the pain.

Jatamansi is not essential so you can omit it if you cannot find it.

This same blend can be used twice a week as a conditioner for the hair which will also help relieve dandruff insha'Allah.

For runny nose, colds and flu.

Qust should be ground to a powder and gently snuffed in the nose. The patient should be lying down with their head and shoulders slightly elevated and their head tilted back.

For chest infections, pleurisy and asthma.

The Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhi wassallam) said it should be administered from the side of the mouth, and the right side is better than the left. Because it is bitter-tasting, there is less risk in coughing or nausea when it is administered from the side of the mouth but this is a general observation rather than recorded in the teachings of the pious predecessors and Allah knows best.
Qust al Hindi can be mixed with an equal quantity of honey and then smeared on the inside of the cheek. This should be administered three times daily, after meals.

For stomach, liver, digestion problems, IBS, Crohn's or intestinal parasites.

Honey paste with Qust al Bahri and crushed Black seeds.

Mix 50g Qust al Bahri powder with 50g dry roasted ground black seeds (nigella sativa) in a jar of raw honey. You can optionally add 10 edible silver leaves if you wish.

Because the Qust infusion needs to be drunk, take 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture twice each day dissolved in a hot cup of green tea. The seeds will settle at the bottom of the cup so make sure you stir and agitate it so that you drink the crushed seeds too. In two weeks insha'Allah you will notice a considerable difference and have much more energy.

Black seeds can easily be dry roasted in a frying pan at home and ground in your spice grinder. Raw honey, depending where it is sourced from, is sometimes set hard in texture, you can gently warm it in the microwave to make stirring in the Qust powder and blackseeds easier. Keep the mixture stored in a cool dark place.

Pregnant ladies must always check with their doctor before taking any herbs, supplements or medicines.

Buy Qust in the UK from here - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Qist_Shop.php

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.

Nourishment for the convalescing

Swiss Chard, cortesy of www.JohnHarveyPhoto.com)

Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah, Umm Al Munthir daughter of Qays al-Ansariyyah, radiya Allahu anhaa said: "The Messenger of Allah, salalahu alaihi wa sallam, entered my tent with 'Ali, radiya Allahu anhu,  who was recuperating from an illness. We had an adjacent palm tree with cluster of dates hanging from it. The Messenger of Allah, salalahu alaihi wa sallam, stood up and ate from it, and 'Ali, radiya Allahu anhu, followed suit. The Messenger of Allah, salalahu alaihi wa sallam, addressed ' Ali, radiya Allahu anhu, by saying: ' Gently, gently, you are still convalescing.' 'Ali, radiya Allahu anhu stopped eating. Immediately, I went and prepared a dish of Swiss card beets cooked with barley for him. The Messenger of Allah, salalahu alaihi wa sallam, then addressed ' Ali, saying ' Eat this food. It is more suitable for your present condition.'

Swiss chard beets, known as Silq amongst the Arabic speaking, is a tall, leafy green vegetable member of the beet family.  Its taste is like a cross between spinach and beets.

      Swiss chard beets ( stalks and leaves) cooked with barley together provide the best nourishment for one who is recovering from an illness, as the Prophetic traditions indicate. This meal protects the digestive juices against putrefaction, while it supplies sustaining nutrients to a delicate stomach. Adding Swiss chard beets to one's diet opens obstruction of the liver and spleen.  Black chard when eaten with lentils reduces stomach burns and helps to prevent peptic ulcers. Caution should be used eating chard in excess, as it can cause constipation and bloating, can produce insulin deficiency ( i.e. diabetes), and biliousness in the blood.  However, vinegar and mustard with the meal balances such effects.

 Chard is an excellent source of vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, Vitamin E and dietary fiber. It is a very good source of copper, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and protein. In addition, swiss chard is a good source of phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, folate, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid.  Healthy Muslim.com

Here are some other  benefits of using Swiss chard for a number of different conditions:

 Alopecia- due to its astringent properties, applying the water of the dark variety of Swiss chard beets to the hair is a treatment for hair loss.
  
Lice: applying the water also kills head lice

Skin discoloration: applying the water is used as a treatment for skin discoloration of the face and chest and reduces large skin markings (lichen)

Impetigo: applying a pomade of crushed Swiss chard leaves mixed with honey is used for treating eruption of the skin pustules


 Swiss chard beets, are both hot and dry carrying a coolness to the body which affects decomposition, dilates the vessels, and promotes bowel movements, thus preventing digestive tract cancer This is a great food which provides nourishment to the body while it aids in complete digestion and proper elimination of the body systems. 

The Amazing Papaya Fruit.

Although Papaya is not mentioned in Tibb an Nabawi because it is not a native fruit of the Arabian Peninsula, it is an incredibly valuable addition to our diets as it has a high medicinal value. Papaya was the only studied food found to halt cancer.

Scientists studied 14 plant foods commonly consumed in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth. These included avocado, black sapodilla, guava, mango, prickly pear cactus (nopal), pineapple, grapes, tomato, and papaya. They also evaluated the beta-carotene, total plant phenolics, and gallic acid contents and antioxidant capacity of these fruits/vegetables and found that only papaya had a significant effect on stopping breast cancer (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, May issue).

Papaya is a store-house of cancer-fighting lycopene. The intense orangey-pink colour of papaya means it is full of cancer fighting carotenoids. Not only beta carotene, but lycopene is found in abundance. The construction of lycopene makes it highly reactive towards oxygen and free radicals. Scientists at the University of Illinois think this anti-oxidant activity contributes to its effectiveness as a cancer fighting agent.

Epidemiological studies have indicated an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk. They showed that oral lycopene is highly bio available, accumulates in prostate tissue, and is localised in the nucleus of prostate epithelial cells. In addition to antioxidant activity, other experiments have indicated that lycopene induces cancer cell death, anti-metastatic activity, and the up-regulation of protective enzymes. Phase I and II studies have established the safety of lycopene supplementation. (Cancer Letter, October 8, 2008).

Prostate cancer was the subject of a study in Australia that looked at 130 prostate cancer and 274 hospitalized controls. The scientists found that men who consumed the most lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as papaya were 82% less likely to have prostate cancer. In this study, green tea also exerted a powerful anti-cancer effect. When lycopene-rich foods were consumed with green tea, the combination was even more effective, an outcome the researchers credited to their synergy (Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007).

Isothiocyanates found in papaya restore the cell cycle to eliminate cancer. Organo-sulphur compounds called Isothiocyanates are found in papaya. In animal experiments, Isothiocyanates protected against cancers of the breast, lung, colon, pancreas, prostate, as well as leukaemia, and they have the potential to prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanates have shown themselves capable of inhibiting both the formation and development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and mechanisms (International Journal of Oncology, October, 2008).

Researchers in Japan clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of Isothiocyanate found in papaya known as BITC, which underlies the relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell death. When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no longer a problem. The researchers established that BITC exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Cancer cells that are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells that are in a state of dormancy (Forum of Nutrition, 2009).

Papaya smoothie

Enzymes from papaya digest proteins including those that protect tumours. The fruit and other parts of the papaya tree, also known as the paw paw tree, contain papain and chymopapain, powerful proteolytic enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. They promote digestion by helping to break down proteins from food into amino acids that can be recombined to produce protein useable by humans. Proteolytic enzymes protect the body from inflammation and help heal burns. They do a good job of digesting unwanted scar tissue both on the skin and under its surface.

Being a proteolytic enzyme, papain is able to destroy intestinal parasites, which are composed mostly of protein.

To rid the body of intestinal parasites, half a cup of papaya juice can be alternated each hour for twelve consecutive hours with the same amount of cucumber or green bean juice.

Research has shown that the physical and mental health of people is highly dependent on their ability to produce proteins they can use effectively. However, as people age, they produce less of the enzymes needed to effectively digest proteins from food and free needed amino acids. They are left with excessive amounts of undigested protein which can lead to overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the intestinal tract, and a lack of available amino acids.

Eating papaya after a meal promotes digestion, and helps prevent bloating, gas production, and indigestion. It is quite helpful after antibiotic use to replenish friendly intestinal bacteria that were the casualties in the war against the unwanted bacteria. When the intestinal tract is well populated with friendly bacteria, the immune system is strengthened, and can protect better against flu and cancer.

Papaya contains fibrin, another useful compound not readily found in the plant kingdom. Fibrin reduces the risk of blood clots and improves the quality of blood cells, optimising the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system. Fibrin is also important in preventing stokes. Proteolytic enzymes containing fibrin are a good idea for long plane rides to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs. People who sit at a desk all day might want to use proteolytic enzymes too. Proteolytic enzymes are able to digest and destroy the defence shields of viruses, tumours, allergens, yeasts, and various forms of fungus. Once the shield is destroyed, tumours and invading organisms are extremely vulnerable and easily taken care of by the immune system. Undigested proteins can penetrate the gut and wind up in the bloodstream where they are treated by the immune system as invaders. If too many undigested proteins are floating around, the immune system becomes overburdened and unable to attend to the other tasks it was meant to do. Proteolytic enzymes can digest these rogue proteins, freeing up the immune system.

Strengthening the Memory.

Frankincense (‘Lubbaan’ in Arabic) is an aromatic resin produced by a certain genus of trees grown mainly in Yemen, Somalia and Oman, and is traditionally used in perfumes, incense and as a medicine. The resin is tapped and allowed to harden, before being powdered. It is most commonly very light yellow in colour and is discussed as one of the medicines used in the treatment of forgetfulness.

[Page 337 of Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) - Darussalam 2003]

While a number of Hadith have been presented in this above book which suggest the use of Frankincense was promoted by the Blessed Companions of Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for forgetfulness, I have been unable to verify their sources as of yet or confirm if they are Sahih.

According to texts translated from the works of Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah), the application of Frankincense as a remedy has a simple and clear reasoning. Mild amnesia, forgetfulness or a weak memory of past experiences, events or words results from a corrupt humour somewhere in the body. This corrupt humour affects different parts of the brain, causing ill-disposition, particularly in people with cold, damp temperaments. This condition produces defective memory and thus blocks the brain’s natural ability to retain messages in sequence or to store information.

Frankincense, which contains the opposite attributes, thus helps to repair and balance the bodily humours. This helps ultimately to remove the blockage and restore the memory. Amongst the other numerous benefits of frankincense; it aids the treatment of tuberculosis, stomach ache and diarrhoea, and it helps the digestion, helps expel wind, relieve eye sores / refreshes the eyes, treats infections and helps heal cuts and bruises when used in a bandage. It also helps treat a speech impediment (both tongue-tie and stuttering). Burning frankincense helps repel mosquitoes and other flying insects.

The brothers at the TibbeNabawi.org site say that a 'tea' can be made by tying the frankincense resin in a small cloth like a piece of muslin, and adding it to boiling water. Let the water simmer for around 5 min before extracting the frankincense and allowing the tea to cool down before drinking.

Both the resin and the oil can be purchased online. 

My recommendation is food-grade Hujari frankincense which can be purchased here - http://freeyoursenses.co.uk/#/yellow-hojari/4555599604

You can find more information about frankincense here - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankincense, including on how frankincense is graded - http://freeyoursenses.co.uk/#/grading/4555298751

A weak memory may also sometimes be due to dryness and can be overcome by increasing the intake of water and other fresh, clean, pure fluids.

Remedies for Forgetfulness which are substantiated by the Sunnah.

I would encourage all those who are looking to improve their memory to use the remedies below in combination first.

Hijama.

A very beneficial treatment for weak memory is Hijama (wet cupping) and although I have not come across any Sahih Hadith directly pertaining to the use of Hijama for improvement of the memory, there are plenty of strong sources praising the excellence of Hijama in general and that it is a cure for a wide range of illnesses. There are also strong evidences from the Sunnah that Hijama was used by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to cure ailments of the head.

It was narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (rahimullah) 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 Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, "There is healing in cupping [Hijama]." 
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.

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

Caution will be required when applying Hijama on the head. Cupping at the back of the head (on the occipital bone) carries a high risk of causing further memory loss. Excessive cupping on other parts of the head may also cause the same, and Allah Azzawajjal knows best. The Hijama practitioner should take extra care and not remove a lot of blood. The top middle  part of the head (crown) is the Sunnah point - Sahih al Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 29, Hadith 62

You can find out more about the benefits of Hijama by clicking here.

Ruqyah.

The established Hadith confirm that the Recitation of the Qur'an was performed by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to treat people (mainly those inflicted with Magic or Evil Eye) and that there is no harm in reciting it yourself as long as it is only from the Qur'an;

A'isha (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to treat with a Ruqyah saying, "O the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble The cure is in Your Hands, and there is none except You who can remove it (the disease)." 
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 640.

For strengthening the memory and progressing in Islamic Knowledge, the following verse of the Holy Qur’an should be recited (in Arabic) an odd number of times everyday after the Salaah and thereafter make supplication to Allah Azzawajjal with the intention that He strengthen your memory;

“My Lord! Expand for me my breast [with assurance]. Ease my task for me. Remove the knot [impediment] from my tongue. So that they may understand my speech.”

[Qur'an 20:25-28]

Talbina (Barley Broth).

Talbina is one of the foods in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) which is more strongly established from the Hadith and was eaten by those suffering from illness or grief.

A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. A'ishah would say (to the women),"Eat of it, for I heard Allah's Apostle (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' "

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 328

And also;

It was narrated from A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) that “You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat: Talbinah,” meaning broth. If any member of the family of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died.

Sunan Ibn Majah  Book 31, Hadith 3572. Classed as Hasan by Darussalam.

And also;

It was also narrated by A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) that “If any of his family members became ill, the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) would order that some broth be made. And he would say: ‘It consoles the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart, as anyone of you cleanses her face of dirt with water.’”

Sunan Ibn Majah  Book 31, Hadith 3571. Classed as Hasan by Darussalam.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) describes Talbina as being made from Sawwiq (wholemeal barley flour) cooked in milk or water, or both, and has the consistency of a thin porridge. Since Talbina is cooked with ground barley, it is highly beneficial and nutritious because it can be digested faster and the nutrients are absorbed into the body more effectively.

It is delicious served hot in the mornings for breakfast with a drizzle of honey, particularly on cold days.

Imam Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) also said that "it [Talbina] has relaxation for the heart of the sick person", and it is assumed that this is because it is nutritious and filling and it warms and soothes the stomach. Sorrow and sadness tends to dry up one’s body, particularly the stomach, and of course, lack of wanted to eat food has much to contribute to that. Barley broths and soups help to moisten this dryness and flush away unnecessary accumulations or toxins related to illness. It soothes the body, comes to its defence, reduces tension, balances the different types of liquids and gasses in the body, lifts the spirit and helps the patient regain his/her poise.

Talbina Recipe.

Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water or milk, or a mixture of both. Add a few grains of salt, then cook and stir on a low heat for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens. It can be sweetened with honey and served with a dollop of quince jam if you like.

Recipe adapted from HealthMeansWealth.

The Benefits of Dates.

Fresh ripe dates were the food Allah The Exalted provided for our Mother Maryam (on whom be peace) after she gave birth to 'Isaa (alayhisalaam) under the palm tree, as Allah says in the Qur'an;

"And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."

[19:25]

Dates are considered one of the essential foods from the Sunnah and are prized in Middle Eastern culture for their sweetness and wholesomeness. They have the ability to metabolize quickly in the body, providing an essential energy boost for those who have been fasting all day.

It is recorded in the works of Imaam Al Bukhari (rahimullah) that Dates and Water where the only two foods available in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on most days;

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) said to Urwa (radhi Allahu anhu), "O, the son of my sister! We used to see three crescents in two months, and no fire used to be made in the houses of Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) [i.e. nothing used to be cooked]." 'Urwa said, "What used to sustain you?" A'ishah said, "The two black things i.e. dates and water, except that Allah's Apostle had neighbors from the Ansaar who had some milch she-camels, and they used to give the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) some milk from their house, and he used to make us drink it."
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 466

Foods which accompanied Dates in the meals of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

There are a number of authentic Hadith which report that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sometimes ate dates with other foods. These foods are considered to be the best accompaniments for dates in terms of balancing their temperament and nutrients.

Fresh Ripe dates with [Snake] Cucumber.

Abdullah ibn Ja'far (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that, "I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 358

Snake Cucumber may be the same as or similar to Armenian Cucumber and the seeds can be purchased here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUCUMBER-ARMENIAN-YARD-LONG-70-SEEDS-/370631247434?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item564b58064a

Dates with [Musk] Melon.

It is recorded that our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated, "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: "The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.""
Classed as Hasan by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 27, Hadith 3827

Musk melon can be grown organically in the UK in a heated greenhouse or outside in the garden in a tunnel - http://www.seedsofitaly.com/BIO_MELON_HALES_JUMBO/p1834925_8313668.aspx

A drink of dates soaked overnight in water - Nabeez.

Nabeez is a drink made by soaking either dates or raisins overnight in water and it was provided for our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) during his lifetime as reported in the authentic narrations. It's easy to make and nutritious and makes a great breakfast drink. More info can be found here - http://prophetic-medicine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nabeez.html

Dates with Sawwiq [wholegrain barley flour].

It was narrated by Abu Burda (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "When I came to Medinah, I met Abdullah bin Salam (radhi Allahu anhu) and he said, "Will you come to me so that I may serve you with Sawiq (i.e. powdered barley) and dates, and let you enter a (blessed) house that in which the Prophet (sallallahu alahyi wasallam) entered?"...

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 159

Occasions from Qur'an and Hadith relating to when dates were eaten.

As we can see from the above where Allah Azzawajal mentioned how Maryam (as) was provided with dates after having given birth, dates are a highly beneficial energy booster for new mothers.

Occasions from Hadith;

Before proceeding out for the Eid ul Fit'r Prayer [as a breakfast] - 

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 73

and also reported as Sahih in Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 543

Dates should be shared with companions in a gathering, particularly if they are hungry - 

It was narrated by Jabala that "We were in Medinah with some of the Iraqi people, and we were struck with famine and Ibn Az-Zubair used to give us dates. Ibn 'Umar used to pass by and say, "The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us to eat two dates at a time, unless one takes the permission of one's companions." 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number 635

For example, it would be a great blessing therefore to offer dates in the Mosque during Ramadhan at Iftaar for those who have prayed.

Dates for breaking the Fast - 

It was narrated by Anas ibn Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.
Classed as Hasan Sahih by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2349

The Sunnah is to consume an odd number [reported as 3 in Riyad As Saliheen, At Tirimithi] and in sha Allaah this is extremely beneficial for our health and should be practiced regularly because it helps not over-eating food at Iftaar time. The body processes the nutritional value of dates very quickly, preventing us from feeling the subsequent need to eat a lot.

http://www.sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/249

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on dates.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that eating fresh dates is particularly beneficial for people who have a cold temperament. They help to rectify a cold, stagnant stomach. But for those who have never eaten fresh dates before or are not used to it, it would cause more harm to start eating them frequently. Dates are beneficial in treating and preventing a number of different illnesses, including constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhoea and abdominal cancers.

In the Middle East, dates are consumed in a number of different ways; like mixing the paste of crushed dates with milk, nuts, yoghurt, or consuming it with bread and clarified butter.

The best dates are grown in the city of Madinah. They are generally sweeter and have a higher fibre content, which helps to provide an important energy boost at breakfast and normalise digestion. 

Dates are said to have the highest fibre content of all dried fruits and a daily serving of 20-35 grams of fibre in dates is recommended by the American Cancer Society. Dates are one of natures most highest sources of potassium; a mineral which is vital to the regular and healthy contractions of the heart muscle. Potassium is also required by the human body to balance the digestive system and nervous system.

It is also said that eating just one date each day guards against weakening eyesight for a lifetime.

The profound blessings of Ajwa' Dates.

Ajwa' dates are smaller and darker in colour and slightly less sweet than other varieties. Ma sha Allaah it is for this reason that I have personally found them more to my liking [easier to eat] than varieties which are larger and sweeter.

There is no doubt that the sand of Madinah where the Ajwa' date palm plantations stand even to this day is blessed and full of Shifa due to the sacred status of this city, and Saad bin Abi Waqaas narrated that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever eats seven Medinah dates [Ajwa'] for his breakfast will suffer from neither poison nor witchcraft for that day.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

King Saud University researchers find Awja Date's cancer prevention properties - http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/ipgbfzokh-ajwa-dates-contain-cancer-preventing-property.cfm

Purchase Ajwa' dates in the UK - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Date_Shop.php

Healing from the Qur'an - Ginger.

Ginger is a powerful healing medicine with a hot temperament and is one of the preferred foods because Allah Azzawajjal mentions it in the Holy Qur'an; 

“And in it (Paradise), their drink is mixed with ginger…” 

[76:17]

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that eating ginger warms up the body, helps with digestion, helps produce more saliva and cures nausea. Ginger eases indigestion and flatulence by expelling the build up of gasses in the stomach and intestines. Drinking ginger tea provides the elderly with energy and strength. Ginger also helps balance the stomach after eating fruit and it also refreshes breath. 

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) also said that it is an aphrodisiac and also increases the memory power.

Ginger tea can be taken at any time of day, but its best taken in the evening when gastric secretions in the stomach are at their most active. It can be made using a ginger teabag, or using slices of fresh ginger root steeped in hot water for a short while. Ginger tea can be sweetened using honey or a piece of crystallised ginger if preferred. Fresh, grated ginger root should also be used in cooking.

Honey is from both the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Honey is ma sha'Allah the most pleasing sweetener created and Allah the Most Exalted praises the Bee in the Qu'ran and mentions honey's healing quality;

"There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which is a healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who give thought."

[16:69]

Allah uncovers the hidden beauty of honey by mentioning that it varies in colours. The same bee can produce different colours of honey at different times of the year depending on which wild flowers it has visited.

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) mentions that natural [organic] honey is the best of all nutritive sweeteners. Light-coloured honey which has had the minimum of processing and comes from mountainous or wooded areas is better than other types of honey. Honey contains detergent and tonic properties. Taking a spoonful of honey in the mornings helps dissolve phlegm, gently warms and strengthens the stomach and increases a person’s appetite. Drinks sweetened with sugar rather than with honey yield more harm than benefit. A cold drink of honey and water insha’Allah strengthens the body,preserves its youth, as well as refreshing the heart.

The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) fondness for Honey;

It has been narrated by A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) that "Allah's Apostle was fond of honey and sweet edible things and (it was his habit) that after finishing the 'Asr prayer he would visit his wives and stay with one of them at that time. Once he went to Hafsa, the daughter of 'Umar and stayed with her more than usual. I got jealous and asked the reason for that. I was told that a lady of her folk had given her a skin filled with honey as a present, and that she made a syrup from it and gave it to the Prophet to drink (and that was the reason for the delay). I said, "By Allah we will play a trick on him (to prevent him from doing so)." So I said to Sada bint Zam'a "The Prophet will approach you, and when he comes near you, say: 'Have you taken Maghafir (a bad-smelling gum)?' He will say, 'No.' Then say to him: 'Then what is this bad smell which i smell from you?' He will say to you, 'Hafsa made me drink honey syrup.' Then say: Perhaps the bees of that honey had sucked the juice of the tree of Al-'Urfut.' I shall also say the same. O you, Safiyya, say the same." Later Sada said, "By Allah, as soon as he (the Prophet) stood at the door, I was about to say to him what you had ordered me to say because I was afraid of you." So when the Prophet came near Sada, she said to him, "O Allah's Apostle! Have you taken Maghafir?" He said, "No." She said. "Then what is this bad smell which I detect on you?" He said, "Hafsa made me drink honey syrup." She said, "Perhaps its bees had sucked the juice of Al-'Urfut tree." When he came to me, I also said the same, and when he went to Safiyya, she also said the same. And when the Prophet again went to Hafsa, she said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Shall I give you more of that drink?" He said, "I am not in need of it." Sada said, "By Allah, we deprived him (of it)." I said to her, "Keep quiet." '

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 63, Number 193

Honey as a medicine.

The use of honey as a medicine is directly traced to the Sahih Sunnah and therefore should be strongly promoted;

It was narrated by Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Healing is in three things: cupping, a gulp of honey or cauterization, (branding with fire) but I forbid my followers to use cauterization (branding with fire)."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 585

And also;

It was narrated by Sa'id Al Khudri (radhi Allahu anhu) that a man came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 588

The most anti-bacterial honey is ‘Manuka’, which is produced in New Zealand. It is renowned as the ultimate healing honey and comes in three main strengths, Active 5+, Active 10+ and Active 15+; the higher the numeric factor, the higher the anti-bacterial and antiseptic powers of the honey. Active 5+ or similar should be adequate to help treat digestive disorders, sore throats, acne, eczema and sunburn, and it can also help in the fight against gum disease.

I have personally found that the best honey for general consumption is that which is produced locally to where the patient lives and is unfiltered and organic. Local honey mixed with bee pollen is also an excellent treatment for the patient's summertime allergies like hayfever as it slowly build's up the patient's resistance to allergens.

Honey can also be used to treat wounds due to its anti-bacterial properties and it can also be used in skin treatments since it has the ability to soften, absorb and retain moisture. A very effective face pack can be made with one tablespoon each of besan (gram flour), honey, lemon juice and milk, mixed together and applied for 30 mins before washing off. This in sha’Allah helps soften skin and even out brown spots.

Honey should be excluded from the diets of infants under 12 months of age.

Miswaak.

Siwaak [Miswaak] is a natural toothbrush, made from a piece of the fibrous root of the Araak tree, which grows around the Arabian Peninsula. You can buy a Miswaak stick in any good Islamic store. The outer bark will need to be stripped away from the tip of the stick, then the fibrous inner root can be gently chewed until it separates out into a brush. When the brush-end gets worn away, more bark can be removed and the process starts again.

It is narrated in two instances of correct prophetic traditions that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “If I did not think that it would be difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to brush their teeth with a Miswaak before each prayer.” 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 12

And also;

'Abdur-Rahman bin Abu 'Atiq (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated; "My father told me: 'I heard 'A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) say, (narrating) from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): "Siwak is a means of purification for the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord."

Classed as Sahih in Sunan An Nasa'i Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 5

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that the preferred type of Miswaak is from the Aloeswood tree because it tastes better and is more fragrant, and it’s better to let it soak a while in rose water before brushing.

God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also used to brush his teeth with it before retiring to bed and he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also particularly ceremonial about cleaning his teeth with a Miswaak before taking his ablution for prayers, upon waking up for the supererogatory night prayers (Tahajjud or Qiyyaam ul Layl), before the Faj’r prayer and also upon entering home from being out.

Hudhaifa (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that "Whenever the Prophet got up at night [for the Tahajjud Prayer], he used to clean his mouth with Siwaak."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 1, Book 4, Number 246 and also Volume 2, Book 21, Number 237

Such was the love of Siwaak to Rasool'Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that it was one of the very last acts he carried out in the throes of death just before he passed away;

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated; "It was one of the favors of Allah towards me that Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expired in my house on the day of my turn while he was leaning against my chest and Allah made my saliva mix with his saliva at his death. 'Abdur-Rahman entered upon me with a siwak in his hand and I was supporting (the back of) Allah's Apostle (against my chest). I saw the Prophet looking at it (i.e. siwak) and I knew that he loved the siwak, so I said (to him), "Shall I take it for you?" He nodded in agreement. So I took it and it was too stiff for him to use, so I said, "Shall I soften it for you?" He nodded his approval. So I softened it and he cleaned his teeth with it. In front of him there was a jug or a tin, (The sub-narrator, 'Umar is in doubt as to which was right) containing water. He started dipping his hand in the water and rubbing his face with it, he said, "None has the right to be worshipped except Allah. Death has its agonies." He then lifted his hands (towards the sky) and started saying, "With the highest companion," till he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expired and his hand dropped down.

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 59, Number 730

Brushing one’s teeth excessively and roughly with a toothbrush or a Miswaak can dull their polish, harm the enamel and make bad breath symptoms worse because bacteria can harbour in the microscopic pores on the surface of the teeth which are uncovered once the enamel has worn away.

Regular and moderate brushing of the teeth with a Miswaak preserves their polish, strengthens their roots, renders the speech more eloquent, prevents plaque build-up, clears the brain, sharpens the memory, freshens the mouth and generates a good appetite. 

The use of a Miswaak is also highly recommended during fasting as long as no toothpastes or powders are also used. Dentists also advocate brushing the tongue whenever you brush your teeth as it can sometimes harbour the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Miswaak Toothpaste.

There are a number of manufacturers which now sell toothpaste with Miswaak extract. Some people may prefer to use these products but they do not contain any significant amount of extract, neither have there been any studies to look at how using them compares with using the Siwaak stick.

Some of these products contain high amounts of artificial flavourings and sweeteners, as well as potentially dangerous amounts of Fluoride. Some brands of Miswaak Toothpaste have higher amounts of Fluoride in them than regular toothpastes. Danger Of Bone Cancer From Fluoride In Toothpaste, Drinking Water

Bad breath is not something that is solely down to poor oral hygiene, it could be the result of a deeper, underlying problem which should be checked out by your doctor.

Drinking acidic drinks and drinks with a high sugar content frequently, like juices and colas, can have the effect of fermenting bad bacteria in the gut (this can also lead to a sluggish digestive system and bloating), which in turn causes bad breath and thickened saliva. It’s better to get into the habit of replacing such drinks with mineral water with increasing frequency until you only enjoy them now and then.

It’s also important to avoid eating raw onions and garlic because the mouth odour they cause is offensive to the Angels. Onions and garlic should always be cooked before eating unless the raw prescription was made by a qualified tabeeb to treat a medical condition.