Ear problems.

For ear-related problems, the books based upon the works of Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) have prescribed the use of onions in nearly all cases. There are several varieties of onions, all of which are rich in hydrocarbons. As well as relieving ear problems, onions expel toxic odour from the body and cut phlegm, cleanse the stomach and increase sexual drive.

Water in which onions have been soaking can be used as ear drops to help in the treatment of loss of hearing sharpness, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), ear infections and it helps to drain any retained water in the ear.

Chop some fresh onions into quarters and allow them to soak in clean water for a minimum of two hours. The onions can then be used in cooking or discarded and the water retained for medicinal purposes, placing 3 drops into the affected ear.

It is important to note that an infected ear should be kept as dry as possible while healing takes place, as infections are usually started by increased moisture in the ear canal, or fluid trapped in the middle ear. Each ear should be carefully dried with a warm towel after washing. Nothing should ever be pushed into the ears (for cleaning or otherwise). If there is any pain, redness and soreness in the infected ear which also results in pain in the jaw, it is important to see your doctor as promptly as possible.

Mild infections usually clear up by themselves in 2-3 days. If there is pain and dizziness lasting more than 5 days, please see your doctor.

Pumpkin skin can also be used to help reduce swellings inside the ear. The skin of the pumpkin should be peeled off and then whizzed up in a food processor. The mixture can be strained through a muslin cloth so that only the pumpkin skin’s juice remains. This juice should then be mixed with rose water and applied like ear drops.

Ear swellings due to cold and flu symptoms can be relieved using a mixture of essential oil of coriander and very finely ground black seeds (black cumin seed). Three drops of the mixture should be placed into each ear.

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.

The Blessings of Henna

Dyeing the Hair.

The dyeing of hair with Henna (and Katam) is well established from the Sahih Sunnah. Al Muwaffaq Al Baghdadi says, "The colour of Henna is like Fire and is well liked and attractive. It has a pleasant smell. Most of the early generation (Salaf) dyed their hair with it."

The Holy Prophet's encouragement to change the colour of the grey hair;

It was narrated by Abu Dharr (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The best things with which grey hair are changed are Henna and Katam."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 34, Hadith 4193. Classed as Sahih by Al Albani.

And also;

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) that Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "The Jews and the Christians do not dye (their grey hair), so you shall do the opposite of what they do (i.e. dye your grey hair and beards)."

The Holy Prophet's personal use of Henna and Katam;

It was narrated that ‘Uthman bin Mawhab (radhi Allahu anhu) said: “I entered upon Umm Salamah (radhi Allahu anha) and she brought out for me a hair of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), which was dyed with Henna and Katam.”
Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 32, Hadith 3623. Classed as Sahih.

Abu Bakr Siddique's use of Henna and Katam;

It was narrated by Anas (radhi Allahu anhu) that "When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) arrived (at Medina), there was not a single companion of the Prophet who had grey and black hair except Abu Bakr (radhi Allahu anhu), and he dyed his hair with Henna and Katam (i.e. plants used for dying hair). Through another group of narrators, Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) said,. "When the Prophet arrived at Medina, the eldest amongst his companions was Abu Bakr. He dyed his hair with Hinna and Katam till it became of dark red color."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 257

Dr Samas Qasi confirms that Henna paste may be applied to the scalp for lengthy periods (4-12 hours) so that the purifying and astringent substances in Henna may work on clearing the scalp of germs, parasites, dandruff and excess oily secretions.  

To make henna paste for dying hair and skin, fresh henna powder should be mixed with enough lemon juice so that it has the consistency of yogurt, and then it should be tightly covered and allowed to sit for 24 hours prior to use. This allows the acidic lemon to break down the henna leaves and release the dye. Henna should be left on the skin or hair for a minimum of 4 hours to ensure a darker stain.

Usefulness in the treatment of skin, nails, wounds and burns.

The water in which henna leaves have been boiled is good for the treatment of burns, as is the paste itself.

The paste of Henna is also useful in the treatment of brittle nails. Women are encouraged to apply henna to their hands and nails so as to make their hands distinct from those of men and unfortunately this custom is usually only reserved for special occasions like Eid. However, it must be noted that henna patterns which depict living creatures, mythical animals or which copy the traditional symbols of other religions are forbidden in Islam.

Dr Samas Qasi said that Henna paste is also beneficial in the treatment of fungal infections, particularly those that occur in the folds of skin and between the toes and it also helps to heal wounds. 

Henna blossoms placed inside folded garments also prevent moth attack.

Henna Water is useful as a detoxifyer and cleanser of the kidney and liver.

References - 

Islamic Medicine - The Key to a Better Life. By Yusuf Al Hajj Ahmad. Darussalam 2010.

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.

Treating anxiety and depression.

The best way to treat anxiety, sorrow and depression is to busy yourself in the service of Allah Subhanahu Watahala and learn and practice upon the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). These acts bring joy and appreciation to the heart, and the shaytaan (the perpetrator of depression) is weakened and distanced from a soul who engages with Allah (and for Allah) regularly. Staying in the state of Wudhu (ablution) also helps keep these bad demons at a distance.

Allah the Exalted says in the Qu’ran;

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest.”
[13:28]


Engaging with Allah can be done in many ways; by giving compulsory and voluntary charity, reciting the Qur’an, teaching the Deen, reading about the Deen, practicing the Sunnah, helping a neighbour, striving in the service of your parents for Allah’s sake, visiting a sick or elderly person, taking a ritual bath (Ghus’l), restraining the tongue from an angry word, or removing danger or harm from the path of a Muslim. We should strive to perform at least one task per day (besides that which is compulsory) solely to please Allah. 

Prayers (Salah and Supplications) are very important during times of distress. 

Allah instructs the believing men and women in the Qur'an;

"And seek help through patience and prayer..."
[2:45]

This is further supported by the narration of Hudhaifah (radhi Allahu anhu) who said that when anything distressed the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he used to pray - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 5, Hadith 1314. Classed as Hasan by Al Albani.

The best times to supplicate and have your supplications accepted;

• When it is raining.
• While in prostration.
• During the last third of the night, or very late at night.
• During a special hour on Fridays.
• Between Adhan and Iqamah
• On Laylat ul Qad'r
• While Drinking Zamzam Water

Source - http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/best.html

Staying positive.

It has been narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhum) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 545

Seeking refuge with Allah from distress.

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to say, "'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi, wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-jubni, wad-daini, wa ghalabatar-rijal" [O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men.]" 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 75, Number 380

Talbinah.

Talbinah porridge is a nutritious breakfast and consuming it has benefit in alleviating depression and sorrow;

It was narrated by 'Urwa that A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) used to recommend at-Talbina for the sick and for such a person as grieved over a dead person. She used to say, "I heard Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'at-Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.'"

Sahih al Bukhari  Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 593

Rayhaan.

‘Rayhaan’ is known in English as Sweet Basil; a fragrant herb of the mint family which, in Paradise, is the king of the fragrant herbs. "Rayhaan" is also used as a collective term used by Allah Azzawajal in the Holy Qur’an to describe the general family of sweet smelling herbs which grow in Paradise and thus are synonymous with comfort, life, ease, joy, happiness and delight. In aromatherapy, sweet basil helps alleviate the symptoms of sorrow and stress.

Western Alternative Medicine says that a few drops of Sweet Basil essential oil can be mixed into a teaspoon of carrier oil and then put into a tea-light oil burner to use at home or in the office. The gentle fragrance helps to lift the mood and calm the senses.

Silver.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah), the precious metal Silver, is also a medicine that encourages happiness. It relieves stress, sorrow and depression. Pure silver leaf can be taken internally as a medicine (mixed in raw organic honey).


As with all Islamic Medicine, the cure lies solely in the hands of Allah and not in any tangible object like a necklace made of silver, so please make your intentions to trust him alone and to please him and seek only His help. Allah knows best.