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

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.

Healing from the Qur'an - Milk.

Milk is considered a blessed drink created by the Almighty Allah. It is both a food and a drink at the same time. Regarding Milk, Allah Azzawajal says in the Holy Qur’an, 

"And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat."

[23:21]

“In cattle is a lesson for you; We give you a drink they carry in their glands, that issues from between a secreting mucus (of the pituitary gland) and blood…” 
[16:66] 

Allah the Exalted also mentions Milk as being present in Paradise;

"Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?"
[47:15]

Ibn Al Qayyim said that the best type of milk to drink is that which is fresh, has a bright white colour and a delicate sweetness. Milk helps alleviate depression and distress in adults and also helps to calm the spirit. 

Rinsing the mouth after drinking Milk is from the Sunnah.

It is important to rinse the mouth with water after drinking milk as this was the Sunnah of God’s beloved Messenger (pbuh) who once commented, because “it contains fat.” - Narrated by Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) recorded in Sahih al Bukhari in Volume 1, Book 4, Number 210

The milk must come from an animal which is fed an organic vegetarian diet.

Nowadays, the milk sold in supermarkets in the West is from commercial dairy cattle which are pumped full of harmful vaccines and fed on a diet which contains meat by-products and fodder which is sprayed with pesticides and chemical fertilisers. There is no doubt that these toxins find their way into the animal's meat and milk.

Abdullah ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) prohibited eating the animal which feeds on filth and drinking its milk.

Sunan Abi Dawood. Book 27, Hadith 3776. Classed as Sahih by Sh Al Albani (rahimullah).

There is no harm in mixing milk with water as per the following Hadith;

It was narrated by Sahl  ibn Sad (radhi Allahu anhu) that a drink (milk mixed with water) was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who drank some of it while a boy was sitting on his right and old men on his left. The Prophet said to the boy, "If you permit me, I'll give (the rest of the drink to) these old men first." The boy said, "I will not give preference to any one over me as regards my share from you, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet then put that container in the boy's hand. 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 47, Number 774

Milk's Benefits.

According to the Dairy Council, the benefits of drinking fresh milk include healthy bone growth due to milk’s composition of calcium, phosphorous, protein and magnesium, and the healthy growth of teeth in children. Milk along with a balanced and healthy diet helps reduce blood pressure, instances of type-2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. A little honey can be added to milk that has been gently warmed up and then mixed thoroughly. This sweet milk should then be chilled before drinking. It is important to note that milk sweetened with sugar rather than honey causes plumpness of the body and face.

Milk should never be drunk excessively since it can cause dimness of the sight, aching of the joints, tooth and gum troubles and intolerance to lactose. Adding honey to milk when drinking can help alleviate these symptoms. Cow’s milk is the best type of milk since it is the most balanced and cows tend to graze on a wider range of plants than other animals.

Raw Organic Milk vs Processed Milk.

Without a doubt, raw milk is better for health than the processed and pasteurized milk which we buy at the market. Raw milk contains more nutrients, natural enzymes and probiotics.

The pasteurization process destroys milk's natural enzymes which help the human body assimilate the calcium contained in milk, as well as its other nutrients which the human body needs to grow, fight disease and function well. That is partly why breast milk is far better for babies that formula and also why, by the same token, raw milk is better for everyone than processed milk. Having said this, it's important to source your raw milk from farms where the milking animals have been vaccinated for contagious diseases like TB and Brucellosis and are fed a vegetarian organic diet.

85% of those who are lactose intolorant should be able to digest raw milk without any problems and raw milk does not spoil like pasteurized milk does if it is left out of the fridge overnight and can much easily be made into homemade butter, cream, soft cheese etc.

References - 

Organic Raw Milk (London and Home Counties) - http://www.hookandson.co.uk/index.html

http://www.milk.co.uk/page.aspx?intPageID=73

http://www.realmilk.com/health/more-about-raw-milk/

http://www.cheeseslave.com/top-ten-reasons-to-drink-raw-milk/