Greek Medicine is the traditional, indigenous holistic healthcare system that was fortified by the man considered to be the father of Western medicine Hippocrates, in the 4th century BCE. Although the medicine that he expanded on had roots in ancient Egypt, he was first to codify and systematize it. Chief among his theories was that our bodies consisted of four humors that need to be balanced for a vital, disease-free life. He postulated that disease was naturally occurring—a result of a combination of forces including environment, diet and living standards—and not caused by individuals being punished by Gods or unearthly forces. To this day, doctors are sworn in with the Hippocratic Oath, which he wrote himself – although even the oath itself has also been modernized to suit the new beliefs adopted by modern medicine.
Hippocrates’ theories and postulations were subsequently developed and expanded by other physicians, most notably Galen and Dioscorides (Roman Medicine), and the Prince of Physicians, Avicenna (Unani Medicine). Avicenna’s book, the Canon of Medicine, described in the Encyclopedia Britannica as the most comprehensive work on medicine produced in the history of Man, was the reference medical textbook used for more than 600 hundred years all over the world, including in Europe. The Canon of Medicine comprises five volumes, and covers all aspects of medicine from the philosophical principles of medicine (Tibb), anatomy, pathology, diagnosis and treatment using natural ingredients.
Of all the medical systems, these men are the giants that built the foundation for our current medical system.
Greek medicine believes in four elements of creation found within our bodies: earth, water, air and fire. It is believed that there are four body constitutions (humors): Sanguine (Blood), Choleric (Yellow Bile), Phlegmatic (Phlegm) and Melancholic (Black Bile). Although all four humors exist in all of us, there is usually one that is the dominating humor; it affects what we crave and how we respond to food.
The Four Humors are the metabolic agents of the Four Elements in the human body. The right balance and purity of them is essential to maintaining health.1
According to traditional herbal medicine, the medicinal properties of many, if not most, herbs and spices are manifest in their taste:
Pungent or spicy herbs and spices are either hot or very warming in temperament, as well as drying. They strongly stimulate digestion, circulation and metabolism, disperse obstructions, and remove or cut through phlegm and other cold, wet humors. Examples are Ginger and Black Pepper.
Fragrant or aromatic herbs and spices mediate, balance, harmonize, smooth and regulate the flow of the vital energies throughout the body; many improve digestion. Others contain essential oils with an antiseptic or diaphoretic effects. Examples are Marjoram, Cardamoms and Peppermint.
Sweet tasting herbs and spices mollify, mediate and harmonize, and smooth out harsh effects of other medicines. Examples are Fennel and Anise seeds.”
In Greek medicine, fruits and vegetables are mainly categorized as cooling and alkalinizing because of their cool and wet constitution, hence why eating them in the summer cools us off and they don’t grow in the winter (when we are in need of hot, dry foods). Digestion is at the centre of health, and disease is a result of an imbalance of humors.
Although Greek Medicine contains elements of shirk and kufr, it also contains extensive scientific and clinical knowledge that is not to be ignored.
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1 http://www.greekmedicine.net/b_p/Four_Humors.html