Ehsan Rauf

In Unani system of Medicine the term Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not present but the term “Hazaz wa Abriya” is present. The signs and symptoms of Hazaz are similar to Seborrhoeic Dermatitis.Hazaz are small particles which shed from the head in the form of scales without ulceration.In Modern Medicine it is defined as “A very common chronic dermatosis characterized by redness and scaling and occurring in regions where the sebaceous glands are most active, such as the face and scalp, the presternal area, and in the body folds”. Mild scalp Seborrhoeic Dermatitis causes flaking, i.e. dandruff. Its exact cause is still unknown but it is presumed that over growth of Yeast Malassezia furfur may play a part in the development of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis. According to Unani Medicine it is caused by saline phlegm (balgham-e-shor), dryness in temperament(mizaj).The treatment of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Unani Medicine is depend upon the cause. If the cause is excessive dryness in temperament, moist the temperament for this purpose apply moist oils such as Roghan-e-banafsha, Roghan-e- Kaddu. Local Application of Jali (Detergent) drugs is also beneficial.

Jadwar, root of Delphinium denudatum is an important central Nervous system active drug of Unani  System of Medicine. The generic name of Jadwar is derived from a Greek word, which means Dolphin, as the nectary resembles the figure of Dolphin. The word Jadwar is Arabic form of Persian Zadwar, which means the great purifier or Antidote. In India Jadwar was named as Nirbisi due to its antidotal properties. In various classical texts, it has been mentioned to be sedative, analgesic, brain and nervine tonic and is recommended for various brain and nervine disorders like epilepsy, tremors, hysteria, atony, numbness, paralysis, morphine dependence. Jadwar is adultered with the root of Beesh (Aconite), a poisonous herb root that may cause death. Ethanolic extract showed antibacterial activity against Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi and Klebsilla pneumoniae.