Bars (Vitiligo/leucoderma) is a skin disease causing patchy loss of skin coloring and tone. Leucoderma develops white patches on different parts of the body. Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (850-923 A.D.) has stated that due to excessive accumulation of thick phlegm (Balgham-e-ghaleez), the affected parts become phlegmatic and soft. Additionally, the circulation of the blood alters when reaching the affected organ. The area getting blood cannot be adequately nourished.
Ibn Sina was also known in the West as Avicenna (980-1037 A.D.) and Al-Jurjani (1040-1136 A.D.), two eminent Unani physicians have comprehensively defined Bahaq wa Bars as the hypopigmentation of the skin occurring superficially and intensely respectively on the skin surface, as a result of the weakness of quwate mughaiyarah (augmentative faculty) of the skin.
Causes Of Vitiligo (Asbab-e-Bars)
Unfortunately, the actual causes of vitiligo (Asbab-e-Bars) are not known. It may be an autoimmune disease caused by malfunction of the immune system (mudafiati nizam ki kharabi), in which the immune system attacks the body tissue and destroy the melanocytes. Some medical researchers consider that this obliteration of melanocytes is caused by emotional/physical stress as well as sunburn. However, these events have not been proven to cause bars (vitiligo). Genetic factors can also contribute to the formation of vitiligo (bars). According to research, around 30% of vitiligo cases run in families.
Symptoms Of Vitiligo (leucoderma) (Alamat-e-Bars)
Signs and symptoms of vitiligo (Alamat-e-bars) include the following:
- Discoloration of the skin patches, usually this consists of the eyes and the area of the mucous membranes.
- Discoloration of the spots on head skin.
- A section of hair can turn white.
- An eye can lose a portion of its shading.
Management And Treatment Of Bars In Unani Medicinal System
Vitiligo (Bars) is a chronic ailment if left untreated. Therefore the management and treatment of Bars start with removal of destructive material from the body (Tanquiyah-e-Badan) by using Munzij and Mushil therapy (detoxification therapy). An appropriate amount of concoctive of phlegm medicines (Munzij-e-Balgham advia) are given to the patient so that the humour gets Nuzj. Then purgative medicines (Mushil advia) along with some cooling agents are administered. Unani physicians then recommend some hot and dry medicines (itrifalaat and haar advia) after the completion of Munzij and Mushil therapy. Physicians only allow foods that are easily digestible.
Dietary Recommendations
- Meat
- Fish
- Fruits
- Papaya
- Walnuts
Dietary Restrictions
- Milk
- Dairy products
- Cream
- Rice
Home Remedies For Vitiligo
Papaya
Papaya fruit contains anti-vitiligo constituents and is useful home treatment for vitiligo (Bars). All you need to do is to cut a piece of papaya and rub it on the affected area and wash the area when dry. Additionally, drink the juice of papaya regularly to restore the melanin cells.
Red Clay
Due to the rich copper content, red clay is also an effective treatment for leucoderma (bars). You can also use red clay by adding a tablespoon of ginger juice into two tablespoons of red clay and make a paste of it. Apply that paste on the affected area daily.
Drink Water from a Copper Vessel
Drinking water from a copper vessel is also the best treatment for vitiligo. The combination of copper vessel and water can increase melanin levels that also help in reducing the white patches caused by vitiligo.
Basil Leaves
The antiviral properties of basil leaves make it a perfect herbal remedy for vitiligo. The mixture of basil leaves juice along with lime juice will also help in stimulating the production of melanin.
Walnuts
Walnuts also help in the production of melanin that will also help in alleviating vitiligo problems. Physicians and dieticians suggest eating at least five walnuts to reduce the white patches on the skin caused by vitiligo. Furthermore, you can also make a paste of walnuts by crushing them in powder form and add some water in it. Apply this paste on the affected area at least 2-3 times a day for 30 minutes.
Single Herbs For The Treatment Of Vtiligo
- Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn)
- Ajwain Desi (Bishops Weed)
- Kali Zeeri (Heath Speedwell)
- Bahera (Beleric Myrobalan)
- Anjeer (Fig)
- Haldi Turmeric
- Ginkgo Biloba
Mixed Herbal Compounds
- A mixture of lemon and sweet basil extract
- A paste of Ginkgo Biloba
- A combination of turmeric (Haldi) and mustard oil (Sarson Ka tail)
Unani Compounds For The Treatment Of Vitiligo
End Note: Always ask your physician before taking any medication. In order to get satisfactory results, patients need to follow the regimen strictly.
