THE IMPORTANCE OF RADA’AT (BREASTFEEDING) IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: AN EXPLORATION OF MATERNAL AND INFANTS WELL BEING
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding as a cost-effective and beneficial way to protect baby health throughout life. It has unique biological and emotional impacts on both mother and newborn. Breastfeeding holds a vital place in the Unani system of medicine, deeply rooted in its holistic philosophy of health and well-being. Unani scholars have long emphasized the significance of Halaat-e-Tifl (infant conditions) and Hifz-e-Sehat (preservation of health) through natural means, among which breastfeeding is considered the most essential for early nourishment and immunity. This paper explores classical Unani perspectives on breastfeeding, highlighting its physiological, psychological, and immunological benefits for both infant and mother. It examines the ideal duration of breastfeeding, qualities of optimal milk, and maternal dietary guidelines to ensure healthy lactation. Moreover, the paper draws parallels between ancient Unani recommendations and modern scientific findings, underscoring their relevance in contemporary maternal and child health practices. The Arabic term “Tibb” translates to “medicine,” whereas the name “Unani” is thought to originate in Greek. Unani physicians have also given importance to these measures and discussed Newborn, infant and childcare in detail. They have mentioned about breastfeeding and colostrum and their importance for maintenance of good health in maternal, infants and children care. Abu Sahal Maseehi in his book Kitabul Miya’t and Ali Ibn-e-Abbas Majoosi in his treatise Kamil-ul-Sanat compared milk to blood. The review paper successfully sheds light on the important role of breastfeeding in Unani medicine. It offers a comprehensive view of how Unani medicine approaches maternal and infant health, emphasizing the significance of breastfeeding beyond just nutrition.
Keywords: Rada’at, Breastfeeding, Infant well-being, Maternal Health, Unani Medicine
