Evaluation of abnormal phlegm (Ghair Tabayi Balgham) in Unani Medicine: A clinical and comparative study with contemporary biomedical perspectives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22270/ijmspr.v12i2.197Keywords:
Unani Medicine, Ghair Tabayi Balgham, Balgham, humoral theory, Mizaj, metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, integrative medicineAbstract
Background: In Unani medicine, Balgham (phlegm) is one of the four fundamental humors responsible for maintaining tissue nourishment, lubrication, and physiological homeostasis. Alterations in its qualitative or quantitative characteristics result in Ghair Tabayi Balgham (abnormal phlegm), a pathological state traditionally implicated in the development of several chronic diseases. However, its relevance to contemporary biomedical concepts has not been comprehensively investigated.
Objective: To evaluate the concept of Ghair Tabayi Balgham through classical Unani literature, clinical observations, and comparison with current biomedical evidence.
Methods: A hospital-based observational descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Kulliyat-e-Tib, Aligarh Unani & Ayurvedic Medical College and ACN Hospital, Aligarh, from May 2024 to September 2025. Classical Unani texts were critically reviewed, and patients presenting with Balghami features underwent detailed clinical assessment based on established Unani diagnostic principles. The findings were interpreted in the context of contemporary biomedical literature.
Results: Eight classical variants of Ghair Tabayi Balgham were identified. Impaired digestion, diminished innate heat, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive intake of cold and moist foods emerged as the principal etiological factors. Clinical observations demonstrated associations with obesity, hypothyroidism, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Patients managed with dietary modification, regimenal therapy, and Unani pharmacotherapy exhibited improvements in digestive function, respiratory symptoms, metabolic status, and overall well-being.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that Ghair Tabayi Balgham is a clinically meaningful pathological construct with notable similarities to metabolic, inflammatory, endocrine, and respiratory disorders recognized in modern medicine. Integrating classical Unani concepts with contemporary biomedical evidence may strengthen evidence-based Unani practice and facilitate future translational research in integrative healthcare.
Keywords: Unani medicine; Ghair Tabayi Balgham; Balgham; humoral theory; Mizaj; metabolic syndrome; chronic inflammation; integrative medicine
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