Botanical Insights From Quranic Plants: Ancient Remedies, Spiritual Wisdom, And Modern Health- A Review

Abstract

Muslims have long held the belief in the oneness of Allah and the completeness of Islam as a religion, with the Holy Quran serving as the ultimate reference book that encompasses guidance for all human needs. Among the wealth of knowledge contained within Islamic teachings are references to the uses of plants for various purposes. In this study, information on the uses of medicinal plants has been systematically gathered from the Holy Quran, Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), Islamic history, and books dedicated to Islamic medicines. The present review delves into the utilization of 35 medicinal plant species, representing 30 genera from 23 families, all of which find mention in the Quranic texts. These Quranic plants include a diverse array of species Allium cepa L., Beta vulgaris L., Acorus calamus L., Allium sativum L., Cichorium intybus L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Lagenaria siceraria Standl., Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip. ex Aitch. Thymus serpyllum L. Hordeum vulgare L. Agaricus campestris L., Boswellia carterii Birdw., Boswellia serrata Birdw., Cassia senna (L.) Roxb., Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl., Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Commiphora molmol Engl. ex Tschirch, Cydonia oblonga Mill., Ficus carica L., Flemingia grahamiana Wight & Arn., Lawsonia inermis L., Lens culinaris Medik. Lepidium sativum L., Nigella sativa L., Ocimum basilicum L., Olea europaea L., Phoenix dactylifera L., Punica granatum L., Salvadora persica L., Saussurea lappa (Decne.), Sch.Bip. ex Aitch., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Thymus serpyllum L., Vitis vinifera L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. The multifaceted applications of these plants in traditional Islamic medicine are explored, shedding light on their roles in promoting health and treating ailments.

Plants, considered an integral pillar of the universe, have been harnessed by humanity for centuries to address a myriad of health concerns. The knowledge and practices associated with these Quranic plants represent a testament to the wisdom embedded within Islamic teachings and the Quran's timeless relevance. By documenting the medicinal uses of these plants, this study seeks to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of this valuable knowledge for the benefit of human well-being. It underscores the enduring connection between nature, spirituality, and the pursuit of holistic health as guided by the teachings of Islam.

This comprehensive exploration of Quranic plant uses offers a bridge between traditional healing wisdom and modern scientific understanding, providing a rich tapestry of botanical knowledge that has the potential to enhance healthcare practices and inspire further research in the field of ethnobotany and traditional medicine.