UROLITHIASIS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

Abul Faiz* and Ferasat Ali

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this review paper to know the pathophysiology and basic principles of management (Usool-e-ilaj) of urolithiasis in Unani system of medicine. Urolithiasis is one of the most common disease found in the world. Humankind is known to be suffering from urolithiasis, which was found in tombs of Egyptian mummies dated to 4800 BC. Rhazes writes in Al Hāwi that the process of stone formation in any part of the body is secondary to the entanglement of thick and viscid morbid matter in the organs and the inability of the human body to expel the matter. This morbid matter retains in the organs and secondary deposition takes place over time. Adequate fluid intake is the most important conservative strategy in the prevention of urolithiasis. A large number of Indian medicinal plants have been used in the treatment of urolithiasis and they have been reported to be effective with fewer side effects.

Keywords: Urolithiasis, medicinal plants, morbid matter, usool-e-ilaj.