Tibb

Tibb is the term for medicine in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and related languages, derived from the root meaning medicine or healing (Arabic طب, tibb). In many contexts it refers to traditional medical systems associated with the Islamic world and South Asia, as well as the broader notion of medical science.

Historically, tibb has its roots in classical Greek medicine and was developed and transmitted through Arabic and Persian scholarly work during the Islamic Golden Age. In South Asia, Unani medicine (often called Unani tibb) became a prominent traditional system, integrating Greek, Persian, and Indian medical ideas. Influential works such as Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine shaped medical theory and practice across broad regions. Over time, tibb circulated through medieval and early modern medical literature and was practiced alongside emerging Western medical models in many countries.

Practice in traditional tibb centers on diagnosing by observation and examination and balancing underlying bodily systems. Treatments commonly include herbal medicines, minerals, and other natural substances, as well as dietary guidance and regimen-based therapies designed to restore balance and health. In Unani medicine, emphasis is placed on lifestyle and environmental factors in addition to pharmacotherapy. Practitioners may combine traditional approaches with contemporary medical training, depending on local regulations and education pathways.

In the modern era, tibb exists as a traditional or complementary medical system in many countries. Its status ranges from regulated, licensed practice to informal or cultural medicine, often functioning alongside Western medical care. Universities and professional associations in some regions offer programs in Unani or related traditional medicine, supporting research and integration with broader health systems.

See also: traditional medicine, Unani medicine, herbal medicine.