Understanding Traditional Emirati Medicine: Insights, Challenges, and a Call to Action

Area of Science:

• Ethnomedicine
• Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health

Background:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a rich history of indigenous healing practices predating its 1971 federation.
• Traditional Emirati Medicine (TEM) encompasses unwritten knowledge, beliefs, and practices for health maintenance and illness treatment, passed down through oral traditions and Islamic literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for comprehensive research into Traditional Emirati Medicine.
• To identify key areas for investigation, including scope, usage, efficacy, safety, and quality assurance.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review and synthesis of existing knowledge on Traditional Emirati Medicine.
• It emphasizes the necessity of research and policy formulation.

Main Results:

• Traditional Emirati Medicine is largely unwritten, relying on oral traditions, proverbs, and Islamic teachings.
• Significant research gaps exist regarding its scientific validation and standardization.

Conclusions:

• Urgent research is needed to understand the efficacy, safety, and active components of Traditional Emirati Medicine.
• Developing action plans and policies is essential for its responsible integration with modern healthcare systems and consumer protection.