International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health

Traditional Iranian Medicine Approaches to Heatstroke: Insights for Mitigating Health Challenges in a Warming World

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
1 Department of History, Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Phytopharmaceuticals (Traditional Pharmacy), School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 Paramount Crossroads Lotfe-e-Ali Khan Zand St
10.30491/ijtmgh.2025.508538.1460
Abstract
The Middle East and the Iranian Plateau's location in a hot and arid climate has led classical Iranian medical texts to pay special attention to the impact of environmental factors, such as heat, on human health, often referred to as “heatstroke.” Findings from research in Iranian medical texts reveal that the nature of the issue is classified within the framework of the humoral theory of Hippocratic medicine, where heat is considered one of the most significant environmental factors causing various bodily injuries and functional disorders. In this context, maintaining balance and preserving the body's health were closely linked to the recommendations of classical Iranian physicians regarding preparing and normalizing the body's adaptation to heat and its associated complications. This research employs a library-based methodology, drawing on traditional medicine and environmental geography. It critically examines and analyzes the content of Iranian medical texts to address environmental heat as an external threat to health, focusing on maintaining balance and the therapeutic methods proposed by Iranian traditional physicians. The study is descriptive in nature and relies on classical Iranian medical texts to explore, identify, and introduce strategies for combating heat-related health challenges. Given the increasing global temperatures in recent years and the associated challenges, familiarity with the insights of prominent past physicians on dealing with heat can be highly beneficial and practical. Thus, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Iranian medical texts, offering methods to maintain health and appropriate treatments for heat-related conditions.
Keywords


Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 January 2026

  • Receive Date 23 February 2025
  • Revise Date 19 March 2025
  • Accept Date 28 March 2025