Islamic Wellness Trends: Hijama, Herbal Remedies, and Sunnah Superfoods

[Fatima]

As the global wellness industry grows, more Muslims are turning toward Islamic holistic health practices—not just as tradition, but as powerful tools for physical and spiritual healing. From Hijama (cupping) to herbal remedies and Sunnah superfoods, these prophetic practices are experiencing a revival in a modern context.

Let’s explore how Islamic wellness is aligning beautifully with today’s trends like clean eating, mindfulness, and natural living.

1. Hijama (Cupping Therapy): Ancient Practice, Modern Benefits

Hijama, or wet cupping, is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said:

Indeed, the best of remedies you have is cupping...-(Sahih al Bukhari)

What is Hijama?

It involves applying suction cups to specific body points to draw out stagnant or bad blood. It's used to treat:

1. Headaches & migraines
2. Back and joint pain
3. Stress and fatigue
4. Detoxification

Modern Benefits

Now recognized even in alternative medicine circles, Hijama is being practiced in clinics and wellness centers worldwide. Some even integrate it with massage therapy and acupuncture for enhanced results.

2. Herbal Remedies: The Prophetic Approach to Natural Healing

Prophetic medicine emphasizes healing from natural sources such as herbs, seeds, and plants—many of which are being rediscovered in today’s herbal wellness movement.

Popular Sunnah Herbs Include:

1. Black Seed (Nigella Sativa):

It is a cure for every disease except death. (Bukhari)

Used for immunity, inflammation, and respiratory issues.

2. Senna: A natural laxative mentioned in prophetic narrations for digestive health.

3. Olive Oil: The Prophet ﷺ said to eat and apply it—modern research shows its benefits for heart and skin health.

4. Honey: A Qur’anic remedy:

In it is healing for people… (Qur'an 16:69)

Used to boost energy, heal wounds, and support immunity.

3. Sunnah Superfoods: Nourishing Body and Soul

Many of today’s superfoods were actually part of the Prophet’s ﷺ regular diet. These foods are being reintroduced into Muslim households and wellness routines:

1. Dates (especially Ajwa): Rich in fiber, iron, and natural sugar. Sunnah to eat before fasting.
2. Barley: Used in Talbinah, a comforting porridge for grief and stress relief.
3. Vinegar: The Prophet ﷺ praised it as a simple and beneficial condiment.
4. Pumpkin, cucumber, watermelon: All part of the Prophet’s diet, full of hydration and vitamins.

These foods are not just nutritious—they’re spiritually meaningful and often used in Islamic healing recipes.

4. Islamic Mindfulness & Clean Living

Islamic wellness is not only physical—it’s deeply spiritual:

1. Mindfulness (Tafakkur): Reflecting on creation and being present in salah (prayer).
2. Dhikr (Remembrance): Reduces anxiety, grounds the soul, and centers focus—just like modern meditation.
3. Clean Eating: Eating in moderation, avoiding waste, and consuming halal and tayyib (pure) food aligns with the Prophet’s eating habits.

Modern Muslims are blending these teachings with fitness, yoga (with caution), herbal teas, and detox regimens—creating a lifestyle that’s both spiritually rooted and health
conscious.

Islamic wellness is more than a trend—it’s a timeless way of life. By reviving Sunnah practices like Hijama, embracing herbal remedies, and nourishing ourselves with prophetic superfoods, we honor the body and soul that Allah has entrusted us with.