Document Type : Mini Review
Authors
1
Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
2
Department of Persian Medicine, School of Iranian Traditional Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. & Research Center of Persian Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
3
Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. & University of Technolog, Baghdad, Iraq.
4
Industrial Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
10.32598/ARI.81.2.3590
Abstract
Iranian traditional medicine (TM) holds a millennia-old legacy in viral disease management, with classical scholars like Rhazes (854–925 CE) making ground-breaking contributions to rabies prevention. This study examines Rhazes’ innovative approaches, including clinical observations, bite management protocols, and transmission control strategies that predate modern epidemiological understanding. Using historical research methods aligned with the Annales school, we analyze his emphasis on isolation measures, dietary interventions, and environmental factors in disease prevention. Notably, Rhazes’ recommendations for rabies control show remarkable parallels with contemporary World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. His work demonstrates an advanced understanding of contagion theory, including climate influences and contact precautions. The study highlights how Rhazes’ experimental methods and systematic patient care protocols provide valuable insights for modern viral disease management. By bridging ancient Persian medical wisdom with current practices, this research underscores the enduring relevance of traditional knowledge in global health. The findings advocate for integrating historical preventive approaches into modern healthcare systems, particularly for zoonotic diseases such as rabies. This investigation not only documents Iran’s medical heritage but also provides a model for interdisciplinary dialogue between TM and evidence-based practice. The study ultimately positions Rhazes as a pioneer whose rabies management strategies remain conceptually valid even centuries later.
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