رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذا بَاطِلاً سُبْحَانَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Prophet’s guidance on treating Tonsillitis and administering the medication orally

فَصْلٌ فِي هَدْيِهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي عِلَاجِ الْعُذْرَةِ، وَفِي الْعِلَاجِ بِالسَّعُوطِ

Guidance of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in Treating 'Udhrah~ الْعُذْرَةِ (throat infection) and Treatment with Sa'oot (Nasal Administration)

ثَبَتَ عَنْهُ فِي الصَّحِيحَيْنِ أَنَّهُ قَالَ: خَيْرُ مَا تَدَاوَيْتُمْ بِهِ الْحِجَامَةُ، وَالْقُسْطُ الْبَحْرِيِّ، وَلَا تُعَذِّبُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالْغَمْزِ مِنَ الْعُذْرَةِ (أخرجه البخاري في الطب، ومسلم في المساقاة، والإمام أحمد، والنسائي)

Ibn al-Qayyam wrote : It is authentically recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The best remedies you can use are Hijamah and Qust al-Bahri (Indian Costus), and do not torment your children by pressing on their throats for 'Udhrah~ الْعُذْرَةِ (throat ailments)."

. وَفِي السُّنَنِ وَ الْمُسْنَدِ عَنْهُ مِنْ حَدِيثِ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ: دَخَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى عائشة، وَعِنْدَهَا صَبِيٌّ يُسِيلُ مَنْخَرَاهُ دَمًا، فَقَالَ: مَا هَذَا؟ . فَقَالُوا: بِهِ الْعُذْرَةُ، أَوْ وَجَعٌ فِي رَأْسِهِ، فَقَالَ: وَيْلَكُنَّ لَا تَقْتُلْنَ أَوْلَادَكُنَّ، أَيُّمَا امْرَأَةٍ أَصَابَ وَلَدَهَا عُذْرَةٌ أَوْ وَجَعٌ فِي رَأْسِهِ، فَلْتَأْخُذْ قُسْطًا هِنْدِيًّا فَلْتَحُكَّهُ بِمَاءٍ، ثُمَّ تُسْعِطْهُ إِيَّاهُ» فَأَمَرَتْ عائشة رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا فَصُنِعَ ذَلِكَ بِالصَّبِيِّ، فَبَرَأَ (أخرجه الإمام أحمد، وإسناده صحيح)

In Sunan and Musnad from the narration of Jabir ibn Abdullah, it is mentioned that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم once entered upon Aishah Radi Allaho Anha, who had a child with blood flowing from his nose. He asked, "What is this?" They replied, "He has 'Udhrah~ الْعُذْرَةِ, or pain in his head." He then said, "Woe to you, do not kill your children. If any woman’s child has 'Udhrah~ الْعُذْرَةِ or a pain in his head, let her take Indian Costus, grind it with water, and then administer it nasally." Aishah Radi Allaho Anha followed this advice, and the child was cured.

Abu Ubayd, quoting Abu Ubaidah, explained that 'Udhrah~ الْعُذْرَةِ is an inflammation in the throat due to blood flow. When treated, it is said, "He has been cured." Others describe 'Udhrah as an ulcer that forms between the ear and the throat, commonly affecting children.

Regarding the Benefits of Sa’oot (Nasal Administration) for ‘Udhrah Using Ground Costus

The treatment of ‘Udhrah (throat infection) through nasal administration of ground Costus is beneficial because the infection is typically caused by blood mixed with phlegm. This condition is more common in children. Qust-al-Bahri (Costus) has a drying effect that tightens the uvula (the soft tissue at the back of the throat) and helps return it to its normal position. Its effectiveness might be due to its specific properties, and it can be beneficial for both hot illnesses and, sometimes, for hotter medications as well.

In the Canon of Medicine, a method for treating a dropped uvula is mentioned, involving the use of Costus with Yemeni alum and Maerua seeds (الْقُسْطَ مَعَ الشَّبِّ الْيَمَانِيِّ، وَبِزْرِ الْمَرْوِ). The Costus referred to in the Hadith as Qust al-Bahri (the marine Costus) is actually the Indian Costus, which is white and has a sweet taste with numerous health benefits.

At that time, people treated their children by pressing on their uvula and using charms, which Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم prohibited. Instead, he guided them to methods that were both more beneficial and gentler for children.

Explanation of Sa’oot (Nasal Administration)

Sa’oot refers to the process of pouring medication into the nose. It may consist of single or combined medicines that are ground, sieved, and dried, then mixed with a solution as needed. The individual lies on their back, with something placed under their shoulders to lower the head, allowing the medication to reach the brain. This method expels harmful substances through sneezing. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم recommended this treatment when necessary, as it effectively addresses specific ailments.

وذكر أبو داودَ فى سننه أنَّ النبىَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم اسْتَعطَ

Abu Dawood recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم once used Sa’oot for treatment.

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