Sharbat Musaffi
Indications
Sharbat Musaffi is a Unani herbal syrup whose name means "purifier". It is traditionally used as a so-called blood purifier for skin complaints such as pimples (acne), boils, itching, eczema-like rashes and minor recurring skin infections, and to support general skin health. Scientific evidence for these traditional uses is limited.
How It Works
The syrup typically combines several herbs such as Neem, Sarsaparilla (Ushba), Chirata, Fumaria (Shahtara), Indian Madder (Manjistha) and Sandalwood. In Unani theory these herbs clear impurities from the blood. Some of them have mild anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant effects in laboratory studies, but how much this helps the skin in people is not well proven.
Dosage and Administration
Use as directed on the label or by a registered Unani practitioner. A sharbat of this type is often taken as 2 to 4 teaspoons mixed with water, one to two times daily, for a few weeks. Shake well before use.
Interactions
Some ingredients, such as Neem and Chirata, may lower blood sugar. If you take medicines for diabetes, blood thinners or other long-term medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Contraindications
- Allergy to any of the herbal ingredients.
- Pregnancy.
- Poorly controlled diabetes, unless a doctor advises, because of the sugar content.
Side Effects
Usually well tolerated. Possible effects include a bitter taste, nausea, stomach upset, loose stools and, rarely, an allergic skin rash. Blood sugar may rise because of the sugar base, or fall in people on diabetes medicines.
Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a rapidly spreading painful skin infection with fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid during pregnancy, as some herbal ingredients are not considered safe. During breastfeeding, use only on a doctor's advice.
Precautions and Warnings
- Severe acne, spreading boils, or skin infections with fever need medical treatment.
- People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar.
- Use in children only on a practitioner's advice.
- Stop if the skin condition gets worse.
Overdose
Large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or changes in blood sugar. Stop the product and seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal preparation (blood purifier for skin conditions).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the cap tightly closed after opening.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Sharbat Musaffi