According to Sina Media at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Persian Medicine, this book has been edited by Dr. Arman Zargaran, Associate Professor of Traditional Pharmacy at the School of Persian Medicine, and Dr. Ayyeh Naghi Zadeh, PhD graduate in Traditional Medicine from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Additionally, the English editing was conducted by Dr. Ehya Amal Saleh, Associate Professor of English Education at the School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The publication was supported by the Office of Persian and Complementary Medicine at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

This book aims to provide non-Persian speakers with a deeper understanding of Persian medicine by elaborating on its core concepts in English.

Structured into 11 chapters, the book covers topics such as the history of Persian medicine, integrative and complementary medicine (evidence-based approach), natural philosophy in medicine during Islamic civilization, temperament in Persian medicine, the six essential health principles (Sette Zaroorieh), an overview of nutrition, dietary therapy and food principles in Persian medicine, therapeutic approaches, disease classification principles, simple and compound drugs (Qarabadin), and manual therapies in Persian medicine. Each chapter has been authored by esteemed scholars and experts in Persian medicine and medical history from various universities. These chapters serve as a concise overview of broad subjects that require more extensive exploration in separate, dedicated books.

The book's introduction highlights the following points

The use of traditional and complementary medicine has significantly increased in both developing and developed countries over the past decades. Many nations have integrated these traditional models into their healthcare systems through legal regulations and policies. The goal of utilizing traditional and complementary medicine is to harness their remarkable capabilities in treatment and healthcare, as recent studies and research have demonstrated. Additionally, responding to public demand and preference for natural and traditional remedies is essential, emphasizing a patient-centered approach in healthcare. This is crucial to prevent fraudulent exploitation of public trust by unqualified practitioners.

This global trend has led to the implementation of various policies, regulations, and infrastructures in different countries, covering education, workforce training, and healthcare services at multiple levels. Some nations possess traditional medical models with deep historical roots, offering unique advantages, including the preservation of cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge, and a more profound understanding of local medicinal resources.

Persian medicine, as one of the oldest traditional medical systems in the world, has deep roots in the history and culture of Iran’s great and ancient civilization. The significance of Persian medicine is evident in the fact that its core principles and notable sources, such as Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine, were widely referenced in Europe and Asia until the 16th century. Persian medicine later served as an inspiration for the development of other traditional medical models.

With its rich history and the accumulated experience of generations, Persian medicine has evolved into a globally recognized medical system, supported by extensive research and the contributions of distinguished scholars over centuries. This strong scientific foundation provides credibility and reliability to Persian medicine. Examining this traditional medical system through a scientific perspective can offer substantial benefits for contemporary healthcare and medical practices. The preventive and therapeutic potentials of Persian medicine can be fully explored through a thorough review of historical sources and modern studies.