Impact of COVID-19 on Social Awareness and Public Health Strategies of Traditional Persian Medicine in Iran

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted substantial changes in global healthcare, particularly influencing the role of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). This study explores the integration and impact of TPM during the COVID-19 crisis in Iran, where TPM was applied alongside conventional treatments. Research from 2019 to August 2022 is classified into four categories: clinical trials, herbal treatment recommendations, perspectives from traditional medicine scholars in the duration of Islamic era, and questionnaire-based studies. Findings demonstrate that TPM interventions, including the use of herbal remedies and personalized approaches based on humoral theory, have contributed effectively to the management of COVID-19 symptoms, including respiratory distress and other viral manifestations. Significant outcomes from clinical trials, case reports, and phytochemical studies highlight the efficacy of specific TPM therapies. Additionally, Iran’s scientific output in complementary and alternative medicine research has increased, elevating its international standing. The study underscores the pandemic’s role in revitalizing societal trust in TPM, as evidenced by high patient satisfaction and increased use of TPM during the pandemic. This surge in reliance on TPM has led to a deeper integration of traditional medicine within Iran’s healthcare system, marking a significant shift in its historical trajectory. The findings suggest that the global health crisis may have long-term implications for the acceptance and utilization of TPM in modern medical practice.