Reflection of Medicine and Herbs in Nahj al-Balagha and Persian Literature

In addition to historical, ethical, theological, philosophical, economical, political, managerial, military, sociological, etc., Nahj al-Balagha has alluded to medicine, treatment, and hygienic criteria too. The present essay deals with essentials of medicine and hygiene in Nahj al-Balagha as well as Persian literature in order to clarify that results of thoughts and efforts of doctors pending centuries has been in agreement with them and medical experiments of scientists and doctors have no status higher than them. Along with Arabic literature from the very beginning, Imam Ali’s precious words has notably influenced Persian literature and Farsispeaking poets too much, and majority of literary men have benefited from those words for making their words and works more attractive and pleasant. The present essay deals with Imam Ali’s medical references to health, bodily diseases, and herbs first; compares them with modern medical methods secondly, and presents some evidence from great Farsi-speaking poets finally.