UIN Jakarta Library Podcast Room, News Online – Are the Prophet Muhammad SAW's legacy of ‘cupping, honey, and black seed’ merely part of traditional medicine, or have they become the primary health solutions of today? This question is explored scientifically in the Library Podcast with Professor 2nd Series, held at the Podcast Room of the UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Library on Tuesday (June 24, 2025).

With the theme “Cupping, Honey, and Habbatussauda: Prophetic Integration of Medicine, Islam, and Spirituality,” this event features Prof. dr. Flori Ratna Sari, Ph.D, an academic and researcher widely known for her contributions to the integration of medical science and Islamic values.

In his presentation, Prof. Flori emphasized that these three treatment methods are not merely cultural heritage or religious dogma. All three have scientific foundations and great potential as evidence-based treatments. “Prophetic medicine is not a myth. Cupping, honey, and black seed have been studied in various international medical journals and proven to be beneficial,” said Prof. Flori.

Cupping: Ancient Detoxification Relevant in the Modern Era
Prof. Flori began his explanation with his story of researching cupping therapy. “I used to think cupping therapy was old-fashioned,” he said. However, after researching its history, he discovered that cupping therapy has been known since 4,000 years ago in Persia, and was only allowed for the royal family. This tradition continued to evolve, and even in ancient Egypt, cupping was used in temples as part of spiritual health practices. In Roman and Greek times, cupping tools even became a symbol of the medical profession.

“Cupping is a very complex natural detoxification and immune stimulation therapy,” he said. Interestingly, in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, it is mentioned that cupping can cure 72 types of diseases. “I have only found five diseases that have been scientifically proven to be treatable with cupping. This is just the beginning. There is still a lot of potential that can be explored by researchers and health practitioners,” explained Prof. Flori.

Although many people are still afraid to try it, because cupping involves sucking dirty blood through the skin surface. Prof. Flori emphasized that cupping is performed with sterile and safe tools, and is not as bad as people imagine. The blood suction process is only performed on specific points and serves to remove toxins from the body.

Honey: More Than Just Nutrition, Medicine, and Natural Cosmetics
Honey has long been known as a natural sweetener and source of energy. However, recent research has revealed a surprising fact: honey can be a natural antibiotic, wound healer, and even a preventative measure against diabetes complications.

One interesting study involved diabetic mice. After being given regular honey therapy, the mice's blood sugar levels decreased and they did not experience blindness, a common complication of diabetes. “The diabetic mice we gave honey showed a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and avoided blindness,” said Prof. Flori, referring to one of the laboratory studies.

Furthermore, “Honey has great potential as a complementary therapy in the treatment of diabetes. In fact, honey can also be used as a natural cosmetic,” said Prof. Flori. The nutritional content and antioxidants in honey allow it to be used not only for physical health, but also for beauty and skin care, without the side effects of chemicals. Regular consumption of honey is said to regenerate body cells and support skin beauty from within.

Habbatussaudah: Small but Powerful
Habbatussaudah, or black cumin, is often referred to as “a cure for all diseases except death,” as mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad. In modern medicine, habbatussaudah has been researched and proven to contain active compounds such as thymoquinone, which functions as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulator.

In various clinical studies, habbatussaudah has been used to support therapy for patients with diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. These black seeds are also being developed as herbal supplements to boost immunity amid the post-pandemic health trend.

Integration of Knowledge, Faith, and Spirituality
More than just medical knowledge, the discussion in the UIN Jakarta Library Podcast presents a holistic perspective that unites medical science, Islam, and spirituality. One of the key messages from this discussion is the importance of integrating modern and prophetic medicine. Cupping, honey, and black seed are not intended to replace medical therapy, but rather to enrich and enhance it holistically—addressing both the body and the soul.

Through the Library Podcast series, the UIN Jakarta Library not only serves as a center for academic literacy, but also as an integrative discussion space that brings together science, religion, and spiritual values. Topics such as these reinforce its relevance in responding to contemporary challenges, including in the field of health.

This Library Podcast also provides an educational space for the public and is an innovative step by the UIN Jakarta Library in promoting literacy. Featuring in-depth, science-based narratives, this podcast serves as a cross-disciplinary educational space that bridges Islamic tradition with the latest scientific findings. *RMr

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