Treatments for Parasitic Diseases Based on Rational Prescribing of Drugs according to Avicenna’s Approach

Background/Aim: Infections caused by parasitic worms are among the most common diseases in the world. Considering the parasitic infections resistant to treatment, drug side effects and the emergence of new immunological diseases, it seems more necessary to pay attention to the views and therapeutic experiences of physicians in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM). Methods: This is a review study. Data related to parasitic diseases and worms were first collected from Avicenna’s the Canon of Medicine book and other ITM books, and then underwent content analysis. Avicenna’s approach in the treatment of these diseases was studied based on the rational prescribing model. Results: Avicenna’s approach in the treatment of parasitic diseases is based on problem-solving model and according to the summary of patients’ conditions in terms of disease severity and prioritization of causes. It varies from person to person. Conclusion: Awareness of the causes of parasitic diseases, categorization of their clinical symptoms based on ITM, knowledge of natural and herbal medicine and various methods of prescribing them according to the health principals along with diagnostic and therapeutic methods of classic medicine can be helpful in control and prevention of parasitic diseases.