Bananas contain three natural sugars: fructose, sucrose, and glucose. Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned the banana tree "at-talh" in his book. And Allah says in His Book: "and well-stocked banana trees" (wa talhin mandud). Ibn al-Qayyim says that most exegetes hold that "at-talh" refers to the banana, and "mandud" means stacked one upon another like a comb. Ibn al-Qayyim also says that "at-talh" refers to a thorny tree in which a fruit appears in place of each thorn, with the fruits arranged one upon another like a banana tree, and that this is the more correct opinion; and those among the pious predecessors who mentioned the banana only meant to give an example, not to specify, and Allah knows best. We draw from this an important rule, which is that the teachings concerning Prophetic Medicine are also drawn from the understanding of the pious predecessors.
Still according to the theory of humors, the banana is hot and moist, and the best is the ripe one. It is rich in potassium and glucose, and it is also a special antioxidant, as it contains dopamine, which helps a person suffering from hypertension and stress. The vitamin B it contains will help a person during physical or intellectual effort. The banana is effective for dryness of the chest, for coughing, for the lungs as well as for the connections of the kidneys and the bladder. Moreover, it is a diuretic, increases sperm count, and will therefore be a help for people with fertility problems, and it increases carnal desire. In addition, with its anti-acid effects, it is an ally to digestion. The tryptophan and vitamin B6 it contains produce an anti-depressive effect. One may eat it before a meal, and also mix it with honey.
