Medical treatment

The Islamic belief regarding sicknesses and contagious diseases

Q:

1. What is the correct Islamic belief regarding sicknesses, diseases, epidemics, etc.?  Are they contagious or not?

2. Please provide a detailed explanation of the following two Ahaadith narrated in regard to sicknesses,  لا عدوى ولا طيرة  - (there are no contagious sicknesses nor any bad omens) and فر من المجذوم كما تفر من الاسد-  (flee from a leper as you will flee from a lion).

It apparently seems as though the meanings of both these Ahaadith contradict each other.  What is the correct understanding and reconciliation of both these Ahaadith?

3. At the time of an epidemic, what is the Islamic teaching in dealing with people who are afflicted?

4. During the time of an epidemic, did the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum) who were not afflicted attend the Musjid for salaah?

Taking herbs as medication

Q: I would like to know if taking herbs for health reasons from a herbs doctor (boil herbs in water, drink remaining after straining ) is permissible. It sometimes includes animal bones (dried condition). Is it ok to drink it after boiling in water together with other herbs?

Subliminals

Q: I have a question regarding if something is haram and shirk. There's this thing called subliminals and they’re essentially these affirmations that reach your subconscious to help change some things or help improve yourself. For example, get longer eyelashes or improve your memory. Is it shirk? Also, some don’t have music playing, usually rain drops or silence.