What is scurvy?
It is a deficiency disease that results from insufficient intake of vitamin C.
Causes
Deficiency of vitamin C in the body.
Symptoms
- Dark purplish spots on skin, especially legs.
- Spongy gums often leading to tooth loss.
- Bleeding gums.
- Opening of healed scars and separation of knitted bone fractures.
Remedy (Nuskhe)
- Amla is the richest natural source of vitamin C. Consumption of amla in any form will prevent scurvy. When fresh fruit is not available, dried powder can be consumed. As the powder is very sour you can add a little honey to it and have 1-2 teaspoon of amla powder 2-3 times a day with water or milk.
- Lemon is also called a poor man's main source of vitamin C as it is very high in vitamin C. It helps cure and prevent scurvy.
- Vitamin C deficiency can be overcome by daily consumption of raw mangoes or by consuming amchoor – a common spice made from raw mangoes and used for cooking in all Indian households.
