Scurvy is related with the oldest known deficiency disease. This disease is very common among children and it is often mistaken for rickets, rheumatism or paralysis. In 19th century the disease of scurvy was very prevalent among the sailors especially on long voyages as for longer periods they often subsisted on fish, salt, meats, bread stuffs and were totally deprived of any fresh foods. To avoid this later on lime and lemon were included in the supplies. This act to a great extent prevented them from scurvy.
Some of the important symptom and causes of scurvy -
Usually scurvy is caused due to the lack of ascorbic acid and also due to vitamin C. This condition may be due to intake of inadequate fresh fruits and also vegetables.
The very first or initial sign of scurvy are general weakness and exhaustion. Later on the patient may suffer from bleeding of the gums due to deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Lack of vitamin C result into capillaries fragile and even their rupture is also very common. This may result into extensive haemorrhaging. Another important cause of scurvy is stress which result into increased utilization of ascorbic acid.
The problem of scurvy can be treated with the help of herbal remedies also. Some of the popular herbal remedies are -
Amla or Indian gooseberry or Emblica officinalis gaten is probably the most important and vital fruit to fight against the problem of scurvy. It is well known to battle scurvy as this fruit is packed with vitamin C as well as with some other tonic giving properties which is required by our body. It removes the problem from actual root and in particular it also increases in potency. Drinking its juice is very effective or you can add its powder to another drink also. It can be ingested in numerous ways as you can also add its powder by teaspoon into a glass of milk with an equal amount of sugar added in it. You have to take this glass of milk at least three times a day and it must be taken regularly also. You can also take its supplement present in the capsule known as amla supplement.
Since scurvy is treated with the help of intake of vitamin C and Indian gooseberry is the rich source of vitamin C. We can also take other herbal remedies which contain Indian gooseberry are Chayawanprash, Amla Taila and supplements of amla.
Below are the herbs that are found effective in the treatment of scurvy:
Jaundice Berry - The leaves of the plant are anti-scorbutic or anti-scurvy. A decoction of the leaves as well as the juice of the berry can be given with beneficial results in scurvy. more...
Wood Apple - The ripe fruit is refreshing, aromatic, digestive and a tonic. It is useful in preventing and curing scurvy and in relieving flatulence. more...
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