Scurvy is a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. Signs of scurvy include tiredness, muscle weakness, joint and muscle aches, a rash on the legs, and bleeding gums. In the past, scurvy was common among sailors and other people deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables for long periods of time.
Scurvy is a condition that takes place due to lack of vitamin C in the body. Insufficiency of vitamin C leads to the formation of black and blue spots on the skin, particularly on the thighs and legs.
Adults can take 250 milligrams of Vitamin C four times a day to cure the disease. If the case is severe, the doses of 300 to 500 milligrams may be needed for several months.
The Indian gooseberry or Amla or Emblica officinalis gaten, as it it is sometimes known as is probably the most important and vital fruit there is to battle scurvy as it is packed with Vitamin C and the other tonic giving properties required.
In particular it increases in potency the further away from the actual root it is removed. I.E. for its fullest effect drink its juice or add its powder to another drink.
Adult treatment includes supplementing usually 300-1,000 mg of ascorbic acid per day. Infants should be treated with 50 mg of ascorbic acid up to four times per day.Other Scurvy treatments include outdoor exercises and fresh air exposureThe patient should also undertake outdoor exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling. He should sleep in a well ventilated room, and spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.
Jaundice berry is valuable herbal remedy fur scurvy. The leaves of the plant are anti-scorbutic or anti-scurvy. A decoction of the leaves can be prepared by boiling 15 gm of dried leaves in 500 ml of water till it is reduced by one-third. About 150 to 175 ml of the decoction can be taken at a time. The juice of the berry is also beneficial and can be taken in doses of 2 to 4 ml.
Lemon is extremely useful in treating scurvy, owing to its therapeutic properties. In 1 glass of water, add the juice of one lemon and 1 tsp of honey. Drink this mixture everyday.
Treatment of scurvy is simply with vitamin C supplements taken orally. The adult dosage is 800-1000 mg/day for at least one week, then 400 mg/day until complete recovery. Children should be given 150-300 mg/day for one month. Some improvement of symptoms is usually noticed within 24 hours. Except for the loss of teeth through dental disease, permanent damage from scurvy does not usually occur.
One of the best remedies for scurvy is the use of Indian gooseberry (amla), which is the richest known source of vitamin C. The powder of dry amla , mixed with equal quantity of sugar, should be given in half a teaspoon doses thrice daily, with milk. If fresh amla is available, it should be cooked like vegetable and eaten.
As rich sources of vitamin C, lemon (bara nimbu) and lime (nmboo) are regarded as foods or exceptional therapeutic value in scurvy. The juice of either or both these fruits should be consumed by the patient diluted in warm water and mixed with honey.
