Scurvy and Its Ayurvedic Remedies – Natural Cure for Vitamin C Deficiency
Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency disease caused due to prolonged lack of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the diet. This essential nutrient is responsible for collagen formation in the body, maintaining healthy skin, gums, bones and immunity. Although once common among sailors with no access to fresh produce, scurvy can still occur today in people whose diets are lacking in fruits and vegetables. Ayurvedic principles offer natural ways of correcting this deficiency and strengthening the body through herbs, wholesome foods and lifestyle changes.
What is Scurvy?
Scurvy is the result of insufficient Vitamin C which the body cannot make on its own. As a water-soluble vitamin, it must be obtained daily through food. Without it, blood vessels, connective tissues and gums weaken. Scurvy, if not treated, can become serious and lead to anemia, infections or delayed wound healing.
Symptoms and Causes of Scurvy
Symptoms include:
Swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth
Dry, rough skin with reddish spots
Slow healing of wounds
Joint pain and weakness
Fatigue, irritability and low immunity
Causes include:
Inadequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Smoking, alcoholism reducing absorption
Long-term digestive disturbances
Severe malnutrition or crash diets
Ayurvedic Understanding of Scurvy
In Ayurveda, scurvy is associated with the vitiation of Pitta and Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues) due to depletion of vital nutrients and improper digestion (Agni imbalance). Treatment focuses on restoring digestive fire, purifying blood and replenishing the body with Vitamin-C rich, cooling and nutritive herbs to heal gums, skin and immunity naturally.
Ayurvedic Remedies & Herbs for Scurvy Treatment
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): A powerhouse of Vitamin C and rejuvenator. Take 1 tsp of Amla powder with honey or consume 1–2 fresh Amlas daily.
Nimbu (Lemon): Drink fresh lemon water or use lemon juice with honey twice daily to improve absorption and strengthen gums.
Giloy (Guduchi): Boosts immunity and purifies blood. Take Giloy juice 20 ml daily.
Manjistha: A blood purifier herb that reduces gum bleeding and skin spots.
Triphala: Combination of Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki – acts as antioxidant, digestive and rejuvenator. Take Triphala churna at bedtime with warm water.
Herbal mouth rinse: Use decoction of neem, triphala, and turmeric to rinse mouth and heal infected gums.
Diet & Lifestyle Tips
Eat Vitamin C rich foods like orange, grapefruit, amla, guava, lemon, tomato, papaya, kiwi, capsicum, spinach, broccoli and fresh coriander.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and heavily processed or preserved foods.
Use sesame oil pulling (gandusha) in the morning to strengthen teeth and gums.
Stay hydrated and practice yoga to improve circulation (e.g., Surya Namaskar, Pranayama).
What is Scurvy?
Scurvy is the result of insufficient Vitamin C which the body cannot make on its own. As a water-soluble vitamin, it must be obtained daily through food. Without it, blood vessels, connective tissues and gums weaken. Scurvy, if not treated, can become serious and lead to anemia, infections or delayed wound healing.
Symptoms and Causes of Scurvy
Symptoms include:
Swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth
Dry, rough skin with reddish spots
Slow healing of wounds
Joint pain and weakness
Fatigue, irritability and low immunity
Causes include:
Inadequate intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Smoking, alcoholism reducing absorption
Long-term digestive disturbances
Severe malnutrition or crash diets
Ayurvedic Understanding of Scurvy
In Ayurveda, scurvy is associated with the vitiation of Pitta and Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues) due to depletion of vital nutrients and improper digestion (Agni imbalance). Treatment focuses on restoring digestive fire, purifying blood and replenishing the body with Vitamin-C rich, cooling and nutritive herbs to heal gums, skin and immunity naturally.
Ayurvedic Remedies & Herbs for Scurvy Treatment
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): A powerhouse of Vitamin C and rejuvenator. Take 1 tsp of Amla powder with honey or consume 1–2 fresh Amlas daily.
Nimbu (Lemon): Drink fresh lemon water or use lemon juice with honey twice daily to improve absorption and strengthen gums.
Giloy (Guduchi): Boosts immunity and purifies blood. Take Giloy juice 20 ml daily.
Manjistha: A blood purifier herb that reduces gum bleeding and skin spots.
Triphala: Combination of Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki – acts as antioxidant, digestive and rejuvenator. Take Triphala churna at bedtime with warm water.
Herbal mouth rinse: Use decoction of neem, triphala, and turmeric to rinse mouth and heal infected gums.
Diet & Lifestyle Tips
Eat Vitamin C rich foods like orange, grapefruit, amla, guava, lemon, tomato, papaya, kiwi, capsicum, spinach, broccoli and fresh coriander.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and heavily processed or preserved foods.
Use sesame oil pulling (gandusha) in the morning to strengthen teeth and gums.
Stay hydrated and practice yoga to improve circulation (e.g., Surya Namaskar, Pranayama).
