A series of LecturesByMr. Allah Dad Khan former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar allahdad52@gmail.com

2. Medicinal Plants and Scurvy
A series of Presentation
By
Mr. Allah D ad Khan
Former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting
Professorthe
Universityof Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan

3. Scurvy
• Scurvy is, perhaps, the oldest known deficiency
disease. However, its specific relationship to
ascorbic acid was not recognised until the 20th
century. The disease is common among children
and is often mistaken for rheumatism, rickets, or
paralysis.
• Scurvy was widely prevalent in the 19th century
among sailors on long voyages. They often
subsisted for long periods on salt, fish, meats, and
breadstuffs, and were entirely deprived of any
fresh food. Later, limes and lemons were included
in the supplies, since they were found to be anti-
scorbutic, that is, they prevented scurvy.

4. Causes And Symptoms Of Scurvy
• The onset of scurvy is gradual. The first signs of
the disease are exhaustion and general
weakness. At the later stages, there is bleeding of
the gums, because the lack of vitamin C (ascorbic
acid) makes the capillaries fragile and their rupture
is common. This may lead to extensive
haemorrhaging.
• Scurvy is caused by lack of vitamin C or ascorbic
acid. Inadequate intake of fresh fruits and
vegetables can lead to this condition. Another
important cause of scurvy is stress which
increases the utilisation of ascorbic acid.

5. Herbal Home
Remedies For
Scurvy

6. INDIAN GOOSEBERRY:
(Pure Amala Juice ) - The
Indian gooseberry is one
of the most effective
home remedies for
scurvy. It is the richest
source of vitamin C. Dry
amla should be powdered
with an equal quantity of
sugar. This powder should
be given in doses of one
teaspoon, three times
daily, with milk.

7. LIME AND LEMON:
The use of lime and lemon
is highly beneficial if the
prevention and treatment of
scurvy. Being rich sources
of vitamin C, lime and lemon
are regarded as foods of
exceptional therapeutic
value. They have saved the
lives of innumerable crews
of ocean-going vessels from
scurvy. The juice of one lime
or lemon mixed in a glass of
water, with a teaspoon of
honey, should be taken for
treating this condition.

8. MANGO POWDER:
Another effective remedy for
scurvy is the use of
aamchur, a pepular article of
diet in Indian houses,
consisting of green
mangoes - skinned, stoned,
cut into pieces, dried in the
sun and powdered. Fifteen
grams of aamchur are
believed to be equivalent to
thirty grams of good lime on
account of its citric content.

9. POTATO:
Potato is regarded as an
excellent food remedy for
scurvy. It contains up to
17 mg of vitamin C, can
be found in 100 mg of
potatoes. It has been
noted that scurvy in
Europe has become more
and more uncommon with
the progress of potato
cultivation and it makes
its appearance only when
the crop fails.

10. JAUNDICE BERRY:
Jaundice berry is a valuable
herbal remedy for 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.

11. Green chilies:
Green chilies are the
richest source of vitamin
C more than any other
food. Eating green
chilies is perhaps the
best home remedy for
scurvy. Red chili, though
not equally effective is
the next best alternative
home remedy for
scurvy.

12. Kiwi fruits:
• 96% by weight of Kiwi
fruit (Chinese
gooseberry) is
Vitamin C. Adding
kiwi fruits to the diet
as fruit salad or as
dessert is beneficial
home remedy for
Scurvy

13. Oranges:
Orange is a rich source
of ascorbic acid and is
effective home remedy
for scurvy. Intake of a
glass of orange juice
daily morning nourishes
the body of essential
nutrition for getting rid of
scurvy.

14. Broccoli:
A 100 gram serving of
Broccoli provides 89mg
of Vitamin C making it a
very effective home
remedy for scurvy.

15. Papaya
Papaya is a great
source of vitamin C.
Liberal use of papaya is
effective in treatment of
Scurvy

16. Thyme:
Amongst herbal
remedies for scurvy,
thyme provides the
most vitamin
C (160mg per 100
gram serving) and is
effectively used in
preparation of
medicines for treatment
of scurvy.

17. Parsley:
Parsley comes close
next to thyme in terms
of Vitamin C content at
133mg per 100 gram.
Parsley is also used in
several herbal
medicines for scurvy.