Brief Answer: Common Tongue conditions in Primary Care Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for contacting Ayurveda with your health concern and I usually after clinical examination come to some definite diagnosis in my clinical practice and will ask you to go for the same. 1. history given by you points towards colour [white] and morphology [deep lines] changes in the tongue so one has to look out for the following: i. white tongue: any chronic disease, tonsillitis, sore throat ii. white patches on tongue: any immunosuppressive therapy or disease [diabetes,sexual contact, oral lichen planus].. as compulsory/routine questions?, any fungal infection [oral thrush], leucoplakia, chronic superficial glossitis?? iii. her hydration status as unde rhydration is commonest caue of dry/white tongue, any examination/dental check up regarding Oral Hygiene or any Dental Problems? iv. bad odor [halitosis] is commonly due to smoking, stomatitis, gingivitis, caries tooth, sinusitis, atrophic rhinitis, lung disease, high blood sugar level, liver-kidney disease [these should be ruled out with necessary examination and investigations v. Since Tongue is the mirror of dysfunction of all the systems, thus meticulous examination is necessary 2. i. Eat foods with antioxidant properties [those containing vitamin E] like vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and vitamin C like citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes -- can help your body repair damaged tissue, ii. avoid nuts, dried fruit [make sure acidity is not an issue for it], and dehydrated foods, soft drinks, candy, cookies and pastries, take low-fat and fat-free dairy foods try to take as less STRESS as possible as high levels generally weakens the immune system. 3. SKIN BLEMISHES . Did you notice any environmental (pollution) or health concern (vitamin deficiency/weight/height) regarding the same? . If the climate there is tropical or sub tropical, darker skin due to environment is possible, sooner or later. . check with your health care provider or child specialist there for any liver disease,malabsorption OR could be due to milk allergy (dairy products)? . Apply a paste of turmeric in the skin before going to sleep, and wash after a few minutes. In the morning remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour and oil. .Fry some garlic pods in mustard oil and massage with that oil. .Saariva,Manjishtha XXXXXXX Turmeric,Daruharidra,,Chopchini,Amalaki, SAARIVA can be given as single or in compound form (ointment or Orally) . XXXXXXX Oil,Manjishtha Oil,Kumkumadi Oil for massage. . i. Do’: old rice,geen gram, red gram,banana,java plum, butter milk, goat’s milk, clarified butter,soup,cumin seeds, mint. ii. Don’ts: Wheat, peas, garlic, betelnut, cow’s milk, sour and hot food, excess water drinking. hope I have given due consideration in taking up your case, any suggestions are welcome Dr. Munish Sood Consultant & Physician Naimittika

---