Feeling unwell, just stick out your tongue – it can give away more than you think about your health. The colour, texture, and moisture of your tongue can provide signs of what’s going on inside your body. Certain areas of the tongue correlate to specific organs of the body.
The tongue of a healthy person is pinkish in colour, moves freely and is gently moist with a light coating.
If the tongue or mucous membranes look pale – this could mean that your blood is lacking in hemoglobin. This will often result in tiredness and lethargy. Eat a well-balanced diet containing plenty of iron.
A pale tongue could indicate problems in the lungs or colon. Treat with warming herbs such as valerian and ginger or take a supplement such as Coolherbals Valerian with Ginger Capsules.
A red inflamed tongue could indicate a lack of certain nutrients, especially iron and B vitamins. Iron, found in red meat, shellfish, nuts, and apricots, is necessary for energy and vitality. Alternatively use a vegetarian source supplement such as Coolherbals Advanced Multivitamin and Minerals with Protein (Male, Female). B vitamins are needed for energy metabolism, cell growth and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Lean meat, shellfish, nuts and dried apricots are all rich sources of vitamin B.
A red tongue shows heat. The colour of the tongue may appear darker in different parts of the tongue relating to various organs in the body. The root of the tongue could indicate excess heat in the intestines. Regulate heat with cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon and green tea. Try massaging with Pitta Oil to cool down the body.
A purple tongue could mean high cholesterol, chronic bronchitis or poor blood circulation. For cholesterol control try Coolherbals Guggul capsules and e mail us for our cholesterol reducing diet sheet. Poor circulation could be due to too much sugar in the body. This can makes you feel tired and cold. Add warm ingredients to your diet such as garlic, ginger, and coriander. Alternatively, use Kapha Spice Mix sprinkled on food for healthy digestion and warming spices.
Patches of spots on the tongue reflects an allergic constitution, such as eczema and asthma. Ask us for an Allergy test.
Dryness of the tongue is often caused by swelling of the salivary glands. This could be due to increased stress. Try relaxation exercises.
A dry furry tongue could indicate excessive mucus in the body. Reduce dairy and sugar in the blood and eat a well-balanced diet.
A heavy white plaque, however,r could indicate candidosis or oral thrush – a fungus infection of warm, moist areas of the body. This could be caused by an over-use of chemical mouthwashes or antibiotics. Clean the tongue with a natural mouthwash twice a day.
If the tongue lacks coating, it could mean the stomach enzymes which break down food in the digestive system are not functioning properly. Increase on eating fruits and vegetables.
If your tongue has any of the above for a period of time seek medical advice.
Sushma
