Body Signs

“A white tongue is fungus”, “white spots on nails mean calcium deficiency”, “a bitter mouth means the liver”… six myths and the truth.

Why did al-Razi, Ibn Sina and Jurjani pay so much attention to the colour, consistency, amount and sediment of urine?

Map-like patches or a dark, furry look on your tongue? Geographic and hairy tongue look alarming but are usually harmless.

Why did Ibn Sina value the pulse so highly? How the pulse is read in traditional medicine, and why it still matters today.

A new brown or black line on one nail? This sign should not be put down to temperament or a vitamin deficiency. When to see a dermatologist.

Tooth marks along the edges of your tongue? A scalloped tongue isn’t a disease on its own. The traditional view and what to look for.

Thyroid disorders can change the hair, nails and skin. Which signs, seen together, mean the thyroid should be checked.

Should you worry if the white crescent at the base of your nail is small or missing? Common myths and facts about the nail moon.

Does your mouth often feel dry? It isn’t always from drinking too little. Medicines, salivary glands, blood sugar and other causes.

Noticed a change on your tongue, nails or skin? Five golden questions to ask before you worry or ignore it.

Lengthwise or crosswise lines on your nails? Which lines are normal, and which record a hardship the body went through.