Sandhya Raghavan
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Written By: Sandhya Raghavan | Published : October 17, 2017 1:18 PM IST
The allure of gold is universal and undying. For centuries, mankind has had a never-ending love affair with the precious metal, which has equal cultural and religious importance. But this noble metal can do more than just adorn your body. The therapeutic benefits of gold have also been known to mankind even 5000 years ago when the ancient Egyptians consumed gold for purification of the body, mind and the spirit. From as early as 2500 BC, gold preparations have been routinely administered as medicine according to the records in oriental literature. Gold is also prized in Ayurveda for its wonderful therapeutic benefits. We asked Ayurvedic expert Dr Manaan Gandhi from The Integral Ayurveda about the health benefits of gold.
"Gold is very safe metal. It is easily digestible and easily absorbable. It is so gentle that it could be given even to a one-day old child," says Dr Gandhi. That being said, he also specifies that gold is not consumed in its metallic form. It is usually treated and administered as oxalates or carbonates. Only after it is checked for toxicity is it given for consumption.
Gold helps in brain development
Ancient wisdom says that gold helps in brain development. That's probably why gold is used in Swarna Prashana, an Ayurvedic preparation meant to be given to children below the age of five. The preparation has many benefits, one of which is aiding brain development in young children. "In fact, the ministry of AYUSH also recommends the preparation and sells it at a subsidised rate of Rs 50 for the benefit of the public," says Dr Gandhi. Acharya Kashyapa himself explained that gold can help in improving the child's intellect, digestion, metabolism, strength, immunity, complexion, fertility and lifespan.
Gold is used for Ayurvedic vaccination
"In the ancient times, Swarna Prashana was used for the purpose of immunisation," says Dr Gandhi. The preparation is known to enhance the immune functions in the human body so before the advent of vaccinations, it was given to babies to immunise them. "Gold was also used in other ways to enhance immune functions. The Karnavedha Samskara of piercing the child's earlobes with gold is also done to boost the immune system," he adds.
Gold enhances the effect of the treatment
"What's particularly amazing about gold is that it has a unique potency; it affects the body quicker than any other drug," states the doctor. "In fact, the action of the drug is enhanced when gold is used as a vehicle." Today, gold nanoparticles are being used as drug carriers, photothermal agents, contrast agents and radiosensitisers in cancer treatment.1 Dr Gandhi recollects an instance where a 15-year-old patient battling with allergies wasn't showing signs of improvement even after 3-4 months of treatment. "I decided to introduce gold bhasma into her medicines and the speed of her recovery registered a three-fold increase," he says.
Gold is an antiageing agent
When we say antiageing, it has less to do with cosmetics and more to do with longevity and improved quality of life. "Swarna bhasma helps you improve the quality of your life. It works as a life enhancer," says the doctor. This is precisely why gold is used in the geriatric branch of medicine. Consumption of gold helps stall the ageing and degeneration of the body, helping you live life to the fullest.
Reference:
1. Paul, W., & Sharma, C. P. (2011). Blood compatibility studies of Swarna bhasma (gold bhasma), an Ayurvedic drug. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 2(1), 14 22. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.83183
