Diamond: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Most people know diamond as the stone in an engagement ring. Classical Ayurveda knows it as something far rarer: one of its most powerful rejuvenating medicines, reserved for the most depleted patients and handled with great care.

Diamond (Vajra, also Heera) is pure crystalline carbon. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 7, verses 69 to 73) calls it the king of gems and describes several types by colour: white, yellowish, reddish and blackish. A good diamond, the text says, is clear, lustrous and free from flaws.

In medicine it is used as bhasma, a fine ash made by incineration, here in a special crucible called Vajra Musa. The same text describes Diamond Bhasma as a supreme rejuvenative (Rasayana), extremely powerful, given only in very small doses, and extremely dangerous if improperly prepared. Ayurveda also uses the uncut stone more gently, as a worn gem and as diamond water.

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists five actions for Diamond: rejuvenating, strength-giving, intellect-enhancing, aphrodisiac and heart-supporting. Its properties explain why. It is sweet in taste (Madhura), light (Laghu) and unctuous (Snigdha), cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka), a nourishing and cooling profile.

Rejuvenation and Severe Debility

This is Diamond's main classical role. The text calls Diamond Bhasma a supreme rejuvenative (Rasayana) and strength-giving (Balya), and indicates it in tuberculosis, severe debility and chronic diseases. It belongs with the treatments for deep weakness and debility, not everyday tiredness.

Heart Support

Diamond is classed as heart-supporting (Hridya), which links it to heart disease in Ayurvedic practice. Ayurvedic sources also describe diamond water, made by leaving a diamond in a glass of water overnight, as a heart tonic.

Mind and Memory

Its intellect-enhancing action (Medhya) gives it a place in brain fog and memory problems. Ayurvedic sources describe its energy as reaching the heart, the brain and the deeper tissues. Even so, it is a remedy for severe depletion, not ordinary mental fatigue.

Reproductive Vitality

The text lists Diamond as aphrodisiac (Vrishya), an action that sits naturally beside its strength-building and rejuvenating roles.

Dosha Effects by Colour

Diamond calms Pitta, the dosha of heat, and can stimulate Vata and Kapha. Ayurvedic sources say colour matters: red diamond is fiery and stimulates Pitta, blue diamond cools Pitta and stimulates Kapha, and colourless diamond calms Pitta while stimulating Vata and Kapha.

Diamond is used in three ways, and they are worlds apart. One is a potent mineral medicine. The other two are gentle traditional practices.

Our classical sources give no self-dose for Diamond Bhasma, so we do not publish one. A qualified practitioner sets the amount, the vehicle it is taken with (anupana) and the length of the course.

Correct preparation is everything. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says diamond must be incinerated properly in a special crucible (Vajra Musa), and that badly prepared ash can be extremely dangerous. For any form, choose a clear, lustrous, flawless stone, since low-quality diamonds are said to have negative effects.

Diamond is not a herb you can safely experiment with. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls Diamond Bhasma extremely powerful, to be used only in very small doses, and warns that improperly prepared Bhasma can be extremely dangerous.

Key cautions

• Practitioner only. Take Diamond Bhasma only on the prescription of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Our sources give no self-dose.
• Preparation and source. It must be incinerated correctly in a special crucible (Vajra Musa). Use only a product from a reputable manufacturer.
• Stone quality. Ayurvedic sources warn that low-quality diamonds have negative effects on the body. Only clear, lustrous, flawless stones are used.
• Dosha balance. Diamond can stimulate Vata and Kapha, so it may not suit someone whose problem is driven by either.

Our sources contain no information on drug interactions or pregnancy safety for Diamond. Treat that gap as a reason for caution, and tell your doctor about any mineral preparation you take.

Diamond is usually compared with the other mineral rejuvenators and with the plant herbs people reach for first.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Our sources contain no information on Diamond Bhasma in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Given how powerful the text says it is, avoid it during pregnancy and nursing unless a qualified practitioner specifically prescribes it.

Children

Our sources give no guidance for children. Do not give Diamond Bhasma to a child without a qualified practitioner's prescription.

Elderly

Diamond's classical indications, severe debility and chronic disease, are common in later life, and its heart-supporting and rejuvenating actions are relevant there. It still needs a practitioner, very small doses and a properly prepared product.

Athletes

Diamond is classed as strength-giving (Balya), but its use is for genuine depletion, not performance. Our sources do not support it as a sports supplement.

The energy of this very precious gem stone brings subtle vibrations to the heart, brain and the deeper tissues. Red diamond has fiery energy that stimulates pitta. Blue diamond has cooling energy that calms pitta and stimulates kapha. Colorless diamond stimulates vata, calms pitta and stimulates kapha.

In Ayurveda, the diamond is used as a heart tonic. For this treatment, the diamond should be placed in a glass of water overnight and the water drunk the next day.

The diamond is the best rejuvenating precious stone. It brings prosperity and is spiritually uplifting. It helps to create a close bond in relationships.

Elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

How to wear: Should be worn on the right ring-finger in a gold ring.

Caution: Diamonds of low quality will have negative effects upon the body.