Ruby: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

A deep red, clear, lustrous Ruby (Manikya) is prized as jewelry everywhere. In Ayurveda it also has a place as medicine, both as a prepared ash and as a gem worn on the body.

Chemically, ruby is corundum (aluminium oxide) colored by traces of chromium. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes what makes a good ruby: deep red color, transparency and luster. It is equally clear that flawed rubies should not be used medicinally.

Its medicinal form is Ruby Bhasma (a calcined ash prepared by repeated heating), used for heart conditions, weak digestion, eye diseases and as a rejuvenative. The text describes ruby as warming and strengthening, which sets it apart from its cooling counterpart, coral.

Ruby is sweet (Madhura) and astringent (Kashaya) in taste, light (Laghu) in quality, hot in potency (Ushna Virya), and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka).

Heart Support

The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Ruby as cardiotonic (Hridya), and Ruby Bhasma is used in heart diseases. This is the basis of its link to heart disease (Hridroga). In the gem tradition, ruby is also said to strengthen the heart.

Digestion and Appetite

Ruby is described as an appetizer (Dipana), a substance that kindles the digestive fire, and is used for digestive weakness. Its warming potency supports this action.

Vitality and Rejuvenation

The text classes Ruby as aphrodisiac (Vrishya) and uses it as a rejuvenative, describing it as warming and strengthening.

Eyes

Ruby is also listed as beneficial for the eyes (Netrya), with eye diseases among its uses.

Mind and Concentration

In Ayurvedic gem therapy, ruby is said to help concentration and give mental power. It is considered good for excess Vata and Kapha, while Pitta is sensitive to it.

Ruby is used in two very different ways: internally as a prepared ash, and externally as a gem worn on the body. Our sources do not record an internal dose.

Only flawless stones are suitable: the Bhavaprakash Nighantu states that flawed rubies should not be used medicinally.

Ruby Bhasma is a mineral medicine, and our sources record neither a dose nor specific drug interactions. That makes supervision the main safety rule.

• Never grind or swallow a gemstone. Only properly prepared Ruby Bhasma from a reputable manufacturer is used internally, under a qualified practitioner's guidance.
• The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that flawed rubies should not be used medicinally.
• Ruby is warming, and Pitta is described as sensitive to it. If you run hot or have acidity or inflammation, it is a poor fit.
• Avoid self-treating during pregnancy, nursing or in children.

The comparison that matters most for Ruby is with Coral, the other gem the Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes in the same chapter.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Our sources give no guidance on Ruby Bhasma during pregnancy or nursing. Do not take it internally at this time without professional supervision.

Children

No pediatric dose is recorded. Ruby Bhasma should not be given to children without a qualified practitioner's guidance.

Elderly

Weak digestion and heart concerns, both common with age, are among Ruby's classical uses, and its warming nature suits the cold, dry Vata tendency of later life. Older adults on medication should have it reviewed by a practitioner and their doctor.

Athletes

Ruby is described as strengthening, but our sources do not describe a specific athletic use.

Ruby is red in color. This gem helps concentration and gives mental power. Ruby strengthens the heart. Pitta is sensitive to this gem; however, it is good for excess vata and kapha.

Elements: Fire, Air and Ether.

How to wear: Should be worn on the left ring-finger in either a gold or silver ring.