Overview
Ruby is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for heart disease. Manikya (Ruby) is a precious red gemstone. Ruby Bhasma is used in heart diseases, digestive weakness, eye diseases, and as a rejuvenative. It is considered warming and strengthening. The text describes characteristics of good rubies — deep red color, transparency, and luster. Flawed rubies should not be used medicinally. Verses: 74-76.
How Ruby Helps with Heart Disease
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Ruby has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing heart disease:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light)
Safety & Precautions
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.
Other Herbs for Heart Disease
See all herbs for heart disease on the Heart Disease page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.