Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous (Snigdha), Soft (Mridu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Pure metallic gold (Au), trace minerals when processed
- Also Known As
- English: Gold
Sanskrit: सुवर्ण, स्वर्ण, काञ्चन, हाटक, हिरण्य, तपनीय, हेम, चामीकर, रुक्म, जातरूप, महारजत, कर्बुर, कलधौत
Hindi: सोना
What is Gold?
Gold is not an herb, yet it holds a special place in Ayurvedic medicine. Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it the foremost of the metals described in Rasa Shastra, the branch of Ayurveda that works with minerals and metals.
In Sanskrit, gold is (Suvarna), with many classical synonyms such as Swarna, Kanchana and Hema. Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 1, groups it with the earthen or mineral substances, alongside silver, gems and pearls.
Gold is never taken raw. It becomes medicine as Gold Bhasma (Suvarna Bhasma), a fine ash made by first purifying the metal (Shodhana) and then incinerating it (Marana). Bhavaprakash Nighantu is clear that both steps must happen before any internal use.
Because it is a processed metal preparation, Gold Bhasma is a practitioner-only medicine. The rest of this page explains what classical texts say about it, and why caution matters.
Gold – Ayurvedic Healing Properties
Gold is an effective nervine tonic. It improves memory and intelligence, strengthens the heart muscle and increases stamina. Gold is good for hysteria, epilepsy, heart attacks, weak lungs and spleen.
Preparation: Purified gold is turned into ash by burning it in a fire. Gold-medicated water may be prepared by placing a golden ornament (without any stone) into two glasses of water and boiling until half the water evaporates. One teaspoonful of this water may be taken two or three times a day.
Gold water will energize the heart, causing a feeble pulse to become strong. It also will improve memory, intelligence and comprehension and stimulate awakening awareness.
Caution: Gold has hot properties and therefore should be used cautiously if one has a pitta constitution. Some people will not tolerate gold and may break out in a rash if gold is applied.
Source: Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing, Chapter XIII: Metals, Gems, and Color Therapy
Benefits of Gold
Classical texts describe gold as sweet (Madhura), astringent (Kashaya) and bitter (Tikta) in taste, unctuous (Snigdha) and soft (Mridu) in quality, cold in potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet after digestion (Madhura Vipaka). Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as pacifying all three doshas.
The uses below are classical indications. They are not evidence that gold preparations treat these diseases, and every one of them calls for qualified care.
Rejuvenation and Vitality
Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists gold as rejuvenative (Rasayana), meaning it rebuilds the body's tissues over time, and as vitality-enhancing (Ojokara). Vitality here is Ojas, the body's reserve of strength and resilience. It is also strength-giving (Balya) and is indicated in chronic debilitating conditions, which links it to weakness and debility.
Mind and Intellect
Gold is classed as intellect-enhancing (Medhya), and Gold Bhasma is said to enhance (Buddhi), the discriminating intellect. Mental weakness is among its listed indications, which is why it is discussed for brain fog and memory problems.
Ayurvedic sources also describe it for epilepsy (Apasmara) and hysteria (Yoshapasmara). Both are serious conditions that need a medical doctor as the primary clinician.
Heart
Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls gold heart-supporting (Hridya) and lists heart diseases among its indications. That is the basis for its link to heart disease (Hridroga). Never use it in place of cardiac care.
Protection Against Poison
Gold is listed as an antidote to poison (Vishaghna). Ashtanga Hridaya puts it vividly:
In a person who has been given Gold bhasma for a long time, the poison can not do any harm, similar to a water drop that can not touch the leaf of the lotus.
Ashtanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Eyes
Gold is described as beneficial for the eyes (Netrya). Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra 10 and 17, includes gold in eye preparations (Anjana) for Pitta-type eye inflammation and Pitta-damaged vision, which relates to conjunctivitis. These are classical formulas, not home remedies.
Reproductive Health
Gold is listed as aphrodisiac (Vrishya), and Bhavaprakash Nighantu names infertility among Gold Bhasma's indications.
How to Use Gold
There are two forms of gold in Ayurvedic practice. One is a prescription-strength medicine. The other is a mild household preparation.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Bhasma (Suvarna Bhasma) | Set only by a qualified practitioner | Classical Rasayana use under supervision | As prescribed |
| Gold-medicated water (Suvarna Jala) | 1 teaspoon, two or three times a day | Gentle household use | Through the day |
Why purification matters
Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda 11, sets out a multi-step process for purifying and incinerating gold. The calcination step uses mercury in double the quantity of gold. This is skilled pharmaceutical work, quality varies widely between makers, and badly made Bhasma can carry metallic toxicity.
Never try to make Bhasma yourself, and only take it when a qualified practitioner prescribes it and specifies the source.
Gold-medicated water
Place a pure gold ornament with no stones into two glasses of water and boil until half the water has evaporated. Take one teaspoon two or three times a day.
Gold Bhasma is a slow remedy. The usual course runs three to six months or longer, with regular review by the prescribing practitioner.
Safety & Side Effects
Gold needs more caution than most plant herbs on this site. Treat everything below as the minimum, not the full picture.
- Never take raw gold internally. Bhavaprakash Nighantu states that gold must be purified and incinerated before internal use.
- Bhasma is practitioner-only. Quality varies enormously, and improperly prepared Bhasma can carry residual metallic toxicity. Its classical preparation also involves mercury. Do not self-prescribe it or buy it without a practitioner naming the source.
- Skin reactions. Some people do not tolerate gold and may break out in a rash when it is applied.
- Heat and Pitta. Classical texts call gold cold in potency, but some Ayurvedic sources say it has hot properties and should be used cautiously in a Pitta constitution. Stop if you notice rash, heat or restlessness.
- Pregnancy and children. Avoid Gold Bhasma entirely without a practitioner in pregnancy and in children.
- Medications and serious illness. If you take any prescription medicine, or have heart disease, epilepsy or a psychiatric condition, clear any gold preparation with your doctor first.
Our sources do not list specific drug interactions or overdose signs. That absence is a reason for more caution, not less.
Recommended: Start Here
Here is the honest starting point: do not begin with Gold Bhasma. It is a prescription-strength mineral medicine, and it belongs in the hands of a qualified practitioner.
If you are curious about gold, the gentle household form is gold-medicated water. Boil a pure gold ornament with no stones in two glasses of water until half has evaporated, and take one teaspoon two or three times a day. Stop if you notice rash or heat.
If your interest is memory, focus or mental steadiness, Ayurvedic practice starts with plant herbs such as Brahmi, and adds gold only as a deeper layer for chronic, depleted cases.
Find Brahmi Capsules on Amazon ↗ Jatamansi Powder ↗
Safety note: never self-prescribe Suvarna Bhasma, and avoid it in pregnancy and in children unless a qualified practitioner directs otherwise.
Gold vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Gold is usually a depth layer added on top of plant herbs, not a replacement for them.
| Comparison | Gold | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold vs Brahmi (memory) | Intellect-enhancing (Medhya) mineral Rasayana, practitioner-only as Bhasma | Brahmi is the usual starting herb for memory and focus | Start with Brahmi. Gold is added for chronic, depleted cases under supervision. |
| Gold vs Jatamansi (mental unrest) | Deep vitality-building Rasayana for long-standing cases | Jatamansi is a first-line plant herb for nervous excitability and poor sleep | Jatamansi comes first; gold is a later, supervised layer. |
| Gold Bhasma vs gold-medicated water | Bhasma: the medicinal, prescription-strength form | Gold water: a mild household preparation | Gold water is the safer home form. Bhasma only on a practitioner's prescription. |
Gold for Specific Populations
Because gold is a processed metal preparation, the guidance here is deliberately conservative.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid Gold Bhasma in pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner directs and supervises it. Our sources give no guidance for nursing, so the same caution applies.
Children
Avoid Gold Bhasma in children without a qualified practitioner. Our sources give no pediatric dosing.
Elderly
The classical indications for chronic debility and mental weakness make gold relevant to later life, but older adults often take several medications and may have heart disease. Use it only under a practitioner, with your doctor informed.
Athletes
Gold is classed as strength-giving (Balya), but our sources give no specific guidance for athletes. It is not a performance supplement, and the Bhasma should not be self-dosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat gold?
Not raw. Classical texts say gold must be purified and incinerated into Bhasma before internal use, and that Bhasma is a practitioner-only medicine. The household form is gold-medicated water, where the metal is boiled in water and then removed.
What is Suvarna Bhasma?
It is the fine ash of gold made through purification and incineration, a process described in Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda 11. It is the medicinal form of gold in Ayurveda.
Is gold heating or cooling in Ayurveda?
Classical texts describe it as cold in potency with a sweet post-digestive effect. Some Ayurvedic sources still say it has hot properties and advise caution in a Pitta constitution, so watch for rash or heat.
Why is gold mentioned for surgical tools and enema nozzles?
Classical texts also value gold as a material. Ashtanga Hridaya says enema nozzles may be made of gold or silver, and Sushruta Samhita approves gold for eye instruments. These are uses of the metal, not internal medicine.
Can I buy Gold Bhasma online?
It is sold, but quality varies enormously and badly made Bhasma can carry metallic toxicity. Only take it when a qualified practitioner prescribes it and names the source.
How to Use Gold by Condition
Explore how Gold is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
By such Swarna administration for long time, the body becomes as pure as Gold.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Na Sajjate Hemapange padmapatre ambuvat visham || In a person who has been given Gold bhasma for a long time, the poison can not do any harm, similar to a water drop that can not touch the leaf of the lotus.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Madhura Gana – group of sweet substances: घ ृत हे म गुडा ोडमोचचोचप षकम ् अभी वीरा पनस राजादनबला यम ् मेदे चत ः प ण योजीव ती जीवक ऋषभौ मधूकं मधुकं ब बी वदार ीर शु ला त ग ु ा ीर ीरे ुगो ुर ौ ावणीयुगम ् ी र यौ का मर सहे ा ा दमधुरो गणः Ghrita (ghee, butter fat), Hema (gold), Guda (molasses), Akshoda, Mocha, Chocha, Parushaka, Abhiru, Vira, Panasa, Rajadana, the three Bala (Bala, Atibala and Nagabala), The two Medas – Meda and Mahameda, The four Parni – Shalaparni, Prishnaparni, Mudgaparni, Ma
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
7-8 Bastinetra enema nozzleतथो तु ने ं हे मा दधातुदावाि थवेणुजम ् गोपु छाकारमि छ ं ल णजु गु लकामूखम ् Enema nozzle should be made from metals like gold, silver, wood, bone or bamboo;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Vasti Vidhi Enema
It should be made of gold, silver etc metals, it should be smooth, resembling the stalk of flowers such as Kunda, Ashvamara and sumanas.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Vasti Vidhi Enema
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Vasti Vidhi Enema
References in Charaka Samhita
Pure blood resembles heated red gold, firefly, red lotus, lac resin, or gunja fruit in color.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय)
Similarly, on the event of pushya nakshatra, she should drink handful of curd milk or water, without leaving any leftover, duly immersed with red hot miniature male statuettes made of gold, silver or and iron.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
In addition to the above, the following items too should be kept available there – two grinding stones, two small pestles, two mortars, one untamed bull, two gold and silver cases for keeping needles, various surgical instruments that are sharp and prepared of metals, two bedsteads made of bilva (Aeglemarmelos Corr.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Dhuma, shirovirechana, measures described to break the gulma in Gulma Chikitsa chapter, as well as iron, salt, stone, gold and copper should be used for prapidana (compression) of granthi.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
If granthi is strong, firm and stony hard and not responding to all these proven methods of treatment then it is better to be cauterized with kshara (medicinal alkali) or hot metal arrow or hot gold or after making it suppurate by applying suitable suppurative medications one should open and extract.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 24: Blood Characteristics & Consciousness Disorders (Vidhishonitiya Adhyaya / विधिशोणितीय अध्याय); Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 21: Erysipelas Treatment (Visarpa Chikitsa / विसर्पचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Six Raktikas make one Mashaka, also called Hemadhanyaka (gold-grain weight).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
One should bathe early in the morning and donate gold and sesame seeds.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 3: Nadiparichha Adividhi (Pulse Diagnosis etc.)
The method of purifying metals (Dhatu Shodhana Vidhi): Heat the metal sheets of Svarna (gold), Tara (silver), Tamra (copper), and Ayas/Loha (iron) until red-hot.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
By this process, the purification (Vishuddhi) of Svarna (gold) and other metals (Lohas) is accomplished.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Now the calcination of gold (Svarna Marana): Take mercury (Suta/Parada) in double the quantity of gold, and triturate it with an acidic medium (Amla).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions); Purva Khanda, Chapter 3: Nadiparichha Adividhi (Pulse Diagnosis etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 11: Dhatushodhana-Marana (Purification and Calcination of Metals)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Earthen (mineral) substances include: gold (suvarna), silver (rajata), gems (mani), pearls (mukta), realgar (manah-shila), clay (mrit), and pot-shards (kapala), etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1: Vedotpatti Adhyaya - Origin of Ayurveda
This anjana with breast milk and gold (shatakumbha) acts quickly.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Vaidurya (cat's-eye gem), sphatika (crystal), vidruma (coral), mukta (pearl), silver, and gold — finely powdered with sugar and camphor — this anjana quickly destroys shuktika.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Rasanjana (Berberis extract), honey, talisha (Abies), gold, and gairika (red ochre), combined with cow dung juice — for pitta-damaged vision.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
The shalaka should be made of copper, iron, or gold — these are approved.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 1: Vedotpatti Adhyaya - Origin of Ayurveda; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
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.