Gold in Ayurveda: What It Is, Why It's Used, and What Science Says

When you hear gold in Ayurveda, a purified form of gold used in traditional Indian medicine, often as a fine ash called gold bhasma. Also known as Swarna Bhasma, it’s not jewelry—it’s medicine, prepared through a complex process of heating, grinding, and detoxifying gold until it becomes a bioavailable powder. Unlike modern supplements, this isn’t swallowing a gold pill. It’s a ritualized preparation passed down for over 2,000 years, rooted in the belief that pure gold can calm the nervous system, boost digestion, and strengthen immunity.

What makes gold bhasma, a processed form of gold used in Ayurvedic formulations different from eating a gold leaf on dessert? The key is purification. Raw gold is inert. But in Ayurveda, it’s treated with herbs like turmeric, amla, and sesame oil, then heated in a controlled furnace over dozens of cycles. This turns it into a fine, ash-like powder that the body can absorb. It’s often mixed with honey or ghee and taken in tiny doses—think milligrams, not grams. This process is called bhasma preparation, a traditional method of converting metals and minerals into safe, absorbable medicinal forms. Without it, gold does nothing. With it, practitioners claim it supports brain function, reduces inflammation, and even slows aging.

Why do people still use it today? Because in India, it’s not fringe—it’s mainstream. Many Ayurvedic clinics in Kerala, Varanasi, and Pune still prescribe gold bhasma for chronic fatigue, anxiety, and post-illness recovery. It’s not a quick fix. It’s part of a longer healing plan, often paired with diet changes and herbal teas. While modern science hasn’t fully caught up, some studies suggest gold compounds may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. A 2018 study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that gold bhasma reduced oxidative stress in lab models, though human trials are still limited.

It’s not for everyone. People with kidney issues, pregnant women, or those on heavy medications should avoid it without supervision. And it’s expensive—real gold bhasma costs hundreds of dollars per gram because of the labor and purity required. Beware of cheap versions sold online. Many are just glitter or metal dust with no medicinal value. If you’re curious, find a licensed Ayurvedic doctor who can show you the lab reports and preparation method.

What you’ll find in the articles below isn’t just theory. It’s real-world insight: how gold fits into daily Ayurvedic routines, what it’s actually used for in clinics today, and how it compares to other traditional remedies like ashwagandha or shilajit. You’ll see why some swear by it—and why others stay skeptical. No hype. No magic. Just what’s documented, what’s practiced, and what you need to know before trying it.