Gold

(Gold)
Sanskrit: सुवर्ण Botanical: Aurum (Au)

Suvarna (Gold) is the foremost among metals described in Rasa Shastra. It is described as having properties of all three doshas' pacification. Gold Bhasma (incinerated gold) is used as a powerful rejuvenative and is indicated in tuberculosis, infertility, heart diseases, mental weakness, poisoning, and chronic debilitating conditions. It enhances Ojas (vitality), Buddhi (intellect), and Bala (strength). Gold is classified into 7 types based on source and quality. It must be purified (shodhana) and incinerated (marana) before internal use. The metals are listed as: Sona (gold), Chandi (silver), Tamba (copper), Ranga (tin), Sisa (lead), and Loha (iron) — these are the 7 Dhatus. Verses: 1-8.

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 (Suvarna / सुवर्ण)?

Suvarna (Gold) is the foremost among metals described in Rasa Shastra. It is described as having properties of all three doshas' pacification. Gold Bhasma (incinerated gold) is used as a powerful rejuvenative and is indicated in tuberculosis, infertility, heart diseases, mental weakness, poisoning, and chronic debilitating conditions. It enhances Ojas (vitality), Buddhi (intellect), and Bala (strength). Gold is classified into 7 types based on source and quality. It must be purified (shodhana) and incinerated (marana) before internal use. The metals are listed as: Sona (gold), Chandi (silver), Tamba (copper), Ranga (tin), Sisa (lead), and Loha (iron) — these are the 7 Dhatus. Verses: 1-8.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Rasayana (rejuvenative)
  • Medhya (intellect-enhancing)
  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Vishaghna (antidote to poison)
  • Ojokara (enhances vitality)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Balya (strength-giving)
  • Netrya (beneficial for eyes)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7

Gold by Condition

Explore how Gold is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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.