Did you know that over 5000 years ago, alchemists in Alexandria made a liquid gold medicine that they believed could help the human body fight diseases and stay young?
Indeed, gold isn’t just a precious addition to your jewellery collection; it can even benefit your health. Here’s how:
Improves blood circulation Gold is known to be a ‘heart-friendly’ metal which improves blood circulation in your body and therefore, makes sure that every part of your body gets plenty of oxygen. Hence, in the old days, pregnant women were advised to wear a gold ornament around their abdomen to improve circulation of blood and other bodily fluids in both child and mother.
Healing the wound and control infections It is believed that if you put pure (24-karat) gold on an infected or sore area, it can help to heal the wound and control infection.
Skincare Treatment Did you know that even Cleopatra, erstwhile Queen of Egypt, is said to have slept wearing a gold mask every night? Gold provides warm and soothing vibrations to the skin and therefore, helps your body regenerate cells. Gold is used in many skincare and beauty products. It is also used to treat various skin problems such as eczema, fungal infections, skin rash, wounds, skin burns etc.
Regulates body temperature Gold helps to maintain your body temperature and restores it in case of chills, hot flashes, and night sweats.
Helps with Arthritis Did you know that a compound containing gold was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis after World War II? Even in Venice during the Renaissance, the host at a social gathering would serve his guests gold-coated almonds after meals to protect them from rheumatism and of course, to show off his wealth. If you have arthritis, gold can help decrease soreness of your limbs by improving blood circulation.
Treats addiction In the 19th century, gold was used to treat alcoholism. Today, gold is used in medication for treating nicotine, drugs, and caffeine addiction.
Controls the growth of cancer Gold can help the body control the growth of cancerous cells. Hence, it is being used as an alternative medicine for treating different types of cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancer. Gold also helps in the early detection of cancer. CytImmune, a US-based biopharmaceutical company, has developed a method of delivering anti-cancer drugs directly using gold nanoparticles. Another company, Nanospectra, has created “nanoshells” which destroy cancer cells with heat. A nanoshell, or rather a nanoshell plasmon, is a type of spherical nanoparticle consisting of a dielectric core which is covered by a thin metallic shell (usually gold).
Healthcare technology Did you know that gold nanoparticles played an essential role in millions of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) that are used globally every year? RDTs containing gold nanoparticles help to detect whether a person is affected with Malaria or not. But the truly fantastic thing is that gold has also helped in the early detection of HIV/AIDS.
Gold doesn’t just make your financial future secure; it can even help ensure your personal well-being.