Dhanteras Special - Do Metals Benefit Our Health?

The five-day celebration of the festival of lights or Diwali begins with Dhanteras which signifies the celebration of wealth. Buying gold or silver jewellery or new utensils is an important part of this day’s celebrations. Ayurveda recognizes the energy present in metals such as gold, silver, copper and credits them with healing powers. These metals are said to have the power to neutralize negative cosmic energy affecting a person and affect the human body on a cellular level.

Let us see how different metals have different effects on the body: 

1. Gold: Gold is used to treat cardiovascular problems as well as respiratory diseases like asthma and breathlessness. It relaxes the body and mind and can also be used as a nervine tonic. Gold can also be used to improve memory and increase attention span. According to Ayurveda, gold is also said to be a traditional remedy for arthritis. Additionally, it is also said to improve stamina.
    
2. Silver: Silver has cooling properties that make it beneficial in the treatment of fevers and internal inflammations. It is especially effective in cases concerned with the intestines and gallbladder. Silver is also said to treat weakness and increase strength and stamina. People suffering from digestive problems or urinary problems can also benefit from the anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties of silver.
    
3. Copper: Copper can be used to treat a number of chronic diseases and health conditions such as polio, leprosy, high blood pressure, joint diseases, anaemia, obesity and stress. Its healing properties benefit the liver, spleen and lymphatic system as well as the nervous system, circulatory system and bone health.
    
4. Iron: Iron helps strengthen the body and is majorly used to treat anaemia. It helps tone muscles and nerve tissue and enhances bone marrow. Iron also supports weight loss and can be used to treat stomach problems and treat chronic skin problems.

To benefit from these metals, it is important to use them only in their pure form. Drinking water charged with these metals is a good way to benefit from them. To make metal charged water, boil 4-5 cups of clean drinking water in a steel vessel. Then drop the desired metal into the water in the form of jewellery, utensils, coins or small pieces of the metal. In cases of jewellery being used, it is important to ensure that there are no stones or other metals present. Let the water boil till only two cups remain and then strain it through a muslin cloth. This water is now ready to be consumed.