Yes, gold can be used as medicine, particularly in the treatment of certain conditions like arthritis.
While the idea of ingesting gold might seem unconventional, specific gold compounds have a history of medicinal use. Gold therapy, often involving injectable gold salts, has proven effective in managing certain inflammatory conditions.
Gold Salts and Arthritis
-
What are gold salts? Gold salts are compounds containing gold that are used as a form of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).
-
How are they used? Gold salts are typically administered via injection.
-
What conditions do they treat? The primary use of gold salts is in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be used for other inflammatory conditions.
-
Mechanism of action: The precise mechanism is not fully understood, but it's believed gold salts work by modifying the immune system and reducing inflammation. This, in turn, can help to relieve joint pain and stiffness, reduce swelling, and potentially limit bone damage.
-
Effectiveness: Gold therapy can be effective in controlling some types of arthritis and related diseases. It has the potential to reduce the chance of joint deformity and disability in some individuals.
Important Considerations
It's crucial to remember that gold therapy is not without potential side effects. These can include skin rashes, kidney problems, and blood disorders. Therefore, gold treatment should only be administered under strict medical supervision.
It's also important to note that the use of gold in medicine is different from colloidal gold or other forms of gold marketed for general health benefits. The effectiveness and safety of these other forms are not as well-established.
In conclusion, while not a universal remedy, specific gold compounds, particularly gold salts, have a legitimate and historically documented role in treating certain medical conditions, primarily inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, under careful medical supervision.
