Gold-based Ayurvedic medicines to cost more

Though the sale of gold-based herbal medicines is not permitted under UAE law, the medicines are readily available and even prescribed if the patients need it. If prescribed, many patients also bring in the medicines from their home countries, say Ayurvedic doctors.

However, Ayurvedic experts also say that prices of such products have gone up by up to 30 per cent in India, where majority of these medicines are manufactured, putting them out of reach for a number of patients. “There has been an overall price hike in Ayurvedic medicines, but the prices of heavy metal-based pills that contain gold have definitely gone up,” said Dr Sathya K. Pillai, Medical Director of AyurCare Spa in Dubai.

The gold-based medicines such as Swarna Bhasma are used to treat a range of ailments including neurological disorders, fatigue and anti-aging. The non-toxic monoatomic gold also acts upon the pituitary gland, inducing an increase in hormonal production, and is thus a rejuvenation agent. It is also said to strengthen the heart and improve production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

“Prices of many products are expected to increase further,” said Dr Arun Jose, Medical Coordinator from Al Shifa Ayurvedic Treatment Centre. “Prices of the medicine have gone up to Rs 40 from 20 per capsule and here in the UAE, Ten capsules that were available for Dh100 now cost between Dh120 and 130,” he said.

“Herbal and Ayurvedic medicines are safer than allopathic drugs and that is what I use for myself and my children,” said Maryam Shah, a Sharjah based housewife. “I hope the increasing prices do not place them out of reach for people like us,” she added.

According to the current prices, 24 carat gold per gram is now trading at Dh227.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com