Therapeutic Role of Metals in Ayurveda, Unani, Allopathy, and Homoeopathy: A Comparative Review

This review explores the historical and contemporary therapeutic applications of metals in Ayurveda, Unani, Allopathic, and Homoeopathic systems of medicine. It highlights their traditional roles, processing techniques, and pharmacological effects, emphasizing their significance in natural healing practices. In Ayurveda, metals such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and zinc are integral to herbo-mineral preparations, with processes like purification and calcination detoxifying these heavy metals to render them medicinally safe. Similarly, the Unani system employs Kushta, or calxes, derived from processed metals, used for conditions such as anemia, diabetes, and arthritis, adhering to safety standards aligned with WHO guidelines. In modern Allopathic medicine, metals like gold, silver, and iron serve in targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, wound infections, and anemia, respectively. Homoeopathy utilizes potentiated metal remedies to exert deep, long-lasting effects on the vital force, with extensive clinical and nanoparticle research supporting their efficacy. The review underscores the importance of proper processing and safety evaluations across all systems to harness metals' therapeutic potential while minimizing toxicity. Overall, metals continue to play a vital role in integrative medicine, bridging traditional practices and modern scientific understanding.