Gold has been revered by past cultures as an element that came directly from the gods. Its visual appeal made entire empires collapse, and today, gold melts the hearts of consumers who receive it as a token of love. However, gold has value beyond rare coins and custom jewelry - it is vital in modern medicine as well.
The earliest recorded medical use of gold was by the Chinese in 2500 BC, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Since then, cultures across the world have used gold for its medicinal qualities for the treatment of various conditions, including smallpox and facial nerve paralysis.
Recently, there has been a resurgence in the use of gold in the world of medicine. Scientists and leading doctors buy gold to use in their practices because of its high degree of resistance to bacteria. Gold can be used in many environments, while concurrently deflecting the growth of harmful germs.
Doctors are able to use gold in complex treatments for ailments like facial nerve paralysis, especially in the eyelids. They implant high-purity gold in the upper eyelid with the aim of helping patients close their eyes when paralysis normally prevents the motion.
In addition, gold is used in wires for pacemakers, stents that help support weak blood vessels in the treatment of heart disease and in innovative surgical procedures for prostate cancer.
The average consumer may not be aware of the truly invaluable properties of gold. It is easy to look at the precious metal solely as a complement to wealth. But beyond gold coins and gold bullion, it has played a vital part in improving the medical industry as a whole for centuries and will continue to play a role in the future.
Get Our Free
Investor's Guide
Posting in:
byUnited States Gold Bureau