The use of ayurvedic medicines on the Indian sub-continent dates back thousands of years and is related to the medical use of metals and minerals. Gold is one of the metals used in such medicines, which are taken in powder or tablet form. Gold is considered to be an excellent ‘rejuvenator’ and as such is taken by millions of Indians each year. A typical daily dose would include one or two milligrams of gold incorporated into a mixture of herbs. Such widespread consumption leads to a significant source of demand for gold in this application, reported by some commentators to even total a few tonnes of gold per year.