Edible Gold Leaf
Since ancient times, Pure or Edible Gold Leaf is privileged for its Natural Beauty, Glitter, Golden Shine, and Rarity. Gold is also the most malleable metal. Gold can be molded into the most sophisticated and satisfying shapes and preserve its shine and color for centuries. Although gold is durable, it is also very soft, hence, it can be beaten out to form very thin sheets which are known as Gold Leaf. It consists of Pure Gold, therefore it is edible. Other names for Gold Leaf are edible gold leaves or 24K Pure Gold Leaves or Gold Foil. The most used synonym is Gold Vark, sometimes spelled as Gold Varakh or Gold Warakh.
History of Gold Leaf:
The practice of using Gold Leaf was initiated from ancient Ayurvedic practice. Several ancient Sanskrit documents like Ayurvedic and medical literature mention about Gold Vark or Swarna Varaka. In these documents, the discussion is in three forms of these precious metals: Patra (thin foil), Varaka (leaf), and Bhasma (ash). In fact, it is not unique to the Indian subcontinent. Egyptians believed the healing powers of gold could cure many physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Romans used gold preparations for the treatment of skin lesions and sores. In ancient Chinese medicine, gold was the secret to youthful skin.
Manufacturing Process:
The art of manufacturing Gold Leaf involves converting solid Gold into extremely thin leaves. Since ancient times, the manufacturing process includes complete manual work, including hammering. The ancient process was a slow and difficult method that required total control of the hammer and great precision of the eye. Nowadays, modern machines do the beating or hammering work. It guarantees product and quality consistency. Skilled and experienced staff do the remaining production process manually, maintaining proper hygiene.
Uses of Gold Leaf:
Medicines:
In Ayurveda gold is having great importance for its application in many pathological conditions as a healing remedy. Due to Gold’s anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, it acts against infections and diseases to improve the immune system of the body. It helps in improving blood circulation in the body. It purifies the blood by preventing ailments caused due to release of toxins in the body during digestion. Gold also provides relief from muscular dystrophy – a hereditary ailment that weakens the muscle.
Sweets:
The sweet manufacturer often decorates sweets with Gold Wark, to promote a perception of luxury and high value. It is flavorless. But occasionally found in desserts and confectionery. For example, chocolates, honey, Sweets (Mithai), and drinks.
Spas:
Many luxury Spas use 24-carat Gold Leaves treatments to firm hydrate and moisturize the skin, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles which results in smooth and glowing skin. The World Gold Council site’s news feed also reported about the Gold leaf facial treatment created in Japan. As per the report, it naturally rejuvenates skin and reduces wrinkles, when applied to the face.
Gold Leaf Gilding / Gold Leafing:
The oldest material used for decorating Palaces as well as Religious places is Gold Leaf. For example, Domes, Mandir Kalash, Angi, Mukut, Dhwajadand, and Golden Temple, etc. Gold leaves have traditionally been most popular and most common in their use as gilding material for the decoration of art.
