Shilajit facts, benefits and uses

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin substance which is one of the wonderful herbal medicines in the whole world that is neither a plant nor animal product, but it is a mineral pitch that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas in the warmer summer months. It is actually a blackish- brown exudation, obtained from steep rocks of different formations found in the Himalayas at altitudes in between 1000 to 5000 meter of Central Asia. This resinous and nutrient-rich biomass has been touted for millennia by Ayurveda’s Materia Medica as the best carrier of energy and nutrition into the human body. Shilajit has been translated from Indian Sanskrit word that means “rock-invincible.” or “rock overpowering”. It is suggestively known as the “destroyer of weakness” and the “conqueror of mountains”. This is because it is supposed that it has the ability to any problem or ailment. The humic composition gives it the healing and health properties for which is known as the conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.  Although Shilajit is becoming more well-known in the West, it is quite expensive and unfortunately very hard to find a good source of and is the most important natural remedy of Ayurveda.

Shilajit is actually a mineral deposit which is made up of humus and decomposed plant remains. When these components get pressed between layers of rocks for millions of years, they are converted into a gummy substance that may be black, white or brown in color, and look like asphalt in appearance. When there is a crack in the rock, the material oozes out of it, and settles itself on the rocks. These are found in high altitude mountains. In Ayurveda, it is regarded as the strongest age fighting and rejuvenating component of the earth.  In English, it is better known as the mineral pitch. Modern science has lately proven that fulvic and humic acids, which are found abundantly in Shilajit, are the main substances responsible for energy production within the cell. Science is just beginning to understand the implications of fulvic acid rich nutrients like Shilajit. Shilajit takes centuries to form, and scientists consider it a millenary product of nature.

History

Though the existence of it was known for thousands of years, it was rediscovered by the native inhabitants of Himalayan ranges. Mentions of the substance in the Vedic text, and records of certain ancient scientist’s shows that it was used back then. This element was rediscovered for its health properties by the people living in the Himalayan Mountains. These people observed the white monkeys; who migrated to the area during the summer. The animals were strong, healthy, and energetic and had a long life span. The monkeys were always seen chewing a black gummy substance. The villagers followed the monkeys to the side regions of the mountains, and saw them peel off the substance from the surface of the rocks. They brought it back with them, and started ingesting it. They instantly recognized its benefits.

In ancient times, shilajit was often used to treat general illness. It had powerful anti-inflammation properties which must have seemed magical to ancient civilizations. The antioxidants within shilajit were also excellent anti-aging compounds, and people were known to use shilajit to reduce the physical and cognitive effects of aging.

Over the years, shilajit has been known by a number of different names, including everything from Mineral Pitch to Jew’s Pitch to Salajeet.

Today, shilajit continues to be harvested in the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas. As you’ll see below, it’s currently used to treat a wide range of conditions from sexual dysfunction to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Composition of Shilajit

The composition of Shilajit is influenced by factors such as the plant-species involved, the geological nature of the rock, local temperature profiles, humidity and altitude.

Shilajit consists of 60-80% organic matter, 20-40% mineral matter and 5% of trace elements. It has been reported to contain a number of components including benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acids, resin and waxy materials, gums, albuminoids and vegetable matter with benzoic acid. Extensive research in the eighties showed that the major organic mass of Shilajit comprised of humus (60-80%) along with other components such as benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acid, ichthyol, eliagic acid, resin, triterpenes, sterol, aromatic carboxylic acid, 3, 4-benzocoimiarins, amino acids and phenolic lipids.

It contains silica, iron, antimony, calcium, copper, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium and zinc.

Types of Shilajit

There are mainly four varieties of Shilajit namely Lauha Shilajit, Charka Samhita, Tamra and Rajat. Charka Samhita is red and Tamra Shilajit is blue, but both are very rare and for this reason there are many who sell fake versions of these two Shilajits. On the other hand, Rajat is white and Lauha is brown (also known as Brown Shilajit), and the last one is the most beneficial one health-wise.

Health benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit consists of several powerful substances including antioxidants and humic and fulvic acid. The plant contains over 80 minerals that support the body, and many have an incredible effect on a man’s health. If you’re a man, no matter where you live, you’ll want to look into shilajit. Here are some of the popular health benefits of Shilajit that will hopefully satisfy you:

1. Help Manage Diabetes

Those with diabetes may be interested to know that shilajit can help reduce blood glucose and lipid profiles in diabetes patients, particularly when taken along with diabetes medications.

Shilajit is a main ingredient in a supplement known as D-400, Diabecon or GlucoCare. This supplement is designed to combine the most powerful Ayurvedic natural treatments into one pill. D-400 decreases blood glucose levels and shows potential to repair damage to the pancreas caused by diabetes.(1), (2), (3)

2. Supports Fertility

Research on 60 men suffering from infertility was given shilajit twice daily for 90 days. At the end of the trial period, sperm counts in the men improved by more than 60%, and sperm activity improved by 12% or more. This supports what Ayurvedic doctors have known for centuries. Any man dealing with infertility should consider this safe, natural alternative to address his condition.

3. Supports Skeletal Health

Shilajit may even improve the health of your skeletal system. There is initial evidence that it helps bones regenerate, protecting from and slowing the process of osteoporosis.  In a study of obese patients published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, supplementation greatly improved the function and regeneration of skeletal muscles.(4), (5)

4. Promotes Testosterone Levels Naturally

It does more than increase the number and health of a man’s ‘swimmers.’ Men who take shilajit enjoy a boost to their testosterone levels, and a man needs higher testosterone levels to protect muscle tissue, keep fat off, and maintain a better overall mood and thinking.

5. Prevent and Protect from Cancer

Interestingly, shilajit has been found to be poisonous to several of types of cancers, including lung, breast, colon, ovarian and liver cancer. Some researchers attribute its toxicity to these cancers to the presence and combination of heavy metals in the substance, making it a potential natural cancer treatment.

Also related to cancer is the ability shilajit has to protect certain body systems from dangerous radiation damage. Research published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that it greatly protected ovaries from radiation-related damage.(6), (7)

6. Enhances Performance

Men who take shilajit have more energy and feel generally better. Researchers have determined shilajit acts at the cellular level to improve energy production at its source, the mitochondria.  When your cells are nourished like this, you feel like more awake, your recover faster, and you have what it takes to go that extra mile.

7. Fights Inflammation and Viruses

As part of a diet designed to fight disease-causing inflammation, you may want to consider using shilajit. Research finds that it’s effective in healing and preventing gastric ulcers and reducing the inflammation related to them.

Not only does it help alleviate inflammation, but it has “broad, yet specific” antiviral properties. One Italian lab study found significant antiviral activity against a number of herpes-related viruses and HRSV, a virus that causes respiratory tract infections, especially in children.(8),(9),(10)

8. Protects the Heart

A recent research using animal models tested how well shilajit protects the heart. The animals who received the herb showed less cardiovascular damage, with researchers concluding the effect must come from more than simply its antioxidant activity.

9. Supports Memory

Increased testosterone levels play an important role in how well you think. But researchers have recognized a special effect created by small molecules called dibezno-alpha-pyrones. These molecules prevent the breakdown of the brain chemicals needed for memory. Other studies report the fulvic acid in shilajit appears to help against some causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

10. Encourages Healthy Aging

Studies report shilajit’s antioxidant activity protects against cellular damage, and it’s this cellular damage that speeds the aging process in your heart, lungs, liver, and skin. The fulvic acid in shilajit offers antioxidants and minerals directly to cells where they’re needed. This keeps them safe against free radical damage and accelerated aging.

11. Slows Down Aging Process

One of the primary benefits of Shilajit known to mankind is that of its ability to slow down the aging process. There are many ways in which shilajit makes you look younger. It maintains a balanced ratio of calcium in the bones that makes you stronger. It is one natural antioxidant that comes with the goodness of more than 85 minerals in their ionic form. This, particularly, helps in keeping diseases at bay and also makes your immune system strong.

The antioxidant activity of Shilajit prevents cellular damage. The cellular damage is responsible for speeding up the aging process in your lungs, skin, liver and heart. The fulvic acid rich content of Shilajit transfers antioxidants where they are needed the most, therefore keeping the body safe from free radical damage and speedy aging.

12. Fights Ulcers

Several researches have claimed that Shilajit help to reduce ulcers with its anti-ulcerogenic activity. It is effective in treating peptic ulcers as it contains fulvic acid and several other substances that help in reducing acid and pepsin secretion. Pepsin is a kind of enzyme found in stomach that splits protein into smaller parts to facilitate digestion. Shilajit also increases the mucus barrier in the stomach that provides protection against the damage done by other digestive fluids. It also helps in healing digestive disorders like indigestion, constipation and any other stomach problem that causes pain.

13. Promotes Tissue Repair and Regeneration

The incredible regenerative effects of Shilajit have been recognized by several researchers over a period of time. It was often used an anabolic agent for sports and military personnel as it helps in healing muscles and bone tissues. It has also been proved that Shilajit can protect neurons and also increase the muscle mass after intense activity.

14. Improves Memory Function

Increased level of testosterone in the body plays in important role in improving your concentration and memory. But studies have shown that Shilajit has a special effect on small molecules called dibezno-alpha-pyrones. These molecules prevent the breakdown of the significant brain chemicals which are required for a sharp memory. Also, fulvic acid present in Shilajit has depicted a positive effect against some causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

15. Helps Fight Depression

In case you are suffering from hypertension or are on the edge of being trapped by depression, then it’s time for you to start taking Shilajit supplements. They boost that feeling of euphoria that helps in removing mental stress, depression and mental fatigue that have become very common health disorders because of our chaotic daily lives.

While this is just a sight of the many benefits of Shilajit on a human body, there is a lot that you can experience and explore once you start including it in your daily diet. The process might take some time, but you can rely on the fact that the result will only be positive on your mind, body, and soul.

16. Alzheimer’s disease

Shilajit with other nervine herbs help in Alzheimer’s disease. The above herbs and combinations also help patients with Alzheimer’s disease under same body type rules. These combinations prevent further changes in behavior and personality and treat all symptoms including anxiety, depression, delusions, mood swings, aggressiveness and irritability. It needs choosing right combination of herbs with Shilajit for beneficial results. Other herbs may also help along with Shilajit.

17. Breathing Trouble

Shilajit does not have similar action as other herbs used in breathing troubles have. It may not open respiratory tract or provides instant relief in breathing difficulties. It only works when person has breathing difficulties due to physical weakness or frequent excessive physical effort. Shilajit provides strength to respiratory muscles and reduces weakness. It makes person capable for physical exertion and reduces breathing troubles. It requires a long-term use at least for 2 to 3 months to get these benefits.

In asthmatic patients, it has similar benefits. It reduces frequency of asthma attacks and helps in obstinate asthma cases.

18. Reduces Stress

Shilajit is categorized as an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body to better adapt and deal with all sorts of physical and mental stresses. From lowering symptoms of work-related stress to helping you to feel less anxious around environmental stressors (such as high altitudes if you have vertigo), shilajit works with your body to reduce resistance and enhance overall feelings of well-being.

19. Chronic Constipation

Intestines become weak in chronic constipation. Due to this, peristaltic movements also decrease. Many patients continue taking laxatives, which affects adversely and lead to chronic and stubborn constipation. In such type of constipation, patient requires remedies, which strengthen the intestines, restores the natural peristaltic movements and improves bile secretion from the liver and gall bladder.

Shilajit is also liver tonic, but we do not know if it increases bile secretion from the liver. Further research is necessary on this topic. However, Shilajit provides strength to the intestines and improves natural peristaltic movements, which help passing stool with ease. These effects become visible after two to three weeks of shilajit therapy. Shilajit is also helpful in chronic cases of intestinal gas, flatulence, dull type abdominal pain and abdominal heaviness after meal.

20. Hangover Cure

This miracle resin is helpful to prevent and neutralize those nasty hangovers. This is because of its powerful detoxifying properties which help to flush out waste products from the system. If you plan on using shilajit for this purpose, we recommend taking a dose before you hit the town, and then another one when you wake up. Dissolve your shilajit in warm water and blend it into a green juice for a double whammy of the good stuff.

21. Boosts Brain Power

Shilajit consists of about 85 minerals and trace elements, shilajit is an intensely nourishing ‘live’ resin that provides the body with numerous of the nutrients that it needs to function optimally. Some users notice an increase in cognitive function, such as having improved memory and mental clarity, more focus and increased concentration. This benefit, coupled with shilajit’s other health-enhancing properties that may help to prevent certain cognitive diseases.

22. Enhances Libido

Shilajit may not look that appetizing but it will be sure to help you to improve your libido the natural way. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is supposed to enhance the production of ojas, ‘the vital nectar of life’ that is responsible for bringing clarity of mind, vitality, and healthy sexual function.

23. Immune Support

With its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to stimulate an immune response, shilajit is a powerful immune-boosting supplement. When the immune system is healthy, it becomes less susceptible to viruses, infections, and illnesses.

24. Chronic Dysmenorrhea or Pelvic Pain

However, shilajit does not have antispasmodic action, but it provides strengthen to the uterus and pelvic floor in women. It helps preventing all uterine diseases including dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain. It is effective only in chronic cases. In acute cases, patient requires some other ayurvedic remedies.

25. Frequent Urination

However, shilajit initially increases frequency of urination, but it is only for a short period. After that, it corrects and restores natural urination process, which helps combating with frequent urination.

26. Infertility due to Oligospermia

Shilajit treats oligospermia by increasing count and maintaining optimum health of reproductive system. Due to this, it is more famous in men. It also has aphrodisiac action and becomes a crucial ingredient in all men’s supplements.

27. High Blood Pressure in Alcoholism

Everything in excess is bad. It is also applicable for heavy alcohol drinkers. Taking too much alcohol increases blood pressure or increases the risk of hypertension in the future. In case, blood pressure is raised due to excessive intake of alcohol, Shilajit or Chandraprabha Vati is good remedy in this condition.

How to use it

The mineral can be used in different forms and ways.  These include:

Tonic: This is best suited for people in search of relief from arthritis and bone problems. This is made by dissolving less than a gram of it in hot water or milk. This should be consumed twice in a day.

Capsules: Different types of capsules are available. A positive aspect of these is that they are processed in a way to maximize its nutritional content. The daily requirement ranges between 300 to 500 mg; but you should increase the dose slowly to avoid any side-effects.

Powder: The dosage is same, as in case of capsules. The powder can be taken as it is, or with juice or water.

Shelf Life of Shilajit

Shilajit has a long shelf life.

The shelf life of shilajit differs according to the form in which you purchase it.  In general, capsule, tablet, or powder form will last a very long time (many months, perhaps years). There are many shilajit uses (such as putting it in tea or other beverages), so using it in a solid form shouldn’t be a problem.

If buying this product as a resin (which is the best, most potent and powerful shilajit available) be mindful. This type of shilajit dries out easily and becomes tougher to measure the correct dosage. It also becomes more difficult to dissolve in water in order to consume. Optimal freshness you once saw when first opening the tin will dissipate after 45-60 days.

For this reason, it is recommended to only buy enough resin at one time to last you a month, maybe a two months max. Don’t buy more than that because the shilajit will dry out and lose potency.

Dosage/Shelf Life Quick Guide

Resin: 10 grams is more than enough to last an entire month. We recommend purchasing 10 grams at a time unless you plan on separating the shilajit and storing it properly.

Pasty Shilajit: If buying a pasty shilajit, plan on dosing about twice as much as you normally would with a resin.

Capsules: Capsules are not the recommended form, because many providers fill the capsules with useless powder. Shelf life in capsule form can range anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

Powder: Much like capsulized shilajit, this product in powder form can be full of additives, useless powders, and fillers. It has a shorter life than capsules, about 1 year.

Traditional uses and benefits of Shilajit

• Shilajit is most frequently used by teens to remove acne problems as it is anti-microbial and blood purifier.
• Shilajit is used to control obesity and fat related problems as it scraps the extra fat accumulated in the body.
• Normal blood pressure is maintained with the continuous use of Shilajit and heart is protected from damage.
• Its diuretic effect eases the removal of excess fluid and toxins from the body.
• It does have antiseptic, anti-parasitic, and anodyne properties.
• Shilajit is useful in treating paralysis as it can strengthen the nervous system.
• Its anti-inflammatory property helps in reducing chemically-induced edemas.
• Shilajit also lowers the levels of liver cholesterol and serum cholesterol.
• Shilajit has been proven to have anti-diabetic effects and is able to decrease triglyceride and phospholipid levels.
• It has the potential to interfere with the activity of thyroid glands and thus helps in the cure of hypothyroidism.
• It fastens the recovery process of nerve, bone, and muscle injuries.
• Shilajit has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and antiulcer genic properties.
• Shilajit also has adaptogenic or alterative properties.
• Shilajit improves vitality and immunity of the body.
• It can be used in the treatment of psychological conditions like mental fatigue, anxiety, stress and depression.
• It is helpful in the management of epilepsy and convulsions.
• Shilajit can be taken for the treatment of anal diseases like hemorrhoids, fistula, and fissure.
• Shilajit is useful in reducing obesity.
• It can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Shilajit is an excellent aphrodisiac. Daily use of Shilajit increases testosterone levels, sperm count, and motility.

Precautions

• Iron supplements along with shilajit could lead to building up of an excess iron in the blood, as Shilajit contains a pretty high amount of iron.
• In very rare cases, it could worsen gout or lower the blood pressure.
• Shilajit is best taken with food to minimize any lightheadedness that can occur.
• Stop taking Shilajit if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may include nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate, itchiness etc.
• It is best to talk to your physician before taking any supplements, especially in cases where you already take prescribed drugs.
• If you take a very high dose, Shilajit might increase uric acid levels which in turn can lead to increased bile levels resulting in more problems.
• It should not be used in febrile diseases.
• It should not be used with a heavy diet.
• Avoid physical exercise, exposure to sunrays and wind while taking Shilajit.
• The ill effects of Silajit are cured by taking Kali mirch and Ghee, in dose of 3 grams for seven days.
• Do not use fried, roasted, sour, fermented foods for the period Shilajit remains in the body.

Shilajit Facts

Shilajit herb also spelled as Shilajeet is a blackish-brown herb having a gummy texture. This gummy substance is found in high Himalayan mountain ranges where it oozes out from the small rock cracks. It is commonly found in countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet as well as China. It is assumed to be an exudate of an herb botanically known as Styrax Officinalis along with certain other herbs and various microbes. Shilajit is a mixture of various organic substances and plants along with microbes that happen to be present in the rhizosphere layer of the rocks. Shilajit has been known for its effectiveness in conditions like peptic ulcers, diabetic ulcers inflammation, low reproductive performance etc.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilajit

http://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-supplement-facts/shilajit/#

https://lostempireherbs.com/shilajit-benefits-side-effects/

http://www.ayurvedicliving.org/shilajit-a-cure-for-all-weaknesses/

http://www.planetayurveda.com/shilajit.htm

http://www.hybridherbs.com/shilajit-health-benefits/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/

https://dirobi.com/uses/

https://healthyfocus.org/benefits-of-shilajit/

https://www.bimbima.com/ayurveda/shilajit-importance-and-medicinal-uses-in-ayurveda/135/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/

http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/students/Shilajit

http://www.shilajeeta.com/

https://www.ayurtimes.com/shilajit-asphaltum-benefits-uses-dosage-side-effects/

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