All about Shilajit

Shilajit: Meaning, Composition, & Benefits

What Exactly Is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a herbo-mineral tar-like substance basically derived from high mountain rocks. It develops over the decades and centuries due to the gradual decomposition of plants. Generally found in the rocks of the Himalayas. Nepal, Bhutan, Karakoram, Tibet, Bhutan, Russia, Iran, Mongolia, and in the north of Chile. 

Talking about history, the ancient ayurvedic scriptures say: “In summer months ‘Jestha’ & ‘Ashada’, mountain layers start melting due to direct sun rays”. This process forms a yielding resin-like semisolid liquid substance that is trapped under the massive layer of rocks. Later on, due to excess heat, rocks develop cracks. As a result, the material (trapped decomposed plants) oozes out and settles on the rock. The mineral oozed is rich in nutrients and minerals, and is nothing but the herbo-mineral which we are talking of “Shilajit”. Moving further, let’s learn about its ayurvedic indications.

Ayurvedic Indications     

Intake of Shilajit assists in balancing all the doshas. In ancient ayurvedic scriptures and journals by Charaka & Susruta. Following are the applications:

• Prameha (manages diabetes)
• Rasayani (body rejuvenator)
• Pachana (assists in digestion)
• Balya (destroyer of weakness)
• Vamana (prohibits nausea and vomiting) etc.

There are many more applications of Shilajit in Charak Samhita & Sushruta Samhita. Moreover, Ayurvedic practitioners often regard this mineral as “Destroyer of Weakness”. 

Composition

As discussed, Shilajit is a highly viscous tar-like substance; chemically composed of 60-80% of humic substances like humic acids, humins, and fulvic acid. Several studies conclude that it comprises various bioactive components like hippuric acid, resin and way materials, fatty acids, and vegetable matter. Additionally, it contains phenolic lipids, iron, silica, lithium, copper, zinc, and many other metals. 

Whereas, its physical composition comprises 60-80% organic matter, 20-40% of mineral matter, and about 5% of trace elements. Trace elements are those elements that are present only for a limited period, especially in a particular environment or sample. Most probably, it is available in dark blackish-brown powder. But as we go deeper, many other types of Shilajit are present in reddish, whitish, and bluish.

According to Ayurvedic practitioners, Shilajit accommodates properties like immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and more.

Benefits

1. Slow Aging

Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid that makes it a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. This safeguards your body from cellular damages. Not only does this have, but it also assists in repairing and regenerating tissues. The high presence of fulvic acid acts as a shield against free radical damage. Also, it maintains the balance of calcium in the bones. Ultimately, better health and longevity are achieved, resulting in slow aging.

2. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Lack of iron in the diet, blood loss, or inability to engross iron may result in anemia. It is a condition in which blood doesn’t have a healthy presence of RBC (red blood cells). This leads to reduced oxygen flow in the various parts of the body. Symptoms include: 

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Skin pallor 
• Irregular heartbeat

Intake of Shilajit will gradually enhance iron levels. As an outcome, RBC regains the balance making the oxygen flow regular. 

3. Men's Health

Shilajit encompasses aphrodisiac properties (aphrodisiac means a substance that arouses Vigour). Therefore, it offers a one-shot remedy for male health. With the regular intake of Shilajit after the meals, an increase in the stamina and vitality can be observed. 

4. Heart Health

Antioxidants and cardio-protective properties of this herbo-mineral play a vital role in heart health. According to a study, Shilajit exhibits a positive effect on health and cardiac functioning. Consumption of Shilajit is tremendously beneficial for patients suffering from heart diseases, palpitations, and arrhythmia. Also, it assists in dropping cholesterol levels, strengthening heart muscles, and reducing the risk of heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc.

5. Sickness, Pain & Inflammation

Sickness may trigger in the body due to cold temperatures, high wind velocity, and low atmospheric pressure. Further, this sickness gives rise to symptoms like pain, inflammation, insomnia, et cetera. The abundance of properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and bioactive elements in Shilajit makes it a paramount choice to shield against sickness and its symptoms. 

6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

CFS is mainly characterized by mental stress, profound fatigue, abnormalities in sleep, and much more. Treating fatigue syndrome is way difficult. Such troublesome health conditions can only be treated with the aspect to manage to provide relief against symptoms. Shilajit has quarries of minerals present, this procures to enhance cellular function in the body. As a result, CFS gets treated with time.

If the consumption is done precisely and as prescribed by the Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor then you’re doing good. In case you take it in excess, certain complications may arise. One may go through allergic reactions, itchiness, increase in urination, increased heart rate, and dizziness. If you feel you have consumed it in excess then immediately get in touch with your respective practitioner or doctor.

Conclusion

Shilajit - “Destroyer of weakness” is a herbo-mineral substance with properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, and more. It assists you in the balancing of doshas and diverse health conditions. Moreover, it ensures better heart health, treats inflammation, enhances stamina and immunity, treats anemia, and much more.