Understanding Shilajit: Origins, Benefits, and Usage Explained

Mar 04, 2024

What Is Shilajit?

Shilajit, originating from various mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Tibet, and Altai, is a natural resin utilized in Ayurveda, an ancient healing system from India. With a history spanning thousands of years, Shilajit has been employed in traditional herbal medicine to address a diverse range of ailments.

Rich in minerals and containing the significant compound fulvic acid, its therapeutic potential is notable. However, the safety profile and potential side effects of Shilajit supplements remain largely unexplored due to insufficient research. Before initiating any supplementation like shilajit resin, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

Nutrition Facts

In a half-teaspoon serving of shilajit powder, roughly 1.2 grams, the nutritional content is approximately as follows:

Calories: 3
Iron: 5.4 mg (30% DV)
Selenium: 2.8 mcg (5% DV)
Zinc: 0.45 mg (4% DV)
Calcium: 40 mg (3% DV)

Uses of Shilajit

Individualized guidance on supplement usage should be sought from healthcare professionals such as registered dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacists, or healthcare providers. It's important to note that no supplement is intended to serve as a treatment, cure, or prevention measure for diseases.

Research regarding the potential health benefits of shilajit is currently limited. While there have been studies conducted on shilajit in laboratory and animal settings for various health conditions including chronic fatigue, anaemia, diabetes, and chronic pain, there is insufficient evidence to support its use for any of these conditions due to the lack of human research. More robust research, particularly well-designed, placebo-controlled, and peer-reviewed human studies, is necessary to further understand the potential benefits and risks associated with shilajit supplementation.

Benefits of Consuming Shilajit

Listed below are the incredible reasons to consider shilajit resin.

Provides Energy and Revitalization

For centuries, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have recommended shilajit as a means to enhance energy levels and rejuvenate the body. The significance attributed to this supplement by traditional healers has spurred an increasing amount of scientific research into its effects.

One of the mechanisms through which shilajit aids in energy provision is by enhancing the function of mitochondria within the body. Mitochondria are organelles responsible for generating energy in cells by converting oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the body. Shilajit supports the optimal function of mitochondria, thereby improving their efficiency in oxygenation and energy production.

Regulates Hormones and Immune System

Shilajit plays a crucial role in regulating various body systems, including the immune system and hormonal balance. Its ability to maintain equilibrium within these systems is widely recognized by researchers.

Of particular significance is Shilajit's impact on reproductive hormone functions. In males, supplementation with shilajit has been shown to elevate blood testosterone levels and stimulate sperm production in healthy individuals. This underscores its potential to promote reproductive health and hormonal balance.

Alleviates Pain Response

Ayurvedic medicine has long extolled the virtues of shilajit for its natural pain-relieving properties, although research in this area has been limited until recent years. Emerging studies suggest that shilajit interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, exerting a notable effect on orofacial pain, which encompasses discomfort in the face, mouth, or jaws. Acting as a "sedating agent," this herbomineral demonstrates promising potential in alleviating pain.

In addition to its direct pain-relieving effects, shilajit resin has shown positive interactions with morphine in studies involving mice. It has been observed to mitigate the development of tolerance to morphine, thereby reducing the dosage requirements for effective pain management in individuals experiencing severe pain.

Periods

Shilajit offers numerous benefits for women, including its ability to regulate the menstrual cycle. This natural substance plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, particularly those involved in female reproduction.

Key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are integral to the female menstrual cycle, are influenced by shilajit. By helping to balance these hormones, shilajit can alleviate discomfort and reduce cramps associated with menstruation, offering relief for women experiencing menstrual-related symptoms.

Shilajit Fights Anaemia and Iron Deficiency

Women are at a higher risk of developing anaemia and iron deficiency due to the blood loss experienced during menstruation. Anaemia, characterized by low levels of red blood cells, can result in various physiological issues such as weakness and fatigue.

Shilajit offers another significant benefit for females by increasing the body's iron levels. By doing so, it helps boost the production of red blood cells, thereby aiding in the prevention of iron deficiency symptoms and promoting overall well-being in women. This attribute underscores Shilajit's potential as a supportive supplement for female health, particularly in addressing the unique challenges associated with menstruation and iron deficiency.

How to Use Shilajit?

When taking shilajit resin, it's important to adhere to the provided directions for safe and effective usage. Depending on the form of the supplement, whether liquid or powder, the recommended dosages and administration methods may vary.

If you have purchased shilajit in liquid form, the typical recommendation is to mix one to three pea-sized or rice grain-sized quantities with fluids and consume it throughout the day, as per the provided instructions. Alternatively, you may opt to mix shilajit powder with milk and consume it twice daily.

Typically, shilajit should be taken in doses ranging from 300 to 500 mg daily. However, it is crucial to consult with your physician before starting shilajit supplementation to ensure it is suitable for your individual health needs and to receive personalized dosage recommendations.

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Conclusion

One of the most common herbal and mineral mixtures used in Ayurveda is shilajit. In traditional herbal therapy, shilajit has been used to cure a variety of diseases. It has a lot of minerals and fulvic acid, which is a powerful ingredient. Although it takes time to see the effects, the advantages are cumulative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 Why has Shilajit such much power?

Ans: High concentrations of fulvic acid and more than 84 minerals found in shilajit may have positive impacts on health, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Q.2 Where can one find Shilajit?

Ans: Although it has also been discovered in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and even the north of Chile, shilajit is very well-known in the northern part of India, particularly in the Himalayan highlands that separate India and Nepal.

Q.3 Is it safe to take Shilajit daily?

Ans: Studies indicate that shilajit resin is a safe dietary supplement to take over an extended period.

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