Health Care
What is Shilajit | Benefits of Shilajit & Its Uses
Introduction of Shilajit
It is an important medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Referred to as ‘Rasayan Dravya’ (rejuvenating remedy) in Ayurveda, it has been used since ancient times to treat diseases, strengthen immunity, as an aphrodisiac, and maintain youthfulness. Shilajit benefits you in several ways. It includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to boost immunity, memory power, and energy. It is a safe and effective supplement that can provide a positive effect on your overall health and well-being. It contains an important compound called fulvic acid, along with more than 84 minerals. One of the primary functions of Shilajit is to modulate and improve the functions of the thyroid gland. It also plays a significant role in treating conditions like skin diseases, kidney stones, urinary disorders, breathing disorders, edema, anemia, epilepsy, mental disorders, worm infestation, stress and anxiety. This article summarizes the properties and several health benefits (shilajit ke fayde), its uses in various diseases, and how you can take advantage of shilajit benefits in your life.
What is Shilajit?
It is a thick, blackish-brown, sticky substance found in the rocks of the Himalayas. It is primarily found in India, Tibet, Nepal, China, Pakistan, Central Asia and Scandinavia. It has been used by the people of these regions for thousands of years for its powerful medicinal benefits. Mineral-rich clay sediment is deposited within the earth and It is formed through the decomposition of organic matter over a vast span of time. Due to its extreme richness in humic/fulvic acid, nutrients, and minerals, it is considered to be nature’s most powerful life force and energy-giving substance.
Types of Shilajit
There are four different types of Shilajit and is characterized from the type of mountainous rocks from which it exudes:
- Charaka Samhita Shilajit (Gold)
It emanates from the rocks and has a Japa Rasa, Madhura Vipaka, and Tikta Rasa. As it emanates from the rocks, it is in its purest form.
- Rajat Shilajit (Silver)
It is a valuable Ayurvedic medicine, produced by extracting the bio-resin from the upper rock surface of Shilajit-rich mines of the Himalayas. It is mostly found in India and Nepal and if processed properly it gives several health benefits to the human body.
- Tamra Shilajit (Copper)
It is an extraordinary mineral exudation from the Himalayas Mountains of India. It is a kind of tree resin formed by certain pine trees or cedar and other plant species, mainly during the monsoon season, which occurs above 9,000 feet.
- Lauha Shilajit (Iron)
It is considered the best variety. It is obtained from deep copper-colored rocks. This exudation possesses a splendidly potent medicinal quality obtained from siliceous minerals and iron.
NOTE: In Ayurveda, The Sanskrit names for Shilajit are Divya Gandha or Rasa. Madhura refers to sweetness, Tikta is bitter and Katu is pungent, so Madhura-Tikta-Katu Rasa means a herb that has a sweet as well as bitter and pungent taste.
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What are the Benefits of Shilajit?
It is a vital ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps treat a variety of diseases. The chemical composition is quite complex. It comprises 60-80 percent organic matter and 20-40 percent of minerals, and 5 percent trace elements. The primary chemical components are humic substances like fulvic acid, benzoic acid, humic acid, and benzoates. It also contains high concentrations of Vitamin A, B, C esters. It is one of the most impeccable and rejuvenating herbal medicines that exist. Here are a few shilajit benefits listed below.
Stress and Anxiety
It contains anti-stress and anxiolytic properties, which help in treating stress disorders and anxiety. The fulvic acid in it has anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
Alzheimer’s Disease
It is combined with other herbs can help patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It prevents further changes in behavior and treats symptoms like mood swings, depression, aggressiveness, irritability, and anxiety.
Improves Heart Health
Several studies found that It has a cardioprotective effect which helps in lowering cardiac symptoms. It also provides strength to the heart and regulates the heartbeat.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a prolonged condition that causes extreme fatigue or tiredness. Regular taking of the Shilajit supplement may reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and restore energy. It naturally boosts mitochondrial function in your body to help improve energy levels.
Controls Diabetes
It is a powerhouse for rich minerals, which can help in reducing diabetic symptoms and boosting the pancreas function and insulin sensitivity in the cells.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia
It can gradually increase iron levels. A study found that It can increase levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Infertility
It is most effective in male infertility. Several studies found that shilajit benefits for men who regularly take it as a supplemented increase in total sperm count and a few had an increase in sperm motility.
Ageing
It is rich in fulvic acid, which helps you against free radicals and cellular damage. Shilajit capsules can slow down the aging process.
Facilitates Weight Loss
Regular consumption of the Shilajit supplement helps in satiating sudden hunger pangs, avoids excess eating, and can shed excess weight faster. It also reduces the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body and activates the genes to improve metabolism and facilitate the body in maintaining a proper weight.
Treats Wounds and Ulcers
The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties in Shilajit helps in treating different types of ulcers like peptic ulcer, mouth ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and canker sores. It also improves tissue regeneration and facilitates wound healing.
Pain Relief and Inflammation
It is rich in anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an ultimate choice for providing relief from pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
Possible Side Effects of Shilajit
Due to a lack of research, there is little known about Shilajit’s side effects on long-term use. However, there are a few potential side effects. It may lower blood pressure and can be dangerous. People with active heart disease or hypotension should avoid the consumption of Shilajit. Furthermore, taking this as a supplement may have side effects like:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Stomach ache
- Allergies like raches, dizziness
- Increase in heart rate.
What to Look for Before Buying Shilajit?
This supplement is sold in several forms – tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid. There is no scientific evidence that proves which form of supplement is best. However, you need to know what to look for before purchasing the original Shilajit supplement.
- Never buy Shilajit in unprocessed or raw form. Raw Shilajit contains heavy metals, free radicals, fungus, etc., which makes you fall sick.
- Buy pure Shilajit from a reputed ayurvedic manufacturer.
It is a perfect blend -of essential minerals and nutrients to restore your balance. It helps you a step ahead by detoxifying your body to deal with your lifestyle.
Conclusion
It is a potent and very safe dietary supplement and is able to prevent several diseases. Its main medical application comes from its action in benefit of cognition and potentially as a dietary supplement for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
It is an incredible ayurvedic medicine and is classified as an adaptogen that helps control stress and anxiety. It is a natural herb & mineral substance with several bioactive constituents. It has several health benefits and is an effective health supplement when used correctly.
Shilajit for men treats various infertility issues. The aphrodisiac content improves libido and reproductive health in both men and women. It ensures the better function of the heart, aids in digestion, controls diabetes, enhances memory, treats inflammation and provides energy, and boosts immunity.
Other Uses of Shilajit
There are very limited studies done on Shilajit’s uses as a remedy. However, there are anecdotal reports regarding the health benefits of Shilajit. It is touted as a natural remedy for the following health issues.
- Chronic pain.
- Digestive disorders.
- Osteoarthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Addiction
- Inflammation
- Brain Function
- High altitude sickness
- Healthy urinary tract
Dosage and Preparation
Research regarding what is Shilajit used for and how to use it is very limited. There is not enough scientific evidence to determine an appropriate dose. According to several research studies, the right dose may depend on age, health status, and desired benefit. The dosage varies according to the Ayurvedic product you buy. It is recommended to consult a physician and get personalized advice regarding Shilajit dietary supplement.
How to Use Shilajit
This supplement is available in liquid, capsules, and powder form. So far, there is no scientific evidence that suggests which form of is best.
| Shilajit Supplement Form | How to Prepare | Recommended Dosage per Day |
| Shilajit Resin | Mix 300-500mg shilajit resin in lukewarm milk or green tea | Twice a day after meals |
| Shilajeet Liquid | Take 2-3 drops with lukewarm water / milk | Twice a day after meals |
| Shilajit Capsule | Take one Capsule with lukewarm water | Twice a day after meals |
| Shilajit Black Tea/ Decoction | Take 2 cups of water and half teaspoons of tea powder and boil it. Add 2 pinch of shilajit powder into the decoction and mix well. | Morning before breakfast |
Precautions While Using Shilajit
It has several health benefits, but it is very important to know about precautions while using it.
- Avoid Shilajit for women during pregnancy due to its adverse effect on breastfeeding.
- Regular consumption makes your immune system more active. If you have disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and sclerosis, you should consider your physician before using.
- If you have excess iron content in your body due to sickle cell anemia or hemochromatosis, then It could be dangerous.
- Never mix anti-diabetic medicines and Shilajit supplements.
