What is Shilajit?
Shilajit, also called asphaltum punjabnium, black bitumen, mineral pitch, Shilamaya in different cultures is a mineral-based extract that is pale-brown to blackish-brown in color. It is composed of a gummy substance and can be found in the Himalayan rocks. It consists of more than 80 minerals, including iron, zinc, lead, copper, and silver.
Shilajit Health Benefits: It is a well-known health rejuvenator and helps in improving energy levels and sexual stamina. This helps in managing chronic fatigue, tiredness, lethargy, diabetes-related fatigue, and male infertility.
How did 'Shilajit' originate?
The word 'Shilajit' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Silajatu,' meaning mountain tar. 'Sila' means- having properties of a rock or mountain and, 'jatu' means "gum, lac or any tarry substance. However, the Hindi translation of 'Shilajit' literally means "the destroyer of weakness."
It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, Russia, Mongolia, and parts of North Chile. The use of shilajit dates back to ancient times in Traditional Indian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC).
Historical uses of Shilajit
Shilajit is primarily known for its extensive use in Ayurvedic medicine. The sherpas have held the reputation of using Shilajit as a staple in their diet to build strength and energy in the body. Stomach disorders such as jaundice were treated by using Shilajit due to its rejuvenating nature. It was also used as an internal antiseptic in treating kidney stones, edema, and reduced anorexia in people.
Ayurvedic medicine conveys Shilajit the title of 'Yogavaha,' which means a drug that is the synergistic enhancer of other drugs. Its use in treating digestive disorders, enlarged spleen, nervous disorders, and chronic bronchitis is well known.
Soybean Benefits: Health Benefits of Shilajit using in Ayurvedic and medical treatment
Shilajit is known mainly for its tri-dosha balancing capabilities. It is a very potent extract and can be used in a multitude of ways. The ayurvedic treatment uses Shilajit mixed with concoctions of other herbs to use its potency and characteristics and the other herbs' like Triphala or Karkatshringi. It is involved in the removal of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to improper digestion.
Moreover, Shilajit purifies the blood due to its antioxidant nature. It also cleanses and strengthens the immune system, provides energy, revitalizes libido, and maintains body weight. Shilajit is a major component of medicines that increase sexual drive as it is rich in DBP, which increases sperm count and enhances testosterone levels in the body.
It is rich in fulvic and humic acid, which are excellent anti oxidizers and help retain a lot of nutrients in the body by enhancing absorption of metal ions like iron. It helps the spleen in making healthy blood and prevents oxygen deficiency caused complications.
Treating diseases/health problems with Shilajit
1. Fatigue:
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific View:
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Shilajit can help manage daily fatigue. Fatigue is a feeling of extreme exhaustion, tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy. It is attributed by Ayurveda as "Klama' caused due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Shilajit is rich in Balya (strength providing) factor and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, which help balance Kapha dosha and reduce fatigue.
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When the cells in the body do not produce enough energy, it results in Fatigue. Shilajit can be used to revitalize and enhance physical performance and provide respite from fatigue. The presence of fulvic and humic acid helps the mitochondria present in the cells to produce energy.
Tip: Take 1 Shilajit capsule with lukewarm milk after light meals once a day for 2-3 months till the problem persists.
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2. Alzheimer's
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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It is an age-related, irreversible- nervous disorder that causes memory loss and a behavior change. Ayurveda attributes the cause of Alzheimer's to an imbalance in Vata dosha. Regular use of Shilajit can help and reduce the symptoms by balancing the Vata dosha. The Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature reduces the nervous system's weakness and improves its functioning.
Tip: Take 2-4 pinch of Shilajit powder and mix it with honey or lukewarm milk. This mixture is to be drunk twice a day after taking light meals.
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In Alzheimer's, there is an in the production of a protein called amyloid-beta protein leading to the build-up of plaque or clusters in the brain. Research suggests that the fulvic aid present in Shilajit can significantly reduce the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain leading to a better chance of prolonging the onset of Alzheimer's initially.
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3. Respiratory tract infection:
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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Ayurveda attributes respiratory tract infection to aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas. Therefore, when the vitiated Vata combines with a deranged Kapha dosha in the lungs, it leads to an obstruction in the respiratory passage. Shilajit balances the Vata-Kapha dosha interaction and removes the obstruction from the air passage. It also increases the immunity to fight against any infection due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tip: Take 2-4 pinch of Shilajit powder and mix it with hot water and honey. This is to be drunk twice a day after meals.
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Research suggests that Shilajit can be used against HSRV, a virus that commonly causes respiratory tract infections in children because of its antiviral nature.
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4. Cancer:
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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Cancer is an inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling called Granthi (neoplasm) or Arbuda (major neoplasm) in Ayurveda. It further attributes the cause of cancer to an imbalance in the interaction of all three doshas (Vata-Pitta –Kapha). This leads to a loss in the coordination of the cells causing tissue damage. Shilajit helps retain that coordination and prevents tissue damage due to its Balya (strength) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
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The free radicals released during chemotherapy for cancer tends to damage the normal somatic cells around the tumor-forming cells. This makes cancer treatment painful and weakening. Fulvic and humic acids act as antioxidants and destroy the free radicals minimizing cancer pain in the process.
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5. Heavy metal toxicity
Shilajit may help by detoxifying the toxic substances in the bloodstream. Humic and Fulvic acids present in Shilajit are porous, i.e., they absorb harmful chemicals and toxins and like mercury or lead and expel them from the body.
6. Hypoxia (low oxygen tissues)
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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Shilajit can enhance the absorption of elements like iron (a critical part of hemoglobin) and minerals that can enhance the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Tip: A shilajit capsule is to be taken with lukewarm water after meals twice a day.
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Hypoxia is a condition in which parts of the body do not receive sufficient oxygen. This might be due to low hemoglobin in the blood, which hampers its oxygen-carrying capacity. Fulvic acid present in Shilajit enhances the blood formation process in the spleen resulting in the hemoglobin count rising. Using Shilajit can more or less prevent hypoxia.
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Forms of Shilajit with the recommended dosage
Shilajit in its various forms should be stored in a cool and dry place at room temperature (25C)
1. Shilajit Powder- 2-4 pinch once a day depending on the doctor's permission.
2. Shilajit Capsule- 1 Capsule twice a day depending on the doctor's permission.
3. Shilajit Tablet- 1 Tablet twice a day, depending on the doctor's permission.
Types of Ayurvedic care with Shilajit
1. Shilajit with milk:
Take 2-4 pinches of Shilajit powder and mix it with honey or lukewarm milk. This is to be repeated twice a day after taking light meals.
2. Shilajit capsule:
1 Shilajit capsule is to be taken with lukewarm milk after meals. This is to be repeated twice a day except when feeling nauseous.
3. Shilajit Tablet:
1 Shilajit Tablet is to be taken with lukewarm milk after meals. This is to be repeated twice a day except when feeling nauseous.
4. Shilajit Black Tea:
a) 1.5-2 cups of water are taken in a pan.
b) ½-1 teaspoon of tea leaves are added and boiled for 5 minutes.
c) The tea is to be strained.
d) 2 pinches of Shilajit powder is added to it and mixed properly.
This tea is to be drunk every morning before taking any meal. It will ensure that you will have a day full of energy and remove any fatigue from the previous day to a great extent.
Precautionary guide while using Shilajit
1. Breastfeeding:
There is a lack of enough scientific evidence to suggest Shilajit's effect during breastfeeding. So, it is best to minimize its consumption or avoid it completely.
2. Diabetic people:
Shilajit can lower glucose levels in the body. It is recommended that resting glucose levels be monitored before and after consumption of Shilajit in people using it and anti-diabetic drugs simultaneously.
3. Pregnancy:
There is a lack of enough scientific evidence to suggest Shilajit's effect during pregnancy. So, it is best to minimize its consumption or avoid it completely.
4. Elevated Uric acid levels:
While taking uric acid lowering medicines, it is recommended that the resting uric acid levels are monitored before using Shilajit. It can significantly increase uric acid levels.
Shilajit side effects
Shilajit can lead to increased activity of the immune system. It is generally advisable to consult a doctor before starting a Shilajit course. It can also facilitate multiple immunological disorders like sclerosis, systemic lupus, erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis that can lead to multiple complications. Shilajit also increases the uric acid levels in the body, and its unmonitored consumption could be fatal.
Ayurveda classifies Shilajit as a very potent agent. Due to this high potency, a high dose can lead to a burning sensation in the body due to an imbalance caused in Pitta dosha. Patients with sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis (high levels of iron in the blood) should avoid Shilajit's use as much as possible.
Shilajit should not be eaten raw or unprocessed. It is rich in metal ions, free radicals, fungus, and other contaminations that could land you in the hospital and ultimately prove to be fatal. Other side effects of Shilajit are skin rashes, increased heart and breathing rates, and dizziness that can either be due to an allergy to the said product or a higher dosage taken.
FAQs about Shilajit
1. Can I take Shilajit with Ashwagandha?
It is recommended that a doctor is consulted before taking Shilajit and Ashwagandha together. This is because both the ingredients have similar characteristics in the form of Balya (strength provider). Taking both the herbs together can exert quite a load of pressure on your body to process and utilize both elements to fruition. This is, however, dependant from body-to-body as digestive fire plays a major role in this.
2. Can women take Shilajit gold capsules?
Yes, women can take Shilajit gold to maintain a healthy body that is devoid of fatigue and lethargy. It helps in reducing joint pain because of its Vata- balancing properties. The presence of Balya (strength) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties make it an excellent ingredient for women to use in their morning tea or with milk after meals.
3. Can Shilajit be taken in summers?
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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It can be taken in all seasons due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. Even though it is highly potent in nature, its Laghu Guna (light digestion) factor makes it easily digestible when taken in controlled amounts.
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Yes, it can be taken in most seasons, including summers. Although, a doctor should be consulted if one is having any problem after using Shilajit.
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4. Can Shilajit help in High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)?
HACE is caused by swelling in the brain tissue due to low atmospheric pressure in high altitudes. Shilajit is known for removing excess fluid from tissues, including the brain. This might reduce the selling and problems caused by it like loss of coordination or, in some severe occurrences, unconsciousness.
5. What are the benefits of Shilajit gold for men?
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern Scientific view:
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The Balya (strength providing) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties present in Shilajit help improve energy levels and libido.
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Regular use of Shilajit can be beneficial for men because it reduces the risk of fertility problems. Shilajit is comprised of biologically active substance- di-benzo-alpha-pyrone (DBP), which increases sperm count. Research suggests that Shilajit's use improves sperm motility and testosterone levels in men.
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6. Can Shilajit slow the aging process?
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Ayurvedic view:
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Modern scientific view:
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Yes, Shilajit can technically slow down the aging process by reducing aging signs, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Ayurveda attributes it an aggravated Vata causing quick degeneration of cells. Shilajit is rich in Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Balya (strength) properties, which slow down the degeneration of cells, effectively slowing down aging.
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It might help slow down the aging process. The fulvic acid present in Shilajit has antioxidant properties that destroy free radicals in the body and prevent cell damage. Further, it protects the skin from premature signs of aging, such as fine lines or wrinkles.
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7. Is Shilajit safe?
Yes, in fact, Shilajit's safety is well documented in people with no extreme health complications. It is a very potent agent yet, very safe if taken in recommended amounts. However, Shilajit should be refined and processed properly before use as it contains heavy metals and free radicals that could hamper your pancreas.
It is to be noted that Shilajit is often used with certain other ayurvedic herbs but be sure to consult a physician before using it while using other medicinal drugs at the same time.
8. Can Shilajit be used to treat anemia?
Yes, Shilajit can be useful in treating anemia. A deficiency of iron in the body causes low RBC (red blood cell) count. Fulvic acid present in Shilajit helps in the efficient absorption of iron, making it available to the spleen to produce healthier blood. This helps reduce the symptoms of anemia to a large extent.
9. Can Shilajit cause constipation?
No, Shilajit does not cause constipation as it has many antioxidant and potent factors that neutralize and eliminate harmful chemicals persisting in the body. It helps in expelling toxins from the body, so; it is a rare possibility that Shilajit can cause constipation. However, supplements vary from brand to brand, and in case you feel any major side effects consider consulting a doctor.
10. Does Shilajit affect sexual desire in men?
Research has shown that Shilajit increases the testosterone levels in the body. It is a rejuvenator and enhances sexual desire by increasing sperm count and sexual urges due to elevated testosterone levels.
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