Shilajit in sanskrit means rock-invincible. It is also known as silajit or mumijo, momia, moomiyo,shargai, salajeet(سلاجیت) in Urdu and is a thick, sticky tar-like substance with a color ranging from yellowish to pitch black (dark brown is more common color), sometimes found in Caucasus mountains, Altai Mountains, Himalayan Tibet mountains and Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan mountains.
Also known as mineral wax in English, black asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabianum in Latin, barahshin, dorobi, baraga shun or brag-shun, chao-tong, and wu ling zhi (which generally refers to the excrement of flying squirrels).
It is also mentioned in the works of Aristotle and Avicenna as a remedy with antiseptic and general stimulant properties used in Caucasus mountains.
Shilajit has ingredients such as Fulvic Acids, Dibenzo Alpha Pyrones, Humins, Humic Acids, trace minerals, vitamins A, B, C and P (citrines), phospholipids and polyphenol complexes, terpentoids. Also, present are microelements (cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese, chrome, iron, magnesium and other).
For use in Ayurvedic medicine the black variant is considered the most potent. Shilajit has been described as ‘mineral oil‘, ‘stone oil‘ or ‘rock sweat‘, as it seeps from cracks in mountains due mostly to the warmth of the sun.
Once cleaned of impurities and extracted, shilajit is a homogeneous brown-black paste-like substance, with a glossy surface, a peculiar smell and bitter taste.
Dry shilajit density ranges from 1.1 to 1.8 g/cm3. It has a plastic-like behavior, at a temperature lower than 20°C/68°F it will solidify and will soften when warmed. It easily dissolves in water without leaving any residue, and it will soften when worked between the fingers. Purified shilajit has an unlimited shelf life.
Shilajit is a mineral deposit that 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 colour, and resembles asphalt in appearance. When there is a crack in the rock, the material oozes out of it, and settles itself on the rocks.
Shilajit Benefits and Side Effects
Curing nature of Shilajit was discovered in Ayurveda thousands of years ago.
It can be used to cure multiple ailments right from skin, hair, digestion, immunity, potency, aging.
- Anti-Aging : High energy and bio-generative properties promote cell regeneration, maintenance of old cells.
- Rejuvenation : Regenerative properties are effective for problems like tissue degeneration.
- Energy Synthesis : Shilajit promotes faster and effective metabolism of proteins and vitamins; which results in high energy release.
- Blood Purifications : It enhances the immune and blood circulation system.
- Anti-inflammation : Shilajit can have a huge impact on your health if you are achey, sore, have arthritis, or rheumatism. You will go from feeling elderly and slow to feeling that spark of youthful energy again. Use daily for best results.
- Memory and Mind : Shilajit has nootropic properties, which means it helps to clear brain fog and increase memory, comprehension, and ability to focus of the task at hand.
- Increase in Male Sexual Potency : Shilajit strengthens the male reproductive systems, increases libido and helps avoid impotency and premature ejaculation.
- Prevents and cures Diabetes : It maintains the blood sugar levels and controls diabetes.
- Solves Bone related problems: It strengthens the bones, and solves problems like arthritis, joint pains etc.
- Stress Reducer : Shilajit’s androgen-like properties, helps to balance out stress-causing hormones, making it easier for both your mind and body to deal with stress signals in a healthier, calmer manner.
- Spiritual Enlightenment : It gives burst of energy, which opens up all the blocked chakra points.
- Cures Diabetes : One gram of triphala, shilajit, and loha bhasma mixture meet the mineral requirements of diabetics.
Apart from these, Shilajit is useful to treat Obesity, Alzhemier’s disease, Genitourinary disorders, Jaundice, Digestive disorders, Epilepsy, Nervous disorders, Anemia, Bronchitis, Hemorrhoids, Kidney Stones, Edema, Asthma, Ulcers, Thyroid Dysfunction and many more irregularities.
It is also Anti-Allergic, Anti-Fungal.
Dosage of Shilajit per Day
Depending on your digestive capacity, 500 mg to 1 gm of pure Shilajit should be taken twice a day (after breakfast and dinner) along with 200 ml of warm milk.
This will improve your overall immunity and slow down ageing process.
Excess dosage will be hard to digest and will not be used by body (similar to iron and biotin).
Use only pure rock or powder form of Shilajit.
Capsules, tablets etc can contain mixture of other herbs and above positive results may not be seen in every person.