Shilajit, also referred to as Mumie or Moomiyo, is a remarkable mineral-based extract originating from the Himalayan mountains, especially in Northern India and Tibet. This natural wonder, created over centuries, transforms minerals, organic matter, and rocks into a particular sticky black resin-like substance. It’s not limited to the Himalayas, as one can find Shilajit in mountain ranges worldwide, like Siberia’s Sayan-Altai Mountains. Ayurvedic medicine holds Shilajit in high esteem for its profound impact on overall well-being, often referred to in English as Asphaltum, black Bitumen, or Mineral Pitch, cherished for its potential health advantages. 

Shilajit has a dark brown to blackish-brown hue, a rather bitter taste, and a scent akin to a cow’s urine. Ayurvedic texts regard Shilajit as a “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness” resulting from its versatile healing properties. It helps with various ailments, from diabetes and heart issues to urinary tract disorders and muscle strength enhancement. Shilajit rejuvenates the body and enhances intelligence. The purification method involves using methods like ‘Cow’s Ghee’ or ‘Triphala Decoction’ to make sure safety and therapeutic efficacy in Ayurvedic treatments.

Composition of Shilajit

Shilajit’s composition varies depending on the plants related to the rocks. It primarily comprises the next substances:

• Fulvic acid
• Dibenzo-α-pyrones
• Humic acids
• Humins
• Other phytochemicals

Fulvic acid plays an important role in cognitive health. This natural resin has been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine as a rejuvenating and adaptogenic substance. It helps the body resist stressors of all types, whether physical, chemical, or biological. It has various therapeutic properties, and modern scientific research has only reinforced its fame as an elixir.

Varieties of Shilajit and Their Characteristics

Shilajit falls under various types, determined by the rocks it exudes. There are 4 predominant varieties:

• Gold Shilajit (Savrana): It appears reddish and offers a mixture of sweet and bitter tastes.
• Silver Shilajit (Rajat): It appears white and provides a spicy and sweet flavour mix.
• Copper Shilajit (Tamra): A bluish-purple color offers a bitter and spicy taste.
• Iron-containing Shilajit (Lauha): It’s brownish-black and tastes bitter and salty.

Two more varieties, Naag (Lead) and Vanga (Tin), are also present, while the gold and copper Shilajit are rare. The iron-containing Shilajit is probably the most common and recognised for its therapeutic properties.

Shilajit is available in various forms, reminiscent of:

• Shilajit Capsules
• Shilajit Powders
• Liquid type of Shilajit

There isn’t any scientific agreement on the very best form, and one have to be cautious when taking Shilajit or any complement. Some products may contain contaminants, including heavy metals.

Summary

Shilajit is available in 4 primary varieties. Gold Shilajit (Savrana) is reddish and has a sweet and bitter flavour profile, while Silver Shilajit (Rajat) is white and has a spicy and sweet flavour profile. The color of Copper Shilajit (Tamra) is bluish-purple, and its flavour is spicy and bitter. Shilajit (Lauha), which comprises iron, has a brownish-black color and a bitter, salty flavour. Shilajit is available in liquid, powdered, and capsule form. 

Health Advantages of Shilajit

The invention of Shilajit’s remarkable properties began with Himalayan villagers, who, after consuming it, reported a wide selection of health improvements. Over time, modern science has validated most of the properties attributed to shilajit in traditional Indian medicine.

Energy and Stamina Booster

Shilajit is an energy elixir. Practitioners of Ayurved medicine have been prescribing it for millennia to combat fatigue. One in all its fundamental mechanisms involves increasing the efficiency of mitochondria within the cells, the powerhouses that convert nutrients into energy. By promoting higher oxygenation of those mitochondria, Shilajit boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which fuels the cells. Athletes often turn to Shilajit to spice up their performance.

Shilajit also helps to combat chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition, characterised by extreme tiredness, cognitive impairment, and pain, will be debilitating. Shilajit’s potential to revive the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and support mitochondrial health has been promising in alleviating chronic fatigue.

Improves Cognitive Function and Brain Health

Shilajit isn’t only a physical booster but additionally a brain enhancer. It acts as a shield for brain cells, protecting them from damage and promoting neuroprotective activity. For people facing mild Alzheimer’s, Shilajit, with its fulvic acid content combined with B vitamins, offers a ray of hope. It exhibits anti-epileptic and potentially antipsychotic effects, making it a promising herb for Alzheimer’s therapy. Shilajit emerges as a natural treatment for cognitive disorders by enhancing memory, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Helps Improve Hormonal Balance

Shilajit plays an important role in hormonal balance, particularly in reproductive functions. In women, hormonal imbalances may end in irregular periods, infertility, mood swings, and weight gain. Incorporating Shilajit supplements within the weight loss program supports a balance between progesterone and oestrogen levels in women. It helps boost oestrogen levels, easing menstrual and menopausal discomfort, reminiscent of hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. 

Shilajit also increases sexual desire, higher libido, higher functionality, and boosts fertility. In men, Shilajit increases testosterone levels and sperm production, combating infertility issues and enhancing virility.

Improves Skin Health

Shilajit’s goodness doesn’t stop at the interior elements of health; it also extends to the skin’s health and sweetness. Shilajit consists of significant minerals like zinc, copper, and iron. These minerals promote collagen formation, preserving skin suppleness and providing protection from oxidative stress, sustaining healthy skin. 

Poor circulation brings several skin issues like dullness, dryness, and ance. Shilajit enhances blood circulation, leading to glowing skin. Its antioxidant properties protect against environmental toxins. Whether taken as a complement or applied directly on the skin, Shilajit promotes a healthy, radiant, and youthful appearance of skin.

Improve Immune System

Shilajit comprises several vitamins and minerals that remove toxins from the body. The presence of fulvic acid in Shilajit, a strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory compound, supports the immune system. These properties assist in increasing the antibodies. Shilajit also comprises vital nutrients reminiscent of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese, aiding the antibodies to work against viruses like SARS-CoV.

Summary

Shilajit, a natural wonder, offers various health advantages rooted in traditional Indian medicine and supported by modern science. It’s an energy booster, enhancing stamina and mitigating chronic fatigue syndrome by promoting mitochondrial efficiency. Moreover, Shilajit enhances cognitive function, protecting brain cells and showing promise in Alzheimer’s therapy. It aids in hormonal balance, supporting women’s reproductive health and increasing men’s virility. For skincare, Shilajit’s mineral content fosters collagen formation, leading to healthy, radiant skin. Moreover, it bolsters the immune system with its antioxidant-rich composition. Shilajit, a holistic health ally, can enrich your well-being in various ways.

Best Ways to Eat Shilajit

The really useful dosage of Shilajit is 300-500 mg/day or a pea-sized portion dissolved in liquid, taken as much as 3 times a day. Adhering to the package instructions is the same old dosage for optimal health. It’s crucial to seek the advice of a health skilled before taking any natural supplements, including Shilajit. 

Listed below are some easy ways to incorporate Shilajit in your each day routine:

Shilajit Powder

• Take 2-4 pinches of Shilajit Powder
• Add it to lukewarm milk or water.
• Eat it thrice a day after meals.

Shilajit Capsule or Tablet

• Take 1 Shilajit capsule or tablet.
• Swallow it with lukewarm milk after meals, 3 times a day.

Shilajit Tea or Coffee

• Boil 100 ml (1.5 cups) of water in a pan.
• Add ½ teaspoon of tea or coffee and let it boil for five minutes.
• Strain and add two pinches of Shilajit powder.
• Mix well and luxuriate in Shilajit tea or coffee within the morning.

Precautions With Shilajit

While Shilajit is secure for most individuals, there are potential negative effects and precautions to concentrate on:

• Shilajit may lower blood pressure, which will be dangerous for those on blood pressure medications.
• Don’t eat raw or unprocessed Shilajit, as it might contain contaminants like heavy metals. It might cause allergic reactions like rash, increased heart rate, dizziness, etc in some people.
• Research Shilajit and make sure you buy a purified and secure product for consumption.
• Avoid using Shilajit with certain foods like meat or fish, horse gram, citrus fruits, and black nightshade.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Shilajit resulting from insufficient research data.

Summary

Possible negative effects of Shilajit include potential blood pressure reduction and allergic reactions from raw or unprocessed forms. To make sure safety, buy purified Shilajit, avoid certain foods, and if pregnant or breastfeeding, steer clear resulting from insufficient research.

HealthifyMe Suggestion

Now that we know the way helpful shilajit is for health. How a few quick healthy and engaging recipe with shilajit? 

Shilajit-Infused Smoothie:

Create a delicious and nutritious smoothie with shilajit to assist balance hormones. Here’s how you possibly can do it:

Ingredients:

– purified shilajit: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 

– banana: 1 

–  Greek yoghurt (or a dairy-free alternative): 1/2 cup 

– almond milk (or any milk of your alternative): 1/2 cup of

–  mixed berries (reminiscent of blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries): 1/2 cup 

– flax seeds or chia seeds: 1 tablespoon 

– A drizzle of honey or just a few drops of stevia for sweetness (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the banana, Greek yoghurt, almond milk, mixed berries, and flaxseeds or chia seeds in a blender.

2. Add the shilajit resin.

3. Mix until smooth and well-mixed.

4. Taste the smoothie and add honey or stevia for desired sweetness.

5. Enjoy this shilajit-infused smoothie within the morning or as a midday snack.

The banana and flax seeds contain nutrients that may also help support hormone balance, while shilajit may contribute to overall vitality and well-being.

The Final Word

Shilajit, sourced from mountainous regions, will be useful. Shilajit boasts quite a few health claims, from improving memory to enhancing fertility. Nonetheless, it just isn’t FDA-regulated, and scientific evidence is restricted. All the time seek the advice of the healthcare provider before consumption of Shilajit, especially if taking other medications. Also, quality matters; select properly and prioritise health and safety.

Disclaimer: The aim of this text is simply to disperse knowledge and lift awareness. It doesn’t intend to switch medical advice from professionals. For further information, please contact our certified nutritionists Here.

Continuously Asked Questions (FAQs)

Research Sources:

Shilajit: A Review

Clinical Evaluation of Spermatogenic Activity of Processed Shilajit in Oligospermia

A Review of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Shilajit: A Panacea for High-altitude Problems

Shilajit: A Natural Phyto Complex with Potential Procognitive Activity

Skin Transcriptome of Middle-Aged Women Supplemented With Natural Herbo-mineral Shilajit Shows Induction of Microvascular and Extracellular Matrix Mechanisms

Effect of Shilajit enriched weight loss program on immunity, antioxidants, and disease resistance in Macrobrachium Rosenbergii (de Man) against Aeromonas hydrophila

The results of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels

Shilajit – A Wonder Drug of Ayurveda: An Overview