Shilajit - What It Is, Benefits, Uses, and More

Today, we are all surrounded by medicines and prescriptions. But are they the only approach to healing? Let us introduce you to the magic of Shilajit, the ancient herb that can heal and boost physical and mental well-being.  

Despite all the advancements in the field of medical science, people still turn back to ancient nuskhaas and ayurvedic herbs to boost their immunity. Shilajit is known for its anti-ageing and immunity-boosting properties. But not many people know what Shilajit is. Let us tell you all the details about its benefits and uses.

What is Shilajit?

Also called mineral pitch or Mumijo, Shilajit is found in the rocks of the Himalayas, Tibet, Nepal, and other mountain ranges in the North. This powerful rasaudhashi has been formed over the years from the decomposition of plants and is sticky like coal tar.

Shilajit is uniquely composed of powerful minerals like humin, humic, and Fulvic acids, which help build strength, stamina, and power. The exact makeup of shilajit depends on where it's found and the temperature. It typically contains vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. One of its active constituents, dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBP), enhances physical performance and relieves fatigue. It improves cognitive functions and can help in increased spermatogenesis in infertile men.

People use shilajit for Alzheimer's disease, to improve athletic performance, to cure male infertility, to improve bones and muscular strength, and many other conditions.

Benefits of Shilajit for both men and women

Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicines and is beneficial for both men and women. Shilajit benefits males as well as females. From energy enhancement to hormone regulation, let’s see the benefits of Shilajit for men and women:

Benefits of Shilajit for MEN:

1. Helps control Alzheimer's Disease:

Shilajit contains an antioxidant known as fulvic acid, which inhibits the buildup of tau (NOTE: Tau is a type of protein that forms depositions of dead and decaying nerve cells.)

2. Improved Fertility:

Shilajit helps increase the count of healthy sperm in men, and it improves sperm motility. It also contains minerals and trace amounts of zinc, selenium, and magnesium, which help to increase fertility levels. When consumed with honey, shilajit has shown commendable results.

3. Improvement in Cholesterol Levels:

Regulated intake of Shilajit helps decrease cholesterol levels and triglycerides, which in turn helps improve heart health. It increases the antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from early damage.

4. Altitude Sickness:

People consume shilajit to fight symptoms of altitude sickness, such as insomnia, headache, nausea and fatigue. It reduces hypoxia (the lack of oxygen supply in the body).

5. Collagen Synthesis:

Collagen is an essential component that is responsible for keeping the bones strong, the skin beautiful, and tendons and ligaments healthy. This makes collagen synthesis important, as natural collagen production inside our body declines gradually as we age. Shilajit boosts collagen synthesis.

6. Fights Anaemia:

Shilajit might help prevent iron deficiency because it naturally contains iron. However, the amount of iron in shilajit depends on how it is extracted and processed and the dosage. The shilajit supplements mention how much iron is in the supplement, which determines shilajit's effectiveness for anaemia.

Benefits of Shilajit for WOMEN:

1. Increase in Iron Levels

Beneficial for women who suffer from iron deficiency anaemia, Shilajit can help increase the levels of haemoglobin and red blood cells in your body.

2. Hair and Skin Health

Regular consumption of Shilajit can nourish your scalp and give you healthier hair growth and glowing skin.

3. Uterine Health

Shilajit strengthens the uterus and supports reproductive health. It can be consumed by women during pregnancy or after childbirth, as recommended by their healthcare professionals.

4. Improves Fertility

Women who are dealing with fertility issues or hormonal imbalances also find Shilajit beneficial. It supports ovaries and regulates menstrual cycles.

5. Anti-Aging Properties

Shilajit can help fight the signs of ageing and oxidative stress. It promotes cellular health making your skin look healthy.

Shilajit: Key Components and Nutritional Profile

Shilajit is a unique substance that has been around for centuries. The key components of Shilajit are:

- Fulvic Acid: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, fulvic acid enhances nutrient intake and cell health.

- Humic Acid: It improves digestion and promotes overall well-being.

- Humic Acid: Humic acid is used as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine, and it has antioxidant effects.

- Other nutrients: Shilajit comprises minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and selenium and essential vitamins like B12, C, and E. These nutrients play vital roles in energy production, immune function, bone health, and cognitive health.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Measures

Studies suggest that shilajit must not be consumed in its unpurified or unprocessed form. It contains high levels of heavy metals and toxins, which can be beneficial only in specific conditions, not otherwise. It is recommended to always consult a healthcare professional before using Shilajit or any Ayurvedic product that contains shilajit.

How to Choose the Right Shilajit?

This Ayurveda’s favourite mineral resin must be taken only after consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your body’s needs.  There is no standard dosage of shilajit; however, with medical supervision, your dosage can be fixed.

Now, after knowing all the benefits and side effects of Shilajit, are you wondering how to choose the right shilajit? Shilajit is available in supplements, which are sold in several forms, including gummies, capsules, powder, and liquid (resin). Often black, it can come in various colours and different odours. You may mix shilajeet with honey or stir powder into warm tea, milk, fruit juice, or other beverages for safe consumption.

Different supplements contain different amounts of shilajit; thus, it is important to follow the dose instructions for the product you use.

Conclusion

Shilajit is a safe and crucial supplement that helps prevent several diseases and, most importantly, improves cognitive abilities. Considering the benefits of shilajit in neurological sciences, more investigations shall be done to optimise its usage.

Frequently Asked Question

1. Is Shilajit safe for women?

There is a myth that Shilajit benefits males only. However, it offers equally valuable benefits for women's health and well-being. Shilajit is heavily used in Ayurveda for its ability to promote female vitality and overall health.

2. How can I check if Shilajit is pure?

Take a piece of shilajit resin and drop it in warm water. If it starts to diffuse and changes the colour of water, then it is pure. 

3. Does Shilajit help with energy levels?

Yes, it does. Research suggests that athletes feel less post-workout fatigue and are better able to improve muscular strength after taking shilajit supplements.

4. Where does Shilajit come from?

Shilajit is primarily found in the Himalayan mountain ranges, particularly in regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is also found in other mountain areas like the Altai Mountains in Russia and Mongolia.

5. How should Shilajit be consumed?

You can mix Shilajit powder with warm water, milk, or juice. You may also place Shilajit resin under your tongue and let it dissolve. You may also choose to take shilajit in the form of supplements.