Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Shilajit (Black Asphaltum) : Ayurvedic & Medicinal Properties

• Shilajit (Asphaltum) is a black, sticky, tar-like naturally-occurring substance which is widely known in Ayurveda as an excellent health supplement. The substance is obtained from the Himalaya Mountains. The formation of Shilajit is a result of a long process of breaking down plant matter and minerals.

• Shilajit is a remarkable aphrodisiac agent and is believed to be an amazing rejuvenative remedy (‘Rasayan Dravya,’ as per Ayurveda).

• Shilajit is also called mineral pitch, and is considered a ‘Fountain of Youth’ because of its proven anti-aging properties. Moreover, with fulvic acid and humic acid being the key components of Shilajit, it is also known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and anti-anxiety actions.

• Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating a number of conditions since olden times, because of the time-tested goodness of the compounds including more than 80 minerals — present in it. Some of the diseases for which Ayurvedic practitioners depend on Shilajit include brain disorders, nervous disorders, kidney problems, bladder disorders, and conditions which affect the endocrine glands, the thyroid gland, and the reproductive organs.

• Along with its effectiveness in prevention and management of several diseases, Shilajit is also considered an excellent Ayurvedic medicine for providing strength and longevity to the body. In addition, it also has the proven ability to boost a person’s intellect (“Medha”) and memory (“Smriti”).

• Overall, due to its unique and beneficial medicinal properties, Shilajit is considered an extremely potent natural substance as compared to all the minerals, metals and gems taken collectively.

Health Benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit finds a special mention in traditional Ayurvedic texts because of its capability to manage a number of diseases. Hence, it is one of the important ingredients in countless herbal formulations prepared by Ayurveda practitioners since centuries.

Although the list of health benefits of Shilajit is quite long, some of the main benefits resulting from the use of Shilajit have been discussed below:

1) Shilajit has Anti-Aging Benefits

The anti-aging benefits of Shilajit have been specifically mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Shilajit has the capability to combat two main factors which lead to aging — the impact of free radicals and cellular damage in the body. Regular use of Shilajit on a daily basis can slow the aging process in some people.

2) Shilajit Improves Brain Function

The beneficial compounds present in Shilajit can notably enhance the functioning of the human brain. Highlighting the positive effect of Shilajit on brain power, some studies have noted that Shilajit can control, and even prevent, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.

3) Shilajit is Helpful in Treating Iron-Deficiency Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition marked by a shortage of healthy cells or haemoglobin. The condition mainly results from a deficiency of iron in the body. Iron-deficiency Anaemia can lead to headache, fatigue, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cold hands and feet. Shilajit can treat this condition because it is abundant in iron and humic acid.

4) Shilajit can Treat Viral Infections

Shilajit’s anti-viral properties have been commended in Ayurvedic texts. The substance can fight off viruses because of the presence of numerous minerals and compounds. According to one specific research, Shilajit is capable of fighting and killing herpes viruses, as well as a number of other different viruses in isolated environments.

5) Shilajit can Reduce Altitude Sickness

Shilajit has proven benefits in reducing altitude sickness, thereby providing relief to people who are affected by changes in pressure in high-altitude areas. Altitude sickness causes body pain, inflammation, fatigue, lung congestion, low immunity, and low cognitive ability. All these symptoms of altitude sickness can be effectively managed by the minerals and other beneficial components present in Shilajit.

6) Shilajit can Improve Heart Health

The use of Shilajit has a proven beneficial effect on heart health. The antioxidant properties of Shilajit are believed to reduce potential cardiovascular damage and protect the heart. However, it is important to note that Shilajit may lower blood pressure in some cases; and, hence, it should not be taken by people who have an active heart condition.

7) Shilajit can Fight against Certain types of Cancer Cells

The use of Shilajit has been found to be effective in preventing and protecting the body from several kinds of cancers, including liver cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Shilajit is a potential natural treatment for cancers because it contains a combination of heavy metals. Moreover, Shilajit’s cancer-cure benefits also include its ability to combat the damage which dangerous radiation may cause to certain systems of the body.

8) Shilajit is Effective in Controlling Obesity

Obesity, or excessive body weight, can put stress on the bones and exhaust the muscles. Obese people can supplement their exercise routine with a regular dose of Shilajit, to enable the body to respond better to exercise. The use of Shilajit can help the skeletal muscles to adapt to a workout quickly, thus resulting in less tiredness and increased strength of bones and muscles.

9) Shilajit can Increase Male Fertility

Since ancient times, Shilajit is known for its capability to boost testosterone levels in men, and increase their fertility. The use of Shilajit is beneficial for men facing fertility problems because it can increase total sperm count and facilitate the movement of the sperms towards the female egg.

10) Shilajit can Reduce Stress

Stress levels can be greatly used with the help of Shilajit supplement. Since Ayurvedic texts have classified Shilajit as a ‘Rasayan,’ it can significant reduce stress levels and the effects of stress on the body. It can improve the body’s defence mechanisms, and lower the stress levels by promoting mental and physical well-being.Along with the above-mentioned health benefits, Shilajit is also an excellent energy enhancer, memory enhancer, pain manager, and Nutritive tonic.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of Shilajit for managing several health conditions is: 1-2 capsules, two times a day, with plain water or milk, after meals.

Online availability of Shilajit Capsules

• Shilajit Capsules are available online from Always Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company and its sister concern Planet Ayurveda. The capsules are prepared from standardized extract of best quality Shilajit

• One bottle of shilajit capsules contains a total of 60 capsules.