Why Shilajit Is Called Elixir In Ayurvedic Medicine

Shilajit is a plant-based heavy metals rich compound that is found in the Himalayan Rocks. Considered as oozes from rocks in the Himalayas. Long considered an elixir of life in Ayurveda, it is a unique blend of synergistic compounds. It acts as an excellent agent for rejuvenation, antioxidant, adaptive, and aphrodisiac.

Shilajit is formed in the Himalayas. With the texture of tar, its color ranges from pale brown to brownish-black. The semi-solid structure of Shilajit is formed in the mountains across Asia but is found in abundance in the Himalayas. Being non-renewable, it is indispensable for human civilization-  manufactured in Nature and by Nature. The reason why Shilajit is called elixir in Ayurvedic medicine, it is

• Rich in minerals and active compounds.
• Proposed to be a strong rejuvenator.
• Support energy enhancement and detox mechanism .
• Said to increase testosterone.
• Reduce stress and support cognition.

Composition:

Shilajit is made of hummus (60 – 80%) and organic plant materials that have been compressed by layers of rocks over time. High pressure and blazing heat metamorphize organic compounds. The warmer temperatures in the summer melt Shilajit, causing it to ooze from cracks in the rocks.

Components of Shilajit:

• More than 84 types of minerals, including most essential minerals
• Fulvic acid - the main active ingredient
• Humic acid (and uronic acids)
• Many  other plants and microbial metabolites (such as dibenzo-alphapyrones)
• Small peptides and amino acids
• Some lipids
• Phenolic glycosides

Scientists believe that the fulvic acid in the Shilajit accelerates the components of the Shilajit to transport the nutrients into deep tissues and removes deep-seated toxins.

The traditional healers believe that Shilajit aids in the production of energy and repair of the damaged tissues increased blood flow, and reduces the side effects caused due to the mental and physical stress. However, the clinical proof is still awaited to make a declaration for the same.

The mix of the components in Shilajit is supposed to improve the nutrient and energy levels and get rid of the toxins in the body. However, no medical proof to support the data yet. All components of Shilajit work in a synchronized way to maintain balance in the body.
 

Determinants of Shilajit components:

Plant varieties that get incorporated into its mass (especially Mosses - rich in minerals and metals such as copper, silver, zinc, and iron.
Quality of the soil.
Geographical origin of the rock (the Shilajit from different places is rich in different components).
Local temperatures.
Humidity.
Altitude.
 

Types of Shilajit:
 

• Gold Shilajit, - reddish in color (Savrana)
• Silver Shilajit - white in color (Rajat)
• Copper Shilajit - blue in color (Tamra)
• Iron-containing Shilajit - brownish-black in color (Lauha)​

Gold and copper being the rarest, the iron-containing Shilajit is the most commonly available one.

​A major problem in the Shilajit available in the market is its poor quality. Due to incomplete purifications and the absence of quality control checks, it contains high amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and other toxins which damage the vital organs in the long run. Also, the lack of enough scientific studies puts one in a dilemma over the consumption of Shilajit. Hence, extreme caution is advised before consuming Shilajit. Traditionally Shilajit is said to add to the efficacy of Ayurvedic herbs such as:

• ​Sal/shala (Shoria robusta)
• Charoli nut (Bachanania lactifolia)

Due to the high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, minerals, and heavy metals, it is said to have amazing effects on the body.

​TOP 10 BENEFITS OF SHILAJIT

1.  Male fertility and testosterone

It has been established that Shilajit increases male fertility. It increases the production of testosterone in males. Hence, sperm quality, quantity, and motility also increase, consequently. As per the studies for healthy men volunteers aged between 45 to 55 years, Shilajit has said to have increased the male fertility considerably, in some cases twice, after a period of 90 days.
2. Better Brain Function

Formed as a consequence of slow decomposition and accumulation of herbal extracts and heavy metals. It may be useful for preventing cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Constant research is going on to get a positive result of the same.

3. Anti-Aging

The fulvic acid present in Shilajit acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory component. Which in turn, reduces aging. It helps to fight free radicals and reduces the cellular damage and repairs the damages already present. Daily consumption of Shilajit may contribute to overall vitality and a slower aging process in some people.

4. Cures Anemia

The high levels of humic acid and iron in Shilajit is said to be helpful in treating the neurotic disorder symptoms in iron deficiency anemia. It is said to be effective for fatigue and weakness, cold hands and feet, and headaches. However, a wise consultation is always advised before consuming Shilajit.

5. Antiviral Properties

The wide range of minerals and compounds present in Shilajit makes it antiviral. It helps fight off viruses, even fatal ones as herpes, especially in isolated environments. However, Researchers commented that while it does appear to be effective, more evidence is needed to establish the claim.

6. Reduces Chronic fatigue

With its natural minerals and herbs, Shilajit has been found to reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome as per the 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. It is supposed to increase the overall efficiency of the body with enhanced energy levels.

7. Relief from Altitude sickness

As per the claims of the traditional healers, Shilajit helps to remove the problem of vertigo or altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness range from body pain and fatigue to lung congestion and low oxygen in the brain.

Being composed of 80 different minerals, and fulvic acid, and humic acid. The presence of this wide range of beneficial components makes Shilajit help reduce many symptoms of altitude sickness.

8. Enhance the Immune system

Since it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, hence it is said to boost the immune system by fighting free radicals.

9. Destroys Liver cancer cells

Shilajit has been projected to fight and destroy a certain type of cancer cells, especially in the liver. It restricts the growth of the cancer cells. Hence, it can be said that it has an anti-cancer effect. However, more proof is needed to seal the claim.

10. Maintains the health of the Heart

Shilajit is said to lower the blood pressure, hence those with hypotension should avoid consuming it. The test conducted on animals suggests that they improve heart health.

11. Checks Obesity

Looking plump and overweight is not what one wants ever! But staying slim in today’s hectic lifestyle is not less than a challenge either! Becoming overweight puts extra pressure on the bones and muscles. As per the clinical trials, people who consumed purified Shilajit responded better to exercise and workouts than those who did not. It activates the genes in the body that helps the skeletal muscles to adapt to the fitness regimes easily to lessen fatigue and increase strength.

Conclusion

Shilajit is a Herbomineral that is made up of nutritious plant herbs heavy metals and minerals in elemental form. Due to its comprehensive nature, the final composition of the compound is different from its constituents. Although Shilajit is found in the mountains all across Asia, the Shilajit from the Himalayas is one of the best for therapeutic purposes.

Many of its traditional benefits include its alleged ability to protect deep tissues, immunity boost nutrients and detox procedures, prevent cognitive disorders, and restore fertility.

However, practitioners claim that Shilajit is to be consumed only after proper consultation, as per the recommended quantity- 300-500 mg/day by mixing the powder in milk. It should be high quality and purified product.