WHAT IS SHILAJIT?
Shilajit is a natural substance that is found in the rocks of the Himalayas, Altai Mountains, and Caucasus Mountains. It is a dark, sticky, tar-like substance that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to promote health and vitality.
Shilajit is formed by the decomposition of plants and other organic matter that get trapped in the rocks and mountains over thousands of years. The substance is rich in minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as fulvic and humic acids.
According to Ayurveda, shilajit is considered to be a powerful rejuvenator and an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes overall well-being. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and anti-microbial properties.
Some of the traditional uses of shilajit include treating fatigue, stress, and anxiety, improving memory and cognitive function, promoting healthy digestion, and supporting the immune system. It is also believed to be beneficial for the treatment of various conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
In recent years, shilajit has gained popularity as a natural supplement for athletes and bodybuilders due to its ability to boost energy levels and improve physical performance. It is also being studied for its potential benefits for brain health, skin health, and sexual health.
Shilajit can be found in various forms, including capsules, powders, and resins. When choosing a shilajit supplement, it is important to look for a high-quality product that is sourced from a reputable supplier and is free from contaminants.
In conclusion, shilajit is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and mechanisms of action, shilajit is considered to be a safe and effective supplement for promoting overall health and well-being.
HISTORY
The use of shilajit can be traced back to ancient times, where it was known as “the conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” The first recorded use of shilajit dates back to the 10th century AD, where it was used in the ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda.
According to Ayurveda, shilajit is a natural rejuvenator and a potent source of energy. It is believed to be one of the most powerful substances for improving overall health and vitality. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is also used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and digestive problems.
In the early 20th century, shilajit was introduced to the Western world. They found that shilajit was rich in minerals, trace elements, and other important nutrients, and that it had powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In the 1960s, shilajit became widely used as a performance enhancer for athletes. Researchers discovered that shilajit helped to increase endurance and speed up recovery time after exercise. This led to the development of shilajit-based sports supplements, which are still popular today.
In recent years, shilajit has gained popularity in the Western world as a natural health supplement. It is commonly used to boost energy, improve cognitive function, and support overall health and wellbeing.
Today, shilajit is harvested from the mountains of Nepal, Bhutan, and India. The process of collecting shilajit is a laborious one, as it involves climbing high altitudes and extracting the resin from the rocks. Once collected, shilajit is processed and purified to remove any impurities, and it is then sold in various forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures.
In conclusion, shilajit has a long and rich history in Ayurvedic medicine, and its health benefits have been recognized for centuries. With the growing interest in natural health supplements, shilajit is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance or someone looking to boost your overall health and wellbeing, shilajit may be worth considering as a natural supplement.
WHAT DOES SHILAJIT LOOK LIKE?
In its original form, Shilajit is a black, sticky, semi-liquid substance. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘shilajatu,’ which means ‘rock-tar,’ as that is what it resembles in its natural form. However, when it is ready for use, it is usually in the form of a powder or supplement that you can dissolve in water. Because it can be found in various mountain ranges, the color of the resin can differ. It can sometimes be a deep shade of amber, brown, or black.
WHAT IS SHILAJIT MADE OF?
Shilajit is made up of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, including fulvic and humic acids, trace minerals, amino acids, and other bioactive substances. It is rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Fulvic acid is one of the key components of shilajit, and it is responsible for many of its health benefits. Fulvic acid is a natural electrolyte that helps to improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage.
Humic acid is another important component of shilajit. It is a natural chelator, which means that it binds to minerals and other nutrients, making them more bioavailable to the body. Humic acid also has antioxidant properties and helps to support healthy immune function.
In addition to fulvic and humic acids, shilajit also contains a wide range of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. These minerals are essential for many biological processes in the body, including energy production, bone health, and muscle function.
Overall, shilajit is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds that work together to support overall health and wellbeing. Its rich nutrient profile and antioxidant properties make it a popular natural supplement for improving energy, cognitive function, and overall health.
HOW DO WE GET ACCESS TO SHILAJIT?
In the warmer seasons, the Shilajit that has been trapped between the rocks of mountains starts to seep out and make its way down the mountainside. In the past, practitioners of ayurvedic medicine would climb the mountains and harvest the Shilajit by hand.
Now, we harvest the Shilajit, refine, and package it in its purest and most effective form for you to consume. Unlike other mineral substances found in the mountain peaks, Shilajit is potent and is understood by the locals as being the cure for hundreds of ailments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is an ancient herbal substance containing a wide spectrum of minerals and trace elements the human body needs to function optimally and fulvic acid helps the body absorb these minerals at a cellular level. Shilajit has been consumed as a dietary supplement and superfood for thousands of years in India and Asia because of the many benefits it provides.
It has been used in the traditional Ayurvedic wellness system of India for thousands of years for a variety of health benefits and is considered to be an important Rasayana (rejuvenator). Shilajit is a Sanskrit word meaning “rock-invincible”, “conqueror of mountains”, or “destroyer of weakness”. It is believed to be a powerful adaptogen, which balances and strengthens the body allowing it to function at an optimal level. Ancient texts also refer to Shilajit as the “elixir of evergreen life”.
Ayurveda also considers Shilajit to be an adaptogen, or an herb that supports the body’s natural resistance to stress. It has also been used by many traditional Ayurvedic practitioners as a catalyst to boost the strength of other herbal supplements.
The potency of Shilajit is considered to be dependent upon the area, altitude, type and color of rock it is collected from, as well as the purification technique used to separate the shilajit from the rock.
What does modern scientific research say about Shilajit?
Scientific research has identified micro minerals, trace elements and organic humic/fulvic acids in shilajit as well as antioxidant properties. These elements validate the health supporting characteristics long ascribed to shilajit by Ayurveda.
Essential minerals and trace elements are well established as vital to many different functions and processes in the body. Fulvic and humic acids have more recently been discovered to enhance bioavailability of nutrients.
What do ancient texts say about Shilajit?
The Charaka Samhita (5000 year old Ayurvedic text) address Shilajit in a chapter on rejuvenation therapy (rasayana). It claims that Shilajit is effective for all imbalances when used at the right time and in combination with appropriate herbal formulas. It also mentions that when a healthy person consumes shilajit it results in strength, stamina and energy.
The Sushruta Samhita (3000 year old Ayurvedic text) echoes these benefits and states that, when Shilajit is taken regularly, it promotes a complexion and strength of the body.
The Astanga Hrdayam (essence of the eight branches of Ayurveda) also details the many benefits of Shilajit and declares that it is the best rejuvenator.
Is Shilajit vegan?
Yes. Shilajit is 100% vegan.
How does Shilajit work?
A great many health issues can be traced to mineral or nutrient deficiencies. Intensive chemical farming (through pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc) and irrigation have removed natural minerals and beneficial microbes from our agricultural land and the plants that grow on it. Shilajit contains many of the vital minerals and trace elements needed for energy reactions in our cells and high percentages of fulvic acid to help transport these mineral molecules deep into the body. The minerals in Shilajit are in ionic form, which means that the body can more easily absorb and move them to areas where they are needed.
How do I take Shilajit?
To consume, simply dissolve Shilajit in hot, non chlorinated water, tea or warm milk and drink. Alternatively one can dissolve it under the tongue or simply swallow a portion with water if the taste is too unpleasant.
We recommend starting with a rice grain to pea sized portion, one to three times a day for general well being. Amount can be increased for greater energy and effect.
*Traditional Ayurvedic instructions recommend that Shilajit be dissolved in hot organic milk or taken with ghee (clarified butter) or raw, unpasteurized honey to increase delivery to the body. If one is a vegan, one may substitute the previously mentioned products with sesame oil or coconut oil. Follow with a cup of hot water. If one has a Pitta constitution ghee is recommended, for Vata sesame oil, and for Kapha honey is best.