THE WONDERS OF AYURVEDA

All You Need to Know About Shilajit and its Many Benefits

Shilajit is an ayurvedic substance that has raised many eyebrows over the years. It has been used as a supplement in numerous ayurvedic products. While many people have consumed and will keep on consuming products containing Shilajit, they don’t really know much about the origins of this enigmatic substance.

So, what is Shilajit? In its raw state, Shilajit is an extremely sticky substance, whose origins lie in the mighty Himalayas. Found commonly in the higher altitudes of the mighty mountain range, the use of Shilajit dates back centuries. People living in the Himalayas across India and Tibet found its use beneficial for a wide range of medical conditions, and word about it spread to other countries.

How does Shilajit Form?

While the Himalayas have Shilajit in abundance, it is a mystery to many as to how this sticky substance actually forms. Scientific research regarding the substance has revealed that Shilajit forms over centuries as plant species such as Trifolium repens and Euphorbia Royleana decompose.

Further studies are ongoing to ascertain if plant species such as Asterella, Barbula, Dumortiera, Fissiden and Marchantia also decompose into Shilajit. So far, studies have not been conclusive, and researches can only say that these plants “may” decompose into Shilajit. (source)

What are the suggested/claimed Benefits of Shilajit?

• Slows Aging: All of us age and eventually die. However, most people age prematurely due to cellular damage caused by free radicals, which are products of oxidation and inflammation. Shilajit contains fulvic acid, a compound that acts as both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. That’s why Shilajit consumption is recommended to boost overall vitality and slow down the aging process. (source)
• Natural Solution for Chronic Fatigue: A lot of people around the world have fatigue issues that trouble them regularly. Studies have found that Shilajit is a natural energy booster that greatly enhances cell functions if consumed regularly. This results in greater energy levels; perfect for sufferers of chronic fatigue. (source)
• Deals with a Number of Viruses: It has been found that Shilajit can effectively deal with certain types of viruses. Studies have been conducted to evaluate Shilajit’s effects on certain stomach, respiratory and herpes viruses. They have shown that Shilajit can greatly minimize their effects. However, no tests have so far been conducted on live subjects. (source)
• Anti-Cancer Properties: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world. However, certain studies claim that Shilajit use can fight cancer cells. Not only does Shilajit prevent new cancer cells from growing, it also stops the multiplication of existing cancer cells. While Shilajit is not a comprehensive cure for cancer, it can certainly be used for preventive purposes. (source)
• Protects the Heart: Shilajit may have certain protective properties that can be beneficial for the heart, says a certain study. In the study, rats with no cardiac condition were given Shilajit and observed. The conclusion was that rats who had taken Shilajit showed greater heart health than the rats who had not taken it. 

However, it must be said that if you have an existing heart issue or blood pressure troubles, you should steer clear of Shilajit. (source)

• Greatly Enhances Male Fertility: Male fertility issues plague men all around the world. However, Shilajit could prove to be a natural cure for their infertility. 

In one study, 60 infertile men consumed Shilajit for a period of three months. Upon completion of the study, their fertility status was assessed, and the results were quite staggering. Not only had the men regained their fertility, they also showed a great increase in both sperm count and motility. (source)

• Increases Testosterone Levels: In addition to enhancing sperm count and motility, Shilajit also has a positive effect on testosterone, a critical sex hormone for men.

In a study, several men, aged between 45 and 55, consumed Shilajit for almost three months regularly. By the end of the study, it was found that testosterone levels had greatly increased in all the subjects.

• Prevents Cognitive Disorders like Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s disease, an irreversible cognitive disease, typically affects elderly citizens. Symptoms start showing well after one is 60 and till date, there are no known cures for the condition. 

While a lot of synthetic drugs are used to treat symptoms, studies have shown that Shilajit can be a natural symptom controller for Alzheimer’s sufferers. While Shilajit cannot totally cure Alzheimer’s, it may be used as an alternative medicine to cope with the symptoms. (source)

• Works against Anemia: Anemia is a dangerous condition that is caused mainly by severe iron deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia may cause symptoms like severe headaches, muscle weakness, fatigue and palpitations. 

Studies have shown that Shilajit contains a great percentage of both humic acid and iron. Both of them are well-known for their ability to counteract iron deficiency anemia. (source)

• Immunity Enhancer: Shilajit boasts of over 80 different minerals. These minerals, along with fulvic and humic acid, are known to enhance immunity greatly. A person is truly protected from the wrath of diseases if the person has a good immune system. 

Studies show that using Shilajit on a regular basis can be incredibly helpful for the immune system. If your immune system is rock-solid, you are guaranteed to have a higher quality of life. (source)

• Catalyst for Obese People to Work out More: It may sound strange, but Shilajit is a substance that can greatly improve the results of the exercise. A lot of obese people often start working out but stop because they don’t see the desired results as quickly as they want.

However, in a study, obese people consumed Shilajit regularly for some time. These people showed greater response levels to their workout regimens than the people who had not taken Shilajit. (source)

Even though many more scientific studies are ongoing regarding Shilajit’s medicinal value, it’s clear that Shilajit is great as a supplement for a number of medical conditions. If you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above, simply consult a trusted doctor, and start consuming Shilajit. With long-term regular consumption, you can be sure of some improvement!