Amazing Benefits of the Himalayan rock- Shilajit
Ayurveda has a number of herbs that are answers for many health issues for centuries together. But this particular mineral patch is not exactly a herb but the result of decomposition and breaking down of plant matter and minerals for a long time to form a sticky substance called Shilajit. Shilajit is one of the oldest ayurvedic herbal supplements almost 3000 years old but not a very popular one. Known to have benefits for both men and women, let’s take a closer look, understand and learn more about its health benefits.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is black, thick, sticky and tar-like biomass that is predominantly found in the Himalayan region of India. Also known by other names Asphaltum, Black Bitumen, or Mineral Pitch in English. It is composed of humus soil and organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock over thousands of years. It contains fulvic acid and more than 84 minerals. In fact, because of its high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, as well as many minerals, it is believed to have several benefits to the body. It has powerful effects on vitality and so has numerous health benefits.
Benefits of Shilajit
Shilajit is known for its versatile nature and health benefits. It can function as an antioxidant to improve your body’s immunity and memory, an anti-inflammatory, an energy booster, and a diuretic to remove excess fluid from your body. It provides strength and energy and is said to be used against sexual weakness, manages Gout (joint pains or Rheumatoid), diseases related to Kapha (Asthma and allergy), semen deficiency, urine and bone- weakness, diabetes. It has been a solution for problems both in men and women and beneficial for providing vigorous energy, increases body immunity and overall body strength. Let see some of the benefits:
- Improves brain functions: The presence of bioactive small molecules called dibenzo-alpha-pyrones prevents the breakdown of the brain chemicals. Shilajit works like a brain tonic and stimulator by increasing the functioning of the brain. It enhances memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness, etc. The compound found in shilajit may help control cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s which in turn improves brain functions. Also, read Ayurvedic Herbs for Better Cognitive Health.
- Enhances fertility and testosterone level: Shilajit has been the solution for boosting libido and improving fertility in men. Shilajit helps regulate the menstrual cycle and thus has a positive impact on the reproductive health of women and even those who want to lose weight as it helps breakdown fat by boosting metabolism. It contains strong aphrodisiac properties that not only helps in reducing mental stress and anxiety but also stimulate the production of testosterone that increases fertility and libido.
- Treating anaemia: Shilajit is packed with high levels of iron and humic acid, which will stabilize your blood iron levels and is used in treating iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Improves heart health: Shilajit may improve and protect the heart as it increases the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that is good for heart health and cardioprotective properties that play a crucial role in treating heart ailments. It is also known to reduce blood cholesterol because of the presence of humic acid, which in turn reduces the chances of a stroke. Also read Healthy Heart, Healthy You- Ayurvedic Tips for a Healthy Heart.
- Manage Diabetes: Shilajit plays a key role in regulating the blood glucose and lipid profiles in diabetes because of its outstanding hypoglycaemic properties. Also, read Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes: Part I, Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes: Part II.
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels: Shilajit has a calming effect on your body because of the high levels of potassium and magnesium it contains. It is a powerful adaptogen. It can increase the dopamine secretion in the brain and may help reduce anxiety and stress levels. These components relax your muscles, including those of your heart. This soothing effect can help in lowering the levels of stress. Also, read A Complete Ayurvedic Guide to Stress Management.
- Slows ageing process: Shilajit is known for its regenerative effects. The high amounts of fulvic acid that help in the absorption of essential nutrients from food, in turn, nourishes your skin and so helps reduce wrinkles, tightens the skin and promotes skin regeneration. It is high in antioxidants to prevent the ageing process.
- Reduces Inflammation: Shilajit has an abundance of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the bioactive ingredients that can combat symptoms of inflammation such as soreness, pain, redness, heat and even chronic inflammation such as gastric ulcers and colitis. Also, read 5 Surprising Herbs for Natural Pain Relief.
How it can be used:
Shilajit is mostly available as a supplement in the form of a capsule or tablet. It is also available in powder form or as a resin. It can be added to milk or water and consumed as a drink. It is also available in juice form. A word of caution is Shilajit should be taken in a small quantity or taken as per the suggestion of the physician. In no case should we consume it in raw form as it can make us fall sick as it may contain heavy metals, free radicals, fungus etc…
It is always advisable to consult your physician before starting any supplement or the dosage to be taken.
Where to buy from:
At Aryan Herbals, we care! We offer a wide range of herbal supplements that are beneficial for all and can help your health greatly.
We have the 100% herbal and natural shilajit juice which is a potent mix of 17 Ancient Herbs such as Safed Musli, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng Root, Saffron (Kesar), Gokhru, Vidari & Kaunch amongst others. The mix of these active ingredients is believed to help in encouraging molecular, neurological & cognitive stability in the human body.
BottomLine:
Shilajit is still in its research phase but preliminary studies suggest that shilajit may have the possibility to offer certain health benefits. Even though this product is a very promising solution in Ayurveda and may hold impressive properties for health, beauty, ageing applications and sports nutrition applications, there is a lot of research and study yet to be done, a lot of unanswered questions but the potential for Shilajit is nothing less than amazing! Do you really think Shilajit is the destroyer of weaknesses? Give this Himalayan mineral rock a try.
Also read: Dashmool – The Perfect Blend of 10 Powerful Herbs
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