Shilajit resin is a supplement common in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains antioxidants and may offer other health benefits for people with some health conditions, though more research is needed.

Shilajit is a sticky substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants.

INTRODUCTION

Shlajit is also known as Ardhajatu, ASmaja, Gareya, Girija, saili dhatuja, Sailanieyasa etc. The rasa panchaka of shilajit includes tikta (bitter), katu (pungent) rasa (taste), katu (pungent) vipaka (effect after digestion). It mainly pacifies kapha dosha in the body and acts as a wonderful tonic and laxative. It is a natural rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. Now we will see some myths about shilajit.

MYTHS ABOUT SHILAJIT!!!!!

• Shilajit is not for kids
• Shilajit is only for men and women can’t consume it.
• Shilajit acts immediately and acts as chemical booster.
• Shilajit can only be used as viagra.
• Shilajit should not be cleaned or refined as it sheds off its nutrients.

Let’s elaborate these myths and clarify them!!

1. “Shilajit is not for kids” This is a myth that shilajit can only be consumed by young adults as it is an aphrodisiac or hot in potency. But this is not true children with 3 years of age or more than that can also consume this as it is a natural immunity booster and increases the ability of the body to fight with the infections. So use the purest form and take advantage of this wonderful mineral pitch (Asphaltum).
2. “Shilajit is only for men and women can’t consume it” The another myth about shilajit is it can only be used by men due to its aphrodisiac property. Apart from its vajikaran (Aphrodisiac) action, it acts as antibacterial, immunity booster, rasayan (rejuvenator), anti-oxidant properties due to which it helps in improving stamina and strength So this shilajit can be taken by women also.
3. “Shilajit acts immediately as chemical booster” It is a myth that shilajit acts immediately after taking and their result will be seen within 15-20 minutes. But this is not true. Shilajit will act slowly and give effective results in 2-3 months. So it is not a chemical booster, it acts slowly to give desirable results.
4. “Shilajit can only be used as viagra” The most common myth about shilajit is that it is the alternative of viagra (A allopathic medicine to improve sexual activity in males). The first thing that comes in everyone’s mind after listening about shilajit is this. So it is the biggest myth!! Because shilajit is a natural immunity booster. It improves stamina, strength and acts as anti-ageing. This nourishes each cell of the body and removes all the harmful endotoxins. So shilajit is an amazing rasayan which can be consumed by everyone.
5. “Shilajit should not be cleaned or refined as it sheds off its nutrients” some other myth that comes is that shilajit can be taken in raw or unprocessed form because when it goes for refining it sheds off its nutritional value. But this is not true. As “International Journal of Ayurveda Research” warns to take impure form of shilajit because it contains fungus growth, free radicals etc. So it should be taken after a proper cleaning and refining process.

These are all the myths which should be replaced with the true facts that are already explained earlier. Now we will see some more medicinal benefits or properties about Shilajit.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

• Immunity modulator
• Antioxidant
• Rasayan (rejuvenator)
• Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac)
• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antidiabetic
• Anti aging
• Relaxes nerves and central nervous system
• Anthelmintic

INDICATIONS

Shilajit can be indicated in

• Polyuria
• Calculus
• Diabetes mellitus
• Dysuria
• Asthma
• Hemorrhoids
• Anemia
• Epilepsy
• Hysteria
• Edema
• Skin diseases
• Worm infestations

Shilajit is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s an effective and safe supplement that can have a positive effect on your overall health and well-being.

Here’s a look at eight other ways to use shilajit.

1. Prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, behavior, and thinking. Drug treatments are available to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

However, based on the molecular composition of shilajit, some researchers believe shilajit may help prevent or slowTrusted Source the progression of Alzheimer’s.

The primary component of shilajit is an antioxidant known as fulvic acid. This powerful antioxidant contributes to cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of your nervous system, but a buildup can trigger brain cell damage.

Researchers think that the fulvic acid in shilajit may stop the abnormal buildup of tau protein and reduce inflammation, potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, more research and clinical trials are needed.

2. Raise testosterone

Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone, but some men have a lower level than others. Signs of low testosterone include:

• a low sex drive
• hair loss
• loss of muscle mass
• fatigue
• increased body fat

In one clinical studyTrusted Source of male volunteers ages 45-55, half of the participants were given a placebo, and half were given a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice a day.

After 90 consecutive days, the study found that participants receiving purified shilajit had a significantly higher testosterone level compared to the placebo group.

3. Treat chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term condition that causes extreme tiredness or fatigue. CFS can make it difficult to go to work or school, and simple everyday activities can prove challenging. Researchers think that shilajit supplements may reduce symptoms of CFS and restore energy.

CFS has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This occurs when your cells don’t produce enough energy.

In a study from 2012, researchers gave lab rats shilajit for 21 days and then induced CFS by forcing the rats to swim 15 minutes for 21 consecutive days. The results found that shilajit helped reduce the effects of CFS. They think this was the result of the shilajit helping to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction.

Based on these results, naturally boosting your body’s mitochondrial function with shilajit supplements may help improve energy levels.

4. Slow aging

Since shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it may also protecTrusted Sourcet against free radicals and cellular damage.

As a result, regular use of shilajit may contribute to longevity, a slower aging process, and overall better health.

5. Reduce altitude sickness

A higher altitude can trigger a range of symptoms, including:

• pulmonary edema
• insomnia
• lethargy, or feeling tired or sluggish
• body pain
• dementia
• hypoxia

Altitude sickness can be triggered by low atmospheric pressure, cold temperatures, or high wind velocity. Researchers think that shilajit may help you overcome high altitude problems.

Shilajit contains fulvic acid and more than 84 mineralsTrusted Source, so it offers numerous 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.

Because of these benefits, shilajit is thought to help counteract many symptoms associated with higher altitudes.

6. Treat iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can result from a low-iron diet, blood loss, or an inability to absorb iron. Symptoms include:

• fatigue
• weakness
• cold hands and feet
• headache
• irregular heartbeat

Shilajit supplements, however, may gradually increase iron levels.

A study divided 18 rats into three groups of six. Researchers induced anemia in the second and third groups. Rats in the third group received 500 mg of shilajit after 11 days.

Researchers collected blood samples from all groups on day 21. The results revealed that rats in the third group had higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells compared to rats in the second group. These are all vital components of your blood.

7. Treat infertility

Shilajit is also a safe supplement for male infertility. In one study, a group of 60 infertile men took shilajit twice a day for 90 days after meals. At the end of the 90-day period, more than 60 percent of the study participants showed an increase in total sperm count.

More than 12%Trusted Source had an increase in sperm motility. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm in a sample to move adequately, an important part of fertility.

8. Support heart health

Shilajit, as a dietary supplement, may also improve heart health. Researchers tested the cardiac performance of shilajit on lab rats.

After receiving a pretreatment of shilajit, some rats were injected with isoproterenol to induce heart injury. The study found that rats given shilajit prior to cardiac injury had fewer cardiac lesions.

You shouldn’t take shilajit if you have active heart disease.

9. Help improve bone density in females

During menopause, many females assigned at birth (FAAB) can begin to lose bone mass, making bones weaker.

According to a 2022 studyTrusted Source, taking Shilajit supplements daily may help postmenopausal women with bone mass loss improve their bone mineral density.

This can help reduce the chance of conditions like osteoporosis and injuries like fractures.

Is it safe to take Shilajit every day?

Although this herb is natural and safe, you shouldn’t consume raw or unprocessed shilajit. Raw shilajit may contain heavy metal ions, free radicals, fungus, and other contaminations that can make you sick. Whether you purchase online or from a natural or health food store, make sure shilajit is purified and ready for use.

Because this is considered an herbal approach to health, shilajit isn’t monitored for quality, purity, or strength by the Food and Drug Administration. Carefully research your options of where to purchase it and choose a reputable source.

Who should avoid taking Shilajit?

Don’t take shilajit if you have sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis (too much iron in your blood), or thalassemia. It’s possible to be allergic to this supplement. Stop taking Shilajit if you develop a rash, increased heart rate, or dizziness.

How to use it

Shilajit is available in liquid and powder forms. Always administer supplements according to instructions.

If you buy the supplement in liquid form, dissolve a portion the size of a grain of rice or a pea size in liquid and drink one to three times a day, depending on the instructions.

Or you can take shilajit powder twice a day with milk. There needs to be more research to determine the optimal dose, so speak with your doctor before taking shilajit.

Takeaway

Found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas, Shilajit is a sticky substance that forms over centuries as plants decompose. It’s frequently utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and may offer many health benefits.

However, more research is needed to better understand the appropriate dose and how the substance works. If you are considering taking shilajit, speak with your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you.