Shilajit is a sticky, black, tar-like natural resin found in mountainous rocks. The slow decomposition of plants and other organic material which remains trapped between mountainous rocks for centuries produces shilajit. Since ancient times, shilajit has been used in various ayurvedic medicines and as a health supplement in India. Shilajit helps in maintaining the body's energy and preventing various ailments. Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, which acts as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory enhancer.
Composition of Shilajit
The composition of shilajit depends on various factors such as species of plants involved, bacteria that may be involved, minerals present, humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressures, geothermal pressures, etc. Shilajit is mainly composed of humus substances (60-80%): Humins, Fulvic acid, and Humic acid, which act as anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, memory enhancers, and anti-aggregation of tau protein. Shilajit has 20-30% of selenium, minerals, and other trace elements necessary for the human body to function at optimal levels.
Types of Shilajit
There are mainly four types of shilajit depending on the mountainous rocks it is obtained from while extraction. Gold Shilajit or Swarna Shilajit that exudes from the reddish rocks containing gold. Silver Shilajit or Rajat Shilajit that seeps from the white-colored mountainous rocks containing silver. Copper Shilajit or Tamra Shilajit that exudes from the blue-colored mountainous rocks containing copper. Iron Shilajit or Lauha Shilajit is the most effective shilajit that seeps from the brownish-black rocks containing iron. Gold and silver shilajit are the rarest to obtain. Some mountainous rocks may provide a small amount of extra minerals. However, that additional amount of minerals is so small that it hardly makes a huge difference.
Different forms of Shilajit available in the market
Shilajit can be found in various forms such as liquid, resin, powder, tablets, or capsules. Shilajit resin is a smooth, waxy-like paste that is black or dark brown. Liquid Shilajit is a semi-thick fluid. The liquid form of shilajit is easier to dissolve in milk or water. Solid Shilajit is thicker than resin shilajit and is more concentrated. Shilajit powder available in the market comes in brown, back, or amber shades. A dark brown colored shilajit is of the highest quality. The shilajit powder, if appropriately formed, can become more concentrated than solid shilajit. The powder form is easy to mix in dense liquid diets. While shilajit tablets are usually made from shilajit powder by pressing the powder into a tablet. The tablet looks black-brown and is more comfortable for some people to swallow. Shilajit Capsules uses the powder form of shilajit in a veg capsule shell. Honeyline Shilajit capsules are made with premium concentrated herbs.
Benefits of Shilajit
- Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and affects other critical mental functions such as thinking, remembering, making decisions, impaired decision making, language, etc., which are necessary for day-to-day life. Researchers have found that fulvic acid in shilajit acts as an anti-aggregation of tau protein that may help prevent and slow Alzheimer's progression.
- Male Fertility: The primary reason shilajit is popular in the contemporary world is because it helps boost the total sperm count and sperm motility. In a study, a group of men who took shilajit regularly over a period of time was found to have a significantly higher testosterone level than others.
- Ageing: The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of shilajit help protect against free radicals and cellular damage, which slows ageing, thereby improving longevity.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Physical and mental stress can cause severe loss of energy which causes excessive fatigue. Researchers believe that shilajit may help restore body energy and improve cellular functions in the body which can help treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with time.
- Anaemia: Anaemia occurs due to less haemoglobin present in the body. Iron is a prominent part of haemoglobin. Shilajit, which is rich in humic acid and iron, may help treat iron deficiency anaemia.
- Heart Health: Shilajit is a potent anti-oxidant that may help prevent heart diseases. The humic acid present in shilajit helps lower the blood fats, which reduces the chances of heart stroke. However, shilajit shouldn't be consumed while having active heart disease or hypertension as it can cause lower blood pressure.
- Cancer: Fulvic acid and humic acid help prevent the growth of cancer and improve the overall immune system of the body to fight cancer. Shilajit not only helps fight cancer but also helps protect from dangerous radiation damage. Shilajit has anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been considered useful in lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer.
Other uses of Shilajit
Shilajit helps with stress and anxiety, treats wounds and ulcers, remedies pain and inflammation. Shilajit also improves skin elasticity or skin inflammation. It also helps with altitude sickness by improving immunity and brain functioning. Shilajit helps in weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing the accumulation of bad cholesterol.
Side effects of Shilajit
- Shilajit can increase uric acid levels in the body. People with gout or arthritis problems should consult doctors before consuming.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking shilajit due to the lack of scientific evidence.
- Shilajit may lower blood glucose levels which can be risky for people on high blood pressure medications. Therefore regular monitoring of the blood glucose level is advised while taking shilajit along with anti-diabetic drugs.
- People with active heart disease or those who have a history of hypotension should avoid consuming shilajit as it can cause a drop in blood pressure.
- A high dose of shilajit can lead to a burning sensation in the body. It is advised to consult your dietician before consuming shilajit in high doses.
- Shilajit may increase iron levels in the body, so people with hemochromatosis (which causes the increase of iron in the blood) should avoid consuming it.
- Some people may develop allergic reactions to shilajit; therefore, discontinue taking shilajit if you develop a rash, increased heart rate, or dizziness.
Can Shilajit help fight Coronavirus?
Shilajit acts as an antiviral. The minerals present in shilajit may help fight viruses. According to research, shilajit can help fight and kill different viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes viruses. However, more studies and trials are needed to be carried out to back up these claims. Shilajit helps boost immunity, which is necessary to fight foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses, etc., and diseases.
Shilajit Dosage
The recommended dosage of shilajit varies from person to person, but in literature, 600 mg of shilajit per day is safe to consume by adults. The capsule or tablet form of shilajit already has a pre-measured amount which is easier for regular intake. Consulting any ayurvedic practitioner or dietician before introducing shilajit in your diet is recommended, especially if you have any medical condition.
How to buy good Shilajit supplements?
- Check if shilajit available is pure and concentrated in fulvic acid.
- Avoid buying a raw or unprocessed form of shilajit which can cause sickness as it may contain heavy metals, free radicals, fungus, etc.
- Check whether the shilajit available is certified.
Why should you buy Honeyline Shilajit?
Honeyline Shilajit contains 7% Fulvic Acid (w/w) which is significantly higher when compared to the regular 3-5% Fulvic Acid (w/w) concentration products available in the market. 7% Fulvic Acid concentration means that 1gm of Honeyline Shilajit is equivalent to 5.6gm of raw shilajit, which has only 1-1.5% Fulvic Acid.
Frequently Asked Questions on Shilajit
When to take Shilajit?
The best time to take shilajit is an empty stomach in the morning and before sleeping in the night. However, if you develop any heat condition at night, avoid taking shilajit at night to prevent sleep disruption.
How long should I take Shilajit?
The duration of Shilajit Course to be taken varies from person to person & the desired results. For most cases, Shilajit can be taken for a prolonged duration, preferably lifetime or at least till the results are achieved. It is recommended to consult your ayurvedic doctor/nutritionist/dietician to decide upon how long shilajit should be taken in your case.
How to take Shilajit?
Shilajit is best consumed by dissolving it in warm milk or water. Alternatively, shilajit can be mixed in your morning tea, yogurt, smoothies, etc. People with a swallowing problem, severe nausea or vomiting, can take shilajit by dissolving it in honey and allowing the shilajit to be absorbed through the mouth.
Can kids consume Shilajit?
Shilajit is a potent and powerful substance; therefore, it is not advised to give it to children. Consulting an ayurvedic practitioner is recommended if you wish to include shilajit in your children's diet.
Is Shilajit beneficial for women?
Both men and women can consume shilajit. Shilajit benefits both genders in boosting their immunity and body energy. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, detoxifying the reproductive organs and improving iron deficiency in women.
Can Shilajit be taken raw?
Shilajit should not be consumed raw or unprocessed, as it may contain heavy metals, free radicals, fungus growth, etc. The presence of free radicals in raw shilajit may damage cells and cellular structures in the body.
Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.
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