Shilajit is a miraculous, having reverence from time immemorial, full of rejuvenating, adaptogenic, and aphrodisiac properties, and it has earned for itself name like “destroyer of weakness” and “conqueror of mountains”. The following is a summary of information available about Shilajit in Ayurveda.
Botanical Description and Source
Shilajit is a mineral pitch, blackish-brown in color, resinous exudate, oozing from rocks in high mountain ranges, particularly the Himalayas, during the summer months. It gets formed over centuries from the decomposition of vegetative matter and is, therefore, a rich source of fulvic acid and humic acid, besides being enriched with a good number of minerals.
Taste Secondary Energetics
It is bitter and astringent by taste, and has heating energy. The after-taste, or post-digestive effect, is pungent by taste. It controls/levels imbalanced Vata and Kapha doshas, and an imbalanced Pitta dosha will get raised or aggravated if taken in excess.
Properties and Uses
Rejuvenation (Rasayana): Shilajit, by Ayurvedic traditions and practices, involves the rejuvenation process at the most profound level. This helps regenerate the tissues, long life with perfect health, and increases vigor and potency.
Adaptogenic, Stress Relief: Shilajit belongs to the group of adaptogens and, as such, it helps the body withstand physical and mental stress. It boosts energy, diminishes fatigue, and improves mental clearness and attention.
Stimulating Strength and Stamina: Shilajit is taken to be by far one of the best herbs to enhance physical strength and stamina. People who take this are either athletes or those trying to gain better physical performance and stamina.
Male Reproductive Health: Shilajit is a very powerful aphrodisiac in promoting health in the male reproductive system. It increases libido, improves the quality and quantity of sperm, and rectifies low libido conditions, such as erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Female Reproductive Health: Shilajit promotes female reproductivity by regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation, relieving pain during menstruation, and averting other forms of ovulation and imbalance of hormones.
Cognitive Function: Shilajit supports cognitive health by improving memory, concentration, and learning ability. It is beneficial for managing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Shilajit is an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves inflammation and thus is useful in treating a number of afflictions, including arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It also helps to reduce pain.
Immune Support: Shilajit supports a normal immune system by strengthening the body’s natural defenses. It combats infections and maintains a state of good health.
Digestive Health: Shilajit promotes digestive health through encouraging proper digestion and assimilation of food nutrients. It helps in maintaining good health through the prevention of experiences of indigestion, constipation, and bloating.
Controlling Blood Sugar: Shilajit helps to control blood sugar and is used in the management of diabetes. Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces levels of blood glucose.
Ayurvedic Formulations
Shilajit is one of the most highly used ingredients for preparing many Ayurvedic formulations in the form of churnas (powders), capsules, tablets, and resin forms. It is, in many cases, combined with other herbs to make them work better therapeutically. Following are the commonly prepared formulations:
Shilajit Resin: Purest form of Shilajit, taken as it is for its very potent action.
Shilajit Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts of Shilajit taken for multifarious health benefits.
Shilajit with Ashwagandha: Adjuvant meant for improving strength, stamina
Traditional Uses
More important than the above-mentioned conditions, Shilajit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic practice to augment general vigor, as well as lifespan, and to help with elements of heart health. It is commonly included in rasayanas (rejuvenative therapies) for the purpose of health promotion.
Safety Considerations
Shilajit is generally safe to use in appropriate doses, but sourcing from good suppliers is important to prevent contamination from heavy metals and other impurities. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals with pre-existing health conditions really need to seek help from healthcare providers prior to using Shilajit.
In general, Shilajit is expressed to be the most highly prized substance within Ayurveda, having strong rejuvenative, adaptogenic, and aphrodisiac properties. It is considered to be both bitter and astringent in taste and heating in nature, balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas. Used properly, according to Ayurvedic concepts, Shilajit can hold major potential in trended vitality, strength, and stamina building, as well as in other health ameliorating support.