Shilajit – Side Effects, Facts, Health Benefits, Uses

Shilajit – Side Effects, Facts, Health Benefits, Uses:

Facts

Shilajit is an Indian Sanskrit word that means “invincible stone.” It was a sacred stone in the Ayurvedic tradition and is famous for its outstanding health benefits.

This substance is found in the mountainous regions of Asia. It has been proven that this particular material possesses a great capacity of detoxification and that is a good energizer for the body.

It is a sticky substance similar to the resin, which drains from the highlands areas during the summer when it is heated by the sun. It takes centuries for it to form by decomposing plants and the activity of single microorganisms, such as Trifolium repens and Euphorbia royleana. Scientists consider it a millenary product of nature.

“Invincible stone” in different cultures

It is traditionally consumed with fermented raw milk by the people of Nepal, northern India, and Pakistan. Sherpa and Hunza people are known for their longevity and excellent health.

People from these regions have remarkable mental functions as they age, compared to those in Western countries, and they rarely suffer from age-related diseases.

Depending on the region and world culture, it has many names. In the Caucasus Mountains, the variations are slightly different, but it is usually called Mumijo. West regions have named it asphaltum (similar to asphalt) and mineral wax.

Nutritional Profile

It is a phytocomplex that contains more than 85 minerals in their ionic form and triterpenes, selenium, phospholipids, humic acid, and fulvic acid. These compounds have powerful antioxidant properties, while minerals have energy effects.

The compounds of Shilajit contain between 60-80% fulvic acid, with important anti-aging properties. Fulvic acid is soluble in water, it moves quickly through the system and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Recent studies have shown that the ORAC index (antioxidant capacity) of mumijo found in the Andes of Chile had between 50 and 500 Trolox units/g of material. This is a significant aspect because it contains a larger amount than many fruits that are known for their antioxidant capacities, such as noni and blueberry.

Uses and Health Benefits

It has shown considerable potential in preventing the self-aggregation of pathological filaments in the brain. This plays an important role in age-related mental decline and the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

It was also used to relieve the symptoms involved in urinary tract disorders, icterus, digestive problems, enlarged spleen, epilepsy, anxiety, chronic bronchitis, and anemia.

Mumijo is an ionic mineral catalyst

Mumijo promotes the movement of minerals within the muscles, tissues, and bones. Some translations of this Aryuvedic medicine include “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.”

It was thought to be able to conquer any disease and heal it, in correct doses and at proper times. It is considered an adaptogenic substance that helps people adapt to stressors.

Due to its ionic component and ability to galvanize minerals, it is very useful in kidney stones, gallstones, edema, and swelling.

It also helps prevent ulcers, reduces inflammation, improves blood sugar signaling, has antimicrobial properties, and improves memory and cognitive function.

It treats neuralgia and female diseases

In cases of defects of the female sexual organ tissue, such as wounds on the cervix and vaginal walls, the following treatment has proven to be effective starting the fifth day of administration: before and after the menstrual cycle, apply a tampon soaked in asphaltum solution on the affected area.

The treatment lasts 2-3 weeks and is repeated after each cycle, for six months. During these periods, there is no sexual intercourse.

Also, in cases of sciatica, neurodermatitis, or neuralgia, the administration can be done as a massage with asphaltum solution.

The product is applied for 3-5 minutes on the affected body parts. After each “session,” it was noticed that the sensation of muscle inflammation decreased, the sensations of pain and itching disappeared as well, and, in the following days, the patients were fully recovered after these messages.

Ideal for diets

Due to its metabolism-regulating action, it burns excess fat, thus helping obese people reach a normal body weight, without side effects such as fainting, anemia, or anorexia.

The administration is based on body weight, as follows: up to 70 kg – 0.2 g of mumijo, up to 80 kg – 0.3 g, up to 90 kg – 0.4 g, and for over 90 kg – 0.5 g of product per day.

Used as supplement

Most studies on mumijo were done in Asia, which makes this continent the source of experiments in this regard. Despite its remarkable health benefits, most people in the West have never heard of it because of the relative lack of interest in Western medicine.

Many herbal manufacturers have become aware of these health benefits and began marketing asphaltum in Western countries, making it available for everyone. Stores specializing in the distribution of this product sell a pure form of this substance from the Himalayan region.

Indications

Systemic administration of this natural product has been shown to slow the aging process and increase lifespan by 10-14 years.

To counteract the bitter taste (the recommendation is to hold it under the tongue until is completely dissolved) take it with a teaspoon of honey.

Side Effects of Shilajit

Alcohol is forbidden throughout the period of administration.

It is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 3 years old. Also, do not take shilajit hemochromatosis (too much iron in your blood), if you have sickle cell anemia (an inherited form of anemia), or thalassemia.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26395129

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