History. Since ancient times, shilajit has been a folk medicine in Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Central Asia and Tibet. Shilajit has been used as a folk medicine and in alternative medicine for more than four thousand years.
Shilajit has been known and used for centuries by the Ayurvedic medicine, as a rejuvenator and as antiaging compound. There are two important characteristics of a rasayana compound in the ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine: that is, to increase physical strength and to promote human health.
Shilajit is a Sanskrit word meaning “Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness” and ‘Winner of rock’.[24] Its other names are Silajit and Silaras in Sanskrit,[15] Shilajita Mumiyo, Mineral pitch, Asphalt, Jew’s pitch, Mineral wax, or Ozokerite in English.
Shilajit is found to exudate from rocks of cliff at an altitude of 2000-4000 m as a water-soluble mixture of black paste and animal feces of Trodocterus spp. or Ochotona spp
It was observed that monkeys in the Himalayan mountains appeared to remain agile in their old age, unlike their counterparts from Europe. These monkeys were seen eating black tar-like rocks and upon further investigation, the indigenous people there confirmed that it was Shilajit which was responsible for their wellness.
Here are some of the health benefits of Shilajit ¹ ²:
– Improves stamina and battles fatigue: Shilajit is considered a rejuvenating remedy in Ayurveda and siddha medicine. It can help revitalize the body, reduce ailments and improve your quality of life.
– Boosts hemoglobin levels and iron absorption: Shilajit can help improve hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count and fight iron-deficiency anemia.
– Improves testosterone levels and fertility in men: Shilajit may offer respite to men looking to raise their testosterone levels to boost fertility.
– Protects bones and joints: Shilajit is also good for your bones and can be used to help fight conditions like osteoporosis.
– Offers relief from pain: Shilajit also works as an analgesic, easing pain and other discomfort associated with inflammatory or chronic illnesses.
– Helps cope with stress: Shilajit has adaptogenic properties you can tap into if stress is a constant reality.
– Boosts function of the urinary system: Shilajit is a diuretic and has applications for urinary problems in Ayurveda.
– Fights microbial infections: Shilajit may be a possible remedy for some common viral infections.
– Helps protect the heart: Shilajit may work as a cardiotonic thanks to its antioxidant benefits.
– Helps manage diabetes: Shilajit has garnered attention for its potential to help those with type 2 diabetes.
It has a Bitter, salty, smoky, and tinged with an earthy tang kind of taste, so most people prefer to take a few drops in their coffe / tea / squash, so they can’t taste it. A person can dissolve a pea-sized portion of shilajit in liquid and drink it up to three times a day.