Shilajit: A Wonder Drug of Ayurveda

2023-03-03 14:25:12

Shilajit is one of the most potent drugs with a wide range of benefits. It is a natural substance that is mainly found in the Himalayan mountains. Shilajit is a blackish brown powder that develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants. Shilajit is best known for its vitality boosting properties whereas it has many other benefits also.

 

Importance of Shilajit

Shilajit is considered to be one of the great Ayurvedic medicines. It is rich in various essential minerals and nutrients. It has many bioactive compounds (Phyto complex) consisting mainly of fulvic and humic acid. It has antioxidants to boost your body's immunity and memory, anti-inflammatory components, energy stimulants and diuretic properties to remove excess toxins from your body. Due to these benefits, Shilajit is believed to cure many health problems.

 

Uses of Shilajit

• Shilajit is used as a tonic in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Shilajit can be used as an anti-anxiety agent.
• Shilajit improves memory, which is especially useful for enhancing knowledge acquisition.
• Shilajit helps to improve the digestive system, especially in those suffering from constipation.
• Several medicines are made with the help of Shilajit to treat kidney stones.

Health Benefits of Shilajit

 

Increases sperm count-

Shilajit reduces stress and increases testosterone levels in men. A clinical study found that when Shilajit was given to men for 90 days, their sperm count increased by 60 percent and sperm motility by 12 percent.

 

Increases memory-

Dibezno-alpha-pyrones, a special compound found in Shilajit, prevents the breakdown of brain chemicals necessary for memory.

 

Boosts energy level-

Shilajit works on a cellular level, improves the function of mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell), and increases energy levels. Shilajit reduces stress and increases mitochondrial production, which is useful in treating people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

Improves the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease-

Alzheimer's causes problems with thinking, behavior and memory. The molecular composition of Shilajit slows or prevents the development of this disease.

 

Prevents Anaemia-

Shilajit is very useful in combating the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia such as irregular heartbeat, headache, cold hands and feet, weakness and fatigue. It makes people strong and increases the level of iron in their blood.

 

Helps in reducing blood sugar level-

Shilajit greatly helps in reducing the blood sugar level because of its diuretic properties and also very effective in improving the lipid profile.

 

Precautions while using Shilajit

Pregnant and lactating women must avoid using Shilajit as it is not safe and can cause many harmful effects like nausea, increased heart rate etc. Regular intake of Shilajit makes the immune system more active, so it should be given under proper medical supervision especially if the person is suffering from autoimmune disorders.

 

Allergies and Side Effects of Shilajit

Side effects of Shilajit are quite rare, but sometimes may appear when consumed wrongly. Prolonged or excessive use of Shilajit can cause various allergic reactions. It can also cause itching, increased heart rate, dizziness, loose motions, chest burn, headache, hyper sweating and nausea. Since taking high doses of Shilajit can lead to illness. Therefore, Shilajit should be used under doctor’s guidance.

 

Where is it commonly found?

Shilajit is often found on high mountain rocks, in the Himalayas, Karakoram, Bhutan, Nepal, Iran, Russia, Mongolia and in the south of Peru.