Famous as the “Destroyer of weakness” among the Ayurvedic medicines, Shilajit is a famous naturally healing component or roushadhi. The modern health benefits of Shilajit speak for themselves; however, there is also a rich legacy of traditional Ayurvedic uses attached to it. Speaking of what Shilajit really is, brings us to paint a soothing picture of the Himalayas in our minds from where it is majorly sourced. It is the years-old decomposed plant matter found pressed in between huge Himalayan rocks.
As we know, Shilajit has been used for medicinal purposes from times immemorial. Shilajit often has a reference as “Rasayana” in Siddha and Ayurveda. Traditionally, in the summer months detailed ayurvedic scriptures, Jeshta and Ashda, the intense heat was directly absorbed by the Himalayas melting the semisolid resin-like substance called “shilajatu” which we also call shilajit. This bioactive substance found in high altitude mountains is rich in humic and fulvic acid. Shilajit is sticky and looks like coal tar but on drying it gets a luminous shine.
Ayurvedic Indications For Shilajit
Ayurveda is a holistic science about herbal remedies that has extensively mentioned using the time-tested mineral compound many times in various ayurvedic scriptures as well as journals of Susruta and Charaka.
Its uses are primarily indicated for the following purposes and conditions – Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders), Prameha (regulates diabetes), Medhya (enhances intelligence), Rasayani (rejuvenates the entire body), Balya (repairs muscle tissues), Deepana (enhances fire in the stomach), Pachana (assists in digestion), Rochana (stimulation of appetite), Vamana (prevents conditions like vomiting and nausea), Shonitasthapana (prevents blood flow), Pandu (provides treatment for anaemia), Varnya (improves skin complexion), Kshayajit (treats diseases like tuberculosis), Vayasthapana (prevents signs of ageing), Jvara (can treat fever), Anulomana (imrpoves breathing mechanism), Kasahara (provides relief from cough), Shwasha (prevents shortness of breath and breathlessness), Amahara (improves digestion and treats digestion issues), Dahahara (provides relief fromburning sensation), Trutahara (keeps body hydrated), Gulmajit (helpful for abdominal tumours), Hikkanigrahana (gets one rid of hiccups), Kantya (relaxes sore throat), Triptighno (provides relief for pseudo-satiation), Hridaya (can naturally treat heart diseases), Krichra (natural treatment of painful micturition), Chakushya (can improve eyesight), Garbhaprada (natural cure for infertility), Vamanopaga (natural treatment for emesis), Sangrahini (natural treatment for diarrhoea), Kustha (natural treatment for skin disorders), Kamala (can prevent jaundice), Krimihara (gets one rid of intestinal worms), Kanthya (improves vocal cords), Arsha (naturally treats piles), and Pushtida (great for holistic nutrition).
Uses of Shilajit in Ayurveda
Shilajit contains 4 of the 6 ayurvedic tastes. It is salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent carrying virya or heating energy. If used in excess, the gentle healing and balancing of all doshas by shilajit can aggravate pitta. Having an affinity for mutra vaha sotra (urine system), Shilajit strengthens the urinary system and kidneys by clearing the stagnation of Vata and stimulating the flow of apana vayu in the pelvic region.
Shilajit has potent effects on the fat tissues or medhas dhatu and ambuvaha srotas (channels of water) in the body. This effect of Shilajit is powerful for both decent weight loss and regulation of blood sugar levels.
For reproductive health, Shilajit is well known for improving shukra dhatu. In simple words, Shilajit is famous for stimulating sex organ functioning in both men and women. Being a Rasayana, Shilajit provides nourishment and strength that benefits the whole reproductive system. It saves the body from weakness, excess of Vata, and premature degeneration of these organs.
The bone and blood health is also taken care of by Shilajit. The high mineral content in Shilajit efficiently supports asthi dhatu (bone) and rakta dhatu (blood). Shilajit does so by offering natural cleansing and removing accumulated toxins. The three doshas of Ayurveda are well managed by shilajit, which is also responsible for the renewal of tissue health. This helps in muscle repair and rejuvenation of the overall body health.
Shilajit is an excellent natural adaptogen. The high mineral content of this natural mineral pitch supports many body functions. It especially supports the adrenal glands and maintains healthy energy levels in the body. This is the reason why it is famous for keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
Shilajit is also infamously known as yoga vahi (joining carrier) because of its exceptional ability to carry nutrients to various parts of the body. This proper reaching of nutrients in the body makes it work very effectively. This feature of shilajit also makes its consumption compatible with other herbs and supplements.
How to Consume Shilajit
Ayurveda has a special place for taste. Thus, it suggests tasting the herbs first, which is only possible when they are in a powdered form. Hence it is primarily recommended to take shilajit in a powdered form by Ayurveda.
Shilajit is a sticky and dense substance in nature. It does not naturally occur in powdered form. This is why even the best of brands provide shilajit either in its raw form or in tablets. Shilajit tablets are generally much safer and convenient to consume in the daily diet. Shilajit tablets effectively provide all the health benefits of shilajit.
Shilajit tablets are easy-to-use supplements to be added to the daily routine. The recommendation generally given is to take 1–2 tablets, once or twice daily. The quantity can be anywhere between 250mg to 1000mg per day. This means a person can take 2 tablets with milk or water daily. However, every person’s nutritional needs are subjective. Therefore it is vital to consult a doctor or ayurvedic expert before incorporating any amount of shilajit in the dietary routine.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, the resinous exudation of mineral pitch has been gathered from the Himalayas. Shilajit has been mentioned in various ayurvedic scriptures as an ultimate natural remedy for a number of health anomalies. Shilajit is an incredible medicinal compound that is a classified adaptogen that helps relax anxiety and stress.
It is also a powerful aphrodisiac famous for improving libido, enhancing fertility, and improving the overall reproductive health in both men and women. All in all, Shilajit is an ayurvedic superstar to rejuvenate body stamina and immunity.
