Shilajit or Shilajeet is one of the most powerful and effective single substance in Ayurveda and possesses the place of a Super-nutrient whose energy and vitality boosting effect don’t have a comparison in entire arena of herbs or dietary supplements. It provides antioxidants, organic compounds, minerals and trace minerals. It is also known as Asphaltum or Asphaltum punjabinum.
Ancient View Regarding Shilajit:
Many researchers claim that Shilajit is an exudate from the rocks of mountains and is basically derived from vegetative source. Several verses of Sushruta Samhita and Rasatarangini, the ancient reference books of Ayurveda, also maintain this point of view.
According to Sushruta, in the months of May-June the sap or juice of plants (buried long away) comes out as exudation from the rocks of mountains due to strong heat of sun. Rasatarangini also claim that the Shilajit is an exudation of plants which comes from the rocks of mountains in presence of scorching heat. It is soluble in water and used in Ayurveda only after purification along the prescribed methods.
Modern View About Shilajit:
Shilajeet is a source of Ionized and Activated form of Minerals and trace minerals. The Minerals are present in chelated forms that are highly bioavailable.
It also has fulvic acid, humic acid, hippuric acid and benzopyrones which are considered bioactive phytonutrients that are supposed to be derived from rock rhizospere (plants found deep inside rocks).
Prominence of Shilajit in Ayurveda:
Shilajeet is a Sanskrit word meaning "Conqueror of Mountains and Destroyer of Weakness." It is considered as one of the most important “Rasayana” or Rejuvenating agent. Ayurvedic texts contain formulas of many Rasayana and most of them contain many herbs and minerals.
“Jara-Vyadhi-Prashamanam Dehadardhyakaram Param Medha Smritikaram Balyam Kshirashi Tatprojyate”
“Shilajeet possesses antiaging and youthfulness promoting properties, improves vitality, stamina and strength of body; enhances the natural resistance of body against disorders; Improves memory and intelligence.”
(Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthan, Ch.1-3/19)
Benefits of Shilajit:
Disease Modifying Capability of Asphaltum: This activity is commonly found in Autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis and manifests the symptoms. Researchers from Montana State University, USA found carboxylic group fraction of Shilajeet and fulvic acid (II arabinogalactan) possessing complement fixating property. This activity is responsible for therapeutic benefits of Shilajeet in Autoimmune disorders. According to Ayurveda, Autoimmune disorders are related to immunity and “Avrita Vata” (Complex disorders with covering of vitiated Doshas) and Shilajeet is the most important supplement for all these disorders.
Antiaging – Promotes Youthfulness and Longevity - Asphaltum:The minerals and plant nutrients in Shilajeet provide powerful antioxidants in body that scavenge free radicals and prevent degenerative changes in body. Antioxidants are responsible for retarding aging process, improving youthfulness and longevity.
Highly Bioavailable and Chelated Minerals: Minerals need to be chelated, bound to a protein molecule, to be bioavailable. (Mineral assimilation without chelation is only about 10%.) Fulvic acid, a by-product of plant photosynthesis, is the strongest chelating agent known. Fulvic acid is what makes the trace minerals in Shilajeet highly bioavailable. They act as free radical scavengers, supply vital electrolytes, buffers pH, enhance and transport nutrients, catalyze enzyme reactions, increase assimilation, chelate macro and trace minerals, and enhance electrochemical balance.
Shilajeet Helps Reduce Risk of Degenerative Disorders: Shilajeet is capable of rendering harmful heavy metals from inside tissues and body harmless by turning them into organic and safe for body. For example, Aluminum could be harmful when present in excess inside body. Fulvic Acid converts it into Aluminum Silicate which is safe as it is present in staple foods as beans that we consume in sufficient quantity.
Asphaltum Improves Energy Levels: It energizes the physiology without overstimulation or any negative effects by providing minerals, trace minerals and organic nutrients. Many people who use it tell that its energy boosting effect is like no other supplement.
Asphaltum as Top Rated Adaptogen: It is also a powerfulAdaptogenic that improves natural resistance of body against disorders and enhances immunity.
Shilajeet as Powerful Aphrodisiac for Men and Women: It is anAphrodisiac for both men and women. It improves vitality and libido. The health of reproductive system is maintained for optimal sexual enjoyment and fertility.
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