Shilajit (Black Asphaltum) – Medicinal Properties, Health Benefits & Dosage

Introduction

Shilajit is considered as a useful health tonic as well as a nutritional supplement. In addition to its usage as a nutritional supplement, it is also beneficial in treating various diseases in Ayurveda. It has a widely therapeutic value.

According to Master Charaka, there is no curable disease in the universe which is not effectively cured by Shilajit. It is known to Indians since ages. The benefits of Shilajit is mentioned in Ancient Ayurvedic texts which were written around 3000 years ago.

In ancient times, the mountains get heated due to strong sun rays which result in the melting of layers of the mountain, yielding a raisin kind of semi-solid liquid Shilajit. This appears like coal tar in consistency and upon drying, it gains shine. It readily dissolves in water.

Properties of Shilajit According to Ayurveda

• Rasa (Taste): Pungent, Bitter and Astringent

• Vipaka (Taste after digestion): Astringent

• Gun (Quality): Dry, light in digestion

• Virya (Potency): Hot

• Effect on doshas (Tri-energies): Pacifies Vata and Kapha and detoxifies Pitta dosha

• Effect on Organs: Nerves, kidneys, endocrine glands (especially thyroid gland), reproductive organs.

Chemical Composition

Shilajit (Black Asphaltum) is a complex mixture of humic substances like fulvic acid, humins and humic acids. It is also a source of selenium and other minerals in trace amounts. Mainly, fulvic acid content of shilajit is responsible for its therapeutic value.

Shilajit is Useful in Variety of Disorders Like:-

1. Stress Disorders and Anxiety

Shilajit has an anxiolytic property and it has anti-stress effect. Due to this, it is highly beneficial in all types of stress disorders and anxiety. The fulvic acid present in shilajit is responsible for its anti-depressant effect.

2. Alzheimer's Disease

Shilajit along with other herbal remedies is beneficial in alzheimer’s disease as shilajit with other combinations can prevent further changes in behaviour and personality and treat all the symptoms including anxiety, depression, mood swings, delusions, aggressiveness and irritability.

3. Obesity

For the purification of Shilajit, it is processed with Triphala decoction in order to make it consumable. This process increases its anti-obesity characteristics because of the presence of Triphala. It provides nutritional support in weight loss and prevents loss of energy during any weight loss program.

4. Atherosclerosis

Shilajit has anti-inflammatory properties as it reduces inflammation in the blood vessels. It also reduces cholesterol and lipid levels, which is considered as the root cause of plaque formation. It reduces stiffness of the blood vessels and provides more flexibility and elasticity.

5. Chronic Constipation

The intestines become weak in chronic constipation. Due to this, peristaltic movements of intestines also decrease. In such cases, patients require remedies to strengthen the intestines and to restore the natural peristaltic movements and to improve bile secretion.

6. Arthritic Disorders

Shilajit has an anti-inflammatory action therefore it is useful in the joint and muscle disorders visible as it reduces edema as well as mild pain. In osteoarthritis, it provides nutritional support to the joints and strengthens them.

7. Gout

In gout, shilajit reduces uric acid naturally. Chanderprabha Vati is a common ayurvedic formulation of Ayurveda. Shilajeet is a component used in Chanderprabha Vati.

8. Chronic Dysmenorrhoea or Pelvic Pain

Shilajit provides strength to the uterus and pelvic in women. It is also effective in chronic cases.

9. Frequent Urination

Shilajeet initially increases frequency of urination, but it is only for a short period. After some time, it corrects and restores the natural urination process which helps in combating the problem of frequent urination. Thus, consumption of Shilajeet is beneficial for older persons also as it provides strength to their body.

10. High Blood Pressure due to Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol increases the blood pressure. In the cases of high blood pressure due to excessive alcohol intake, consumption of shilajit capsules is considered as beneficial.

11. Infertility due to Oligospermia

Shilajit increases total sperm count and also improves sperm motility. It helps in treating oligospermia by increasing sperm count and maintaining optimum health of the reproductive organs. It has aphrodisiac action and therefore a crucial ingredient in all men’s supplements.

12. Anti-Oxidant Action

Shilajit has an anti-oxidant action which is attributed because of its active constituents such as benzopyrenes and fulvic acid. Antioxidants help in balancing the free radicals and prevents oxidation in the body. The fulvic acid in the shilajit is an active constituent in it which acts as electron donor and as well as electron acceptor. Thus, it reduces free radicals in the body by balancing them.

13. Diabetes Mellitus

Shilajit also helps in patients with mellitus. It is effective in providing strength and boosting the pancreas function and insulin sensitivity in the cells. It is commonly used to reduce the frequent urination due to diabetes mellitus.

Other Health Benefits of Shilajit are:

1. Congestive heart failure
2. High cholesterol levels
3. Breathing trouble or cough
4. Osteoarthritis
5. Chronic problem of gas or flatulence
6. Chronic dysmenorrhoea or pelvic pain
7. Leucorrhoea
8. Infertility due to oligospermia

Dr. Vikram Chauhan is MD in Ayurvedic Medicine and an expert Ayurveda consultant from Chandigarh and practicing in Mohali, India. He is an Author of Book - Ayurveda - God's manual for healing.