Shaliajit…what is it?

Shilajit is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a blackish-brownish resin that oozes from high mountain rocks, particularly in the Himalayan and Tibetan mountains. Shilajit is formed over centuries through the slow decomposition of plants and contains a rich array of minerals, including iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc. It is also rich in antioxidants, including fulvic acid, which is believed to have numerous health benefits.

Shilajit has been used traditionally to treat various health conditions, including fatigue, low energy, and cognitive impairment. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, making it a popular supplement among athletes and individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Chemical Components of Shilajit

Shilajit is composed of humins, humic acid, and fulvic acid, with fulvic acid being the major component that accounts for 60 to 80% of its nutraceutical components. Other components present in Shilajit include fatty acids, resins, albumins, polyphenols, phenolic lipids, triterpenes, sterols, aromatic carboxylic acids, coumarins, latex, gums, and amino acids. Additionally, Shilajit contains more than 84 minerals, including silver, copper, zinc, and iron.

Properties of Shilajit

Shilajit has been found to have various properties, including:

• Anti-inflammatory activity

• Antioxidant properties

• Memory-enhancing properties

• Anti-Alzheimer properties

• Blood sugar-lowering effect

• Anti-asthmatic properties

• Anti-tumor activity

• Seizure benefits

• Heart, kidney, and liver health benefits

• Digestive properties

Traditional Uses of Shilajit

Shilajit has been used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including:

• Chronic bronchitis

• Anemia

• Enlarged spleen

• Genitourinary disorders

• Jaundice

• Digestive disorders

• Nervous disorders

Modern Research on Shilajit

Recent studies have shown that Shilajit has potential uses in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Fulvic acid in Shilajit has been found to block tau self-aggregation, a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, Shilajit has been found to have a negative chronotropic effect on the heart of Daphnia at low concentrations.

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Shilajit, it is clear that this natural substance has the potential to improve overall health and well-being.