The name Shilajit is derived from two words, Shilajatu and Ati-Ruchikasad. Shilajit means "Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness," while Ruchikaasad means "most superior amongst ruchis or purest form of organic matter." Some also translate the name as "the Mover of mountains."
Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 3000 years. One of the reasons it has gained popularity in recent times is that it does not have any side effects or toxicity.
Shilajit is known to be one of nature's greatest gifts to humanity. It gives energy, stamina, virility, and longevity, cures many severe ailments, and is considered a panacea for diseases.
Where is Shilajit Found?
Shilajit is found in the mountains, particularly the Himalayan Mountains (Himvats). The rock-like substance oozes out of cracks in rocks due to extreme weathering by sun, wind, and rain. It has also been reported from volcanoes that are yet to erupt.
Once Shilajit seeps out of its rocky crevice, it gets exposed to the elements, air heat, etc. This turns it into a dark brown or blackish color that is semi-solid but still has fluidity. Shilajit also contains fulvic acid, which comes from the earth's surface, thus giving Shilajit different properties than the fulvic acid in the soil.
Most of the Shilajit commercially available today comes from Nepal and Tibet. However, recently some have been found in the United States and Canada. The one from America is contaminated with heavy metals and other impurities. Many shilajit products in India have synthetic additives, so it pays to be careful when choosing a good brand.
Shilajit contains about 85% minerals, vitamins, amino acids, etc., and 10-15% fulvic acid. Fulvic acid is believed to be Shilajit's bioactive component, resulting in all the health benefits of this herbal supplement.
What is shilajit used for?
Mountain climbers have used it for centuries to increase energy and improve endurance. It's known as 'the rejuvenator' in the Himalayas, where natives travel great distances seeking this rare herb, packing it into goatskins for transport back down the mountain.
It is widely believed that Shilajit is a powerful antioxidant, among other things. The scientific research on this subject, however, is inconclusive. One study shows that it may help with learning and memory; another suggests that shilajit can help regenerate nerves (the useful life of nerves is estimated to be around 50 years). The jury's still out about what shilajit does precisely, but there are several claims about its health benefits:
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Health Benefits of Shilajit
1) Shilajit improves oxygen utilization.
2) Shilajit stimulates the formation of new blood cells and activates your body's natural defense mechanisms.
3) Shilajit is a potent antioxidant that can protect you from ailments such as arthritis, cancer, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
4) Shilajit can help with diabetes by acting as an antioxidant that helps remove free radicals from your system.
5) It may also be effective in treating asthma. In one study involving ten adults, those who took shilajit experienced less resistance when breathing air into their lungs. However, in another study on children, there was no improvement in lung function after taking shilajit for six months.
6) Shilajit can help with erectile dysfunction, according to at least one study done in Siberia on menage 40-62. After taking shilajit, 100 percent of the study's participants reported improved performance while using 50-100mg twice daily. The effects are thought to be due to three alkaloids found in the herb: dibenzo alpha pyrones/Tetracyclic Benzpyrones (DBPs), triptanthrin, and triptans may have positive effects similar to Viagra.
7) It protects bone marrow against toxic damage caused by chemotherapy, according to a 2014 study published in Oncotarget, a journal focusing on the effects of molecular targets in cancer research.
Dosage: How much Shilajit should you take?
To date, no clinical studies have been conducted on humans to determine what dosage is necessary for any particular ailment. No standardization procedures are in place to ensure high quality or consistent products. If you're looking into shilajit supplements, choose a good brand that's tried and tested by other users. One of the most valuable features of this herb is its natural synergism with several other well-known herbs such as Rhodiola Rosea, ashwagandha, Panax ginseng, and holy basil.
In addition to taking it by itself, people typically consume it with one or more of these herbs to enhance anabolism while suppressing catism, which increases strength while simultaneously decreasing fatigue, according to preliminary research.
Should You Take Shilajit?
Shilajit is also found in combination with other substances like animal extracts and plant extracts, but most of the studies conducted so far have only tested it on its own.
The best way to approach shilajit is with an open mind because there's still no conclusive scientific evidence about what it does. There are many stories of success when combined with certain supplements or when used for specific purposes; however, there are just as many that don't work at all.
Finding out if shilajit works for you boils down to experimentation. One thing's for sure, though: its numerous health benefits make it worth a try.
Shilajit is a substance that has been used since time immemorial in Indian ayurvedic medicine to promote strength and vitality. It originates from the rocks of the Himalayan mountains, where it seeps through fissures due to weathering. While it has led to an extensive history of safe usage in India, scientific study of its effects on humans is minimal.
How long does it take for shilajit to work?
Shilajit is an exudation that oozes out layers of rocks in the Himalayas and contains a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. It has been used as a rejuvenator and an adaptogen for centuries in India, Tibet, China, and Russia. There are many claims about shilajit's benefits to health, but it's challenging to be clear about these effects because studies have been poorly designed. In this article, we look at shilajit properties and try to explain how it might work.
Shilajit is known as mineral pitch or black asphalt because of its appearance when fresh, dark brown, or black with a tar-like consistency; hence its name means 'conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness. It mainly comprises plants, animals, soil minerals (including humic acids), and bioactive amines.
It's collected in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan by Monpas or Kuirey local people gathered it from rocks along the Himalayan mountains where there is no vegetation. They make cuts on the rocks to release shilajit, which slowly flows out like black molasses; this process takes about ten days to 2 months, after which it becomes a semi-solid substance.
Compared with other herbal supplements, shilajit contains a wide range of ingredients, including many different plant materials and soil microbes. These include organic acids such as beta-sitosterol, dibenzo alpha pyrones, epi-beta-ecdysone, and a wide range of alkaloids found in plants which many have therapeutic activity. A small amount of oil is also present.
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Uses and Risks
Shilajit Uses
Shilajit has been used as an herbal medicine for rejuvenating, sexual dysfunction, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory health applications. It is also used for diabetes and stress-related problems such as anxiety and depression.
It's thought that the dibenzo alpha pyrones may be responsible for some of shilajit's beneficial effects through their ability to stimulate the release of growth hormone from the hypothalamus gland.
Risks and Side Effects
Shilajit inhibits platelet aggregation and enhances fibrinolysis, which may be a risk factor for some cardiovascular problems. Shilajit has been given to both animals and humans for its rejuvenating properties. In some cases, there were side effects such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypertension, and lower extremity edema. However, shilajit decreased platelet aggregation in this case, which may benefit those at risk from thrombosis. Any long-term toxicity data are absent; however, it's recommended that pregnant women avoid taking shilajit due to the possible mutagenic activity of some components.
Shilajit: A Powerful Adaptogen
Although the market for Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosuss), a similar adaptogen with a reputation for improving stamina, was bogged down with exaggerated health promotion, shilajit seems to have avoided this fate.
Shilajit is claimed to be an adaptogen because of the definition given by the Russian scientist Dardymov in 1969, namely 'a substance preventing illness or death following substantial physical or mental stress'.
Although no scientific studies have taken place on humans to establish whether it adapts to stress so that resistance or immunity is raised, many animal studies show such effects.
The way it might work as an adaptogen is not known. Still, dibenzo alpha pyrones and several chemical constituents such as beta-sitosterol, epi-beta-ecdone, and dibenzo alpha pyrone have been shown to stimulate the neural system, which may be responsible for this.
It's also promoted as an antioxidant, and increased concentrations of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were found in animals given Siberian ginseng.
Other effects include anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity because it has immune-boosting properties by increasing lymphocytes and proliferating cells in the immune response.
Shilajit can boost both humoral immunity (mediated by antibodies)and cell-mediated immunity. There are some excellent reviews on the biological effects of shilajit. I won't go into more detail here if you want further information about its health benefits.
Currently, there are no legally approved health claims for shilajit in the USA and Europe. However, we don't know whether it has side effects or drug interactions.
What to keep in mind when taking Shilajit?
It's not hard to find out how to take Shilajit; numerous sources talk about this substance, including its history and what you can expect. However, a little bit of research can go a long way in helping you learn about this substance so that you will gain the most benefit from your Shilajit capsules or tablets.
Look for Certified Shilajit Supplements
One of the first things people need to know is that not all supplements and extracts are equal; some accessories might claim to be made with shilajit, but they may contain minimal amounts of this substance – if any – because they're using an impure form.
Furthermore, there's also a massive range of different prices for supplements and extracts, which means it's essential for people who want high-quality shilajit supplements to look for supplements certified by an organization such as the National Sanitation Foundation or NSF.
These certifications mean that the product in question has been tested and meets specific quality standards, which is helpful for people who want to know how to take shilajit responsibly.
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Take Only the Recommended Dosage
One of the essential things about shilajit is that you should only take the recommended dosage to avoid risking your health.
Some manufacturers might claim their products are "natural," but they still have active ingredients, so if you take more than what's recommended on the label, you could face some side effects.
Furthermore, even though shilajit is a natural substance, it's also potent, which means taking too much could cause some problems.
Take Shilajit on an Empty Stomach
When you take shilajit supplements or extracts, you'll want to take them at least two hours after you've had any food so they have time to absorb properly. Most experts also recommend that you accept these capsules with water.
Still, if your stomach is going to be empty for a couple of hours, then tea would probably be better if there were any adverse interactions between the tea and the supplement.
What's more important is that you don't eat anything within two hours of taking a shilajit pill because it will delay absorption into your body.
Be Aware of the Time Frame
When you take shilajit, it moves into your body and then moves out again. Therefore, most people want to know how long they should take this substance to get the most significant benefit possible.
The consensus concerning time is that you should expect to take shilajit for up to 6 months, but you shouldn't go beyond six months because, after six months, there's no evidence of additional benefits with continued use.
Furthermore, past studies also suggest that using this supplement daily could be dangerous in some cases.
Don't Take Shilajit if You're Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
This one goes without saying because some supplements and herbs are not safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Therefore, if you're pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, you should stay away from shilajit because it could hurt your unborn child.
Know the Possible Side Effects
Even though this is a natural supplement, taking shilajit can have some side effects, so people want to know how to handle it responsibly. For example, some studies have shown that people who have taken too much of this supplement for an extended period could experience headaches and insomnia.
In addition, some individuals might experience mild digestive upset after taking this product for a short time, but this typically stops soon after they stop using it.
Other Factors
Some research has also shown that there could be some hormonal changes for people who take Shilajit for an extended period, so if you're planning on taking this product for several months, you'll want to factor in these possible hormonal effects.
Furthermore, there's no proof that Shilajit is safe for children or pets, so it should not be given to either one.
Finally, even though the production process can remove heavy metals from the supplement, some studies have shown that there may be traces of mercury left behind, which means that individuals with particular sensitivities might experience a reaction after using this supplement.
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Different Ways to take Shilajit
Shilajit can be consumed in a few different ways.
It can be taken orally in tablet form, mixed with water or honey, or placed under the tongue. It can also be used topically by mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to the skin. Some people also burn shilajit in a process called "moxibustion."
When taking shilajit orally, starting with a low dose is essential and gradually increasing as needed. The typical dosage range is 250-500 milligrams per day. It'sTaking shilajit with food is also necessary, as this can help reduce digestive issues.
When using shilajit topically, it's best to mix it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. This will help to dilute the shilajit and make it easier to apply. It's also essential to do a patch test on a small skin area before applying shilajit to a larger area.
Moxibustion is a process of burning shilajit on or near the skin. This can be done using a piece of shilajit or by burning moxa sticks made from dried shilajit. Moxibustion is said to help improve circulation and provide pain relief.
If you're interested in trying shilajit, you must speak with your healthcare provider first. This is especially important if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Shilajit is also not recommended for people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications.
The Bottom Line
Overall, knowing how to take Shilajit responsibly is essential because this natural substance does have the potential to cause adverse side effects if people take too much of it too frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shilajit increase size?
There is limited evidence to support this claim. Some people who have taken shilajit supplements report an increase in size, but no concrete scientific evidence supports this claim.
Is shilajit good for health?
Yes, shilajit is good for health.
It is a mineral-rich supplement that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Shilajit effectively treats various health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is safe to take but talk to your doctor before taking shilajit if you have any health concerns.
Can women take shilajit?
Yes, shilajit is safe for women to take.
It can help support overall health and well-being. It may also offer specific benefits for women, such as helping balance hormones and support reproductive health. If you have concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before taking shilajit.
How is shilajit made?
Shilajit is made from decomposed plant and animal matter in high-altitude rocks. The shilajit resin is collected by scraping it from the rocks and then purified to remove impurities. The final product is a black tar-like substance with a strong, earthy smell.
Shilajit is said to be a powerful rejuvenator. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. Shilajit is also known as the "black gold of the Himalayas" due to its high value in traditional medicine.
When to take Shilajit?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people take shilajit in the morning; others take it at night. It depends on your personal preference and schedule.
If you are taking shilajit for energy, it is generally best to take it in the morning. If you are taking shilajit for better sleep, it is generally best to take it at night. Experiment and see what works best for you!
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Can we take Ashwagandha and Shilajit together?
There is no known interaction between Ashwagandha and Shilajit, so it is likely safe to take them together. However, as with any supplements, it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Can I take shilajit with coffee?
There is no evidence that shilajit interacts with caffeine, so it is likely safe to take shilajit with coffee.
Does shilajit increase blood pressure?
There is not significant enough research to conclude either way. Some shilajit users say it has a blood pressure-lowering effect, while others report no change.
If you are concerned about shilajit's effect on blood pressure, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional.
How long should shilajit be taken?
There is no definitive answer to this question. The length of time shilajit should be taken will depend on the specific needs of the individual.
However, it is generally recommended that shilajit be taken for a minimum of three months to experience its full benefits.
How much shilajit should I take?
The correct dosage depends on various factors such as a person's age, weight, and health condition. It is best to start with a low dose and increase it gradually as needed.
Consult a healthcare practitioner for more specific recommendations.
How to take shilajit with milk?
Shilajit can be taken with milk to enhance its benefits. Mix one teaspoon of shilajit with warm milk and drink it once daily. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or ginger to improve the taste.
Is shilajit good for fatty liver?
Shilajit is a natural supplement thought to be beneficial for various health conditions. While there is limited research on shilajit and its specific effects on the fatty liver, some animal studies have shown that it may help to protect the liver from damage.
In addition, shilajit is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help reduce fatty liver symptoms. If you are interested in trying shilajit for your fatty liver, speak to your doctor first to see if it is correct.
How to use shilajit for bodybuilding?
Shilajit is a natural supplement thought to be beneficial for various health conditions. While there is limited research on shilajit and its specific effects on bodybuilding, some animal studies have shown that it may help to protect the muscles from damage.
In addition, shilajit is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce muscle soreness symptoms.
Is shilajit safe for people with diabetes?
There is limited research on shilajit and diabetes. However, shilajit does not seem to have significant interactions with diabetes medications.
Therefore, it is generally considered safe for people with diabetes to take shilajit. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor before taking shilajit.
What does shilajit do to your body?
Shilajit is an organic substance in the Himalayas composed of humus, decomposed plant matter, minerals, and rock. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is said to have numerous health benefits.
Shilajit is a natural source of fulvic acid and Trace Minerals, which are essential for human health. It is also a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to improve energy levels, stamina, and strength. Shilajit also aids in digestion and detoxification.
Shilajit is an all-natural substance and is safe for most people to take.
Where can I get pure shilajit in India?
If you are looking to buy shilajit resin in India, Leopard Nutrition is the perfect place to do so. We offer pure shilajit sourced from the Himalayas and contain no fillers or additives. Our shilajit is of the highest quality and can help to improve your overall health and well-being.
Can we take a shilajit empty stomach?
Shilajit is a supplement that is often taken with food. However, it is possible to take shilajit on an empty stomach. If you take shilajit on an empty stomach, it is crucial to be aware that it may cause nausea or stomach upset. Therefore, starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually is essential. If you experience any adverse effects, stop taking shilajit and consult your healthcare provider.
How to check the original shilajit?
One way to check if shilajit is authentic is to look for a stamp of approval from the government or an accredited laboratory. This ensures that the shilajit has undergone proper testing and is safe for consumption.
Another way to check is to look for a dark brown or blackish color, as shilajit that is lighter in color may be of lower quality.
Finally, shilajit should have a bit of a bitter taste. It may indicate that it has been mixed with another substance if it is too sweet.
Is shilajit good for infertility?
There is some scientific evidence that shilajit can improve fertility in men, but more research is needed. Shilajit contains minerals and plant compounds that may improve sperm quality and increase testosterone levels. Shilajit has also been traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction and other man health issues. While shilajit may have some benefits for fertility, it's essential to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you're already taking medications for fertility.
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