Shilajit is a well-known rejuvenative and detoxifier in the world of Ayurvedic medicine. Not actually an herb, this mighty mineral-rich substance is a sticky tar-like ooze that can be found in the rocks of the Himalayas, manifesting in the intense heat of the summer.

Shilajit has been translated as the “rock invincible” or “rock overpowering”. It is suggestively known as the “destroyer of weakness” and the “conqueror of mountains”. Although Shilajit is becoming more well-known in the West, it is quite expensive and unfortunately very hard to find a good source of. This healing resin takes centuries to form, as it is the decomposition of many plants, in harmony with the activity of unique microorganisms. The result is a phytocomplex that contains over 85 minerals including silica, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium and zinc. Shilajit is also a powerful antioxidant containing triterpenes, selenium, phospholipids, humic acid and fulvic acid. These nutrients are responsible for the incomparable anti-aging, energy enhancing and cellular rejuvenating properties that Shilajit possesses.

Health Benefits of Shilajit

• Increases strength, energy and vitality
• Increases tissue and cell regeneration
• Anti-aging
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-allergenic
• Anti-microbial
• Detoxifies the body
• Removes heavy metals from the body
• Increases immunity
• Increases the libido
• Increase fertility
• Reduces PMS, dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea
• Improves the function of vital organs such as the liver, spleen and pancreas
• Improves the thyroid function
• Strengthens and purifies the blood
• Balances the blood sugar levels
• Removes the adipose (fat) tissue from the body
• Benefits Urinary System disorders such as dysuria, cystitis ( UTI ), and urinary stones
• Tonic for the kidneys, relieves kidney stones
• Builds the bones and is beneficial for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and broken bones
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Reduces edema in the body
• Heals peptic ulcers
• Increases clarity, memory, intellect and mental functioning
• Prevents Alzheimer’s disease and mental decline
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Beneficial in epilepsy
• Improves the absorption of vitamins and minerals

In Ayurveda, Shilajit is known as a “Yoga Vaha”, meaning that it has the ability to enhance the absorption and effects of other herbs, making this a great addition to almost any herbal formula. With all of Shilajit’s wide array of health benefits, it traditionally has been stated as the conqueror of any illness when used at the proper time and in the proper amounts.

Shilajit Suggested Use

Shilajit can be used for many different ailments and therefore will require different dosage amounts depending on the individual and the reason for taking. Ideally I would recommend the guidance of a knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner in order to provide you specific treatment for your specific needs.

Traditionally Shilajit can be taken in warm milk, with ghee or with honey; all of which will increase the absorption of this medicine. Of course dissolved in warm water is an effective way of administering Shilajit as well.

Typical dosage is anywhere from 1-3 tsp daily, however, I more often recommend taking Shilajit as part of a herbal formula to balance out the potent heating energy Shilajit possesses. This also will enhance the effects of the other herbs involved in the formula, creating a powerful synergistic harmony (Yoga Vaha).