Introduction to Shilajit

[Please note: Although available in powdered forms nowadays, these generally only contain small amounts of the resin (if that) and other fillers - traditionally it has always been produced and used in resin form, which is very sticky and changes consistency with heat]

Genuine purified Shilajit is a black gummy matrix of minerals, fulvic acid and other beneficial phytochemicals. Depending on the ambient temperature, it will become gooey and sticky when warm and when cold it becomes more firm and solid.

*This unique quality of changing consistency in concert with ambient temperature is only found with 100% pure and genuine Shilajit and is an important indication of authenticity.

Known as Shilajit, this resinous and nutrient-rich biomass has been touted for millennia by Ayurveda’s Materia Medica as the best carrier of energy and nutrition into the human body. Modern science has recently proven this by identifying fulvic and humic acids, which are found in abundance in Shilajit, as the main substances responsible for energy production within the cell. (1) Science is just beginning to understand the implications of fulvic acid rich nutrients like Shilajit.

Known in India as the Destroyer of Weakness, Shilajit’s other primary component are DBPs (dibenzo alpha pyrones), which is the “energizer bunny component.”

Health Benefits of Shilajit

It seems that via this component, Shilajit supports deep rejuvenation and energy production. In one study, participants took just 200mg of Shilajit each day for 15 days and the available energy in their blood after vigorous exercise was equivalent to the levels of available energy before starting exercise. That’s the “energizer bunny component” in action! (2)

Recent studies on Shilajit show that it delivers energy and nutrients to the cell at astonishing levels. In one study mice underwent strenuous exercise and had their energy (ATP) expenditure measured with and without Shilajit. The energy depleted twice as fast in the group that did not take the Shilajit. (3)

For thousands of years Shilajit has been used to help support:

• Energy
• Memory
• Mood
• Absorption of vital nutrients
• Enhanced potency and effectiveness of other nutrients
• Sharp intelligence
• Balanced blood sugar
• Efficient detoxification
• Optimal oxygenation and the body’s natural antioxidant response

Renew Your Cells

Shilajit is known for its ability to rejuvenate a cell by driving oxygen and nutrients into the cell (4) and supporting the body’s natural antioxidant activity, whereby the body rids itself of free radicals. (5)

Traditionally, Shilajit was described as a yoga vahi, meaning that whatever is taken with it will be enhanced due to Shilajit’s ability to bring any nutrient into solution and drive it into the cell.

In one study CoQ10, which boosts energy in heart, liver and kidney cells, was enhanced by 29% with the addition of Shilajit. (6)

Shilajit and Synergistic Herbs

Synergistic herbs to Shilajit are Ashwagandha (sometimes spelled Ashwaganda) and Amalaki. When added in small amounts to a Shilajit formula, these herbs naturally enhance and maximise Shilajit’s boons.

With qualities like those, Sweet Health will be looking to provide high quality, traditionally purified Shilajit resin, directly supplied from source for our customers, fully certified and tested. 

Energetics of Shilajit

• Taste (Rasa): Pungent, bitter, salty, astringent

• Energy (Virya): Heating

• Post-digestive quality (Vipaka):Pungent

• Quality (Guna): Dry, heavy

• Tissue (Dhatu): All the tissues

• Channel (Srotas): Urinary, nervous, reproductive

References:

1. Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK. Shilajit: a review. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):401-5.
2. Pal D, Bhattacharya S. Pilot Study on the Improvement of Human Performance with ReVitalETTM as Energy Booster: Part-IV. 2006. Data on file. Natreon, Inc.
3. Bhattacharyya S, Pal D, Gupta AK, Ganguly P, Majumder UK, Ghosal S. Beneficial effect of processed Shilajit on swimming exercise induced impaired energy status of mice. Pharmacologyonline. 2009;1:817-25.
4. Visser SA. Effect of humic substances on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. Sci Total Environ. 1987 Apr;62:347-54.
5. Piotrowska D, Dlugosz A, Witkiewicz K, Pajak J. The research on antioxidative properties of TOLPA Peat Preparation and its fractions. Acta Pol Pharm. 2000 Nov;57 Suppl:127-9.
6. Bhattacharyya S, Pal D, Banerjee D, et al. Shilajit dibenzo”pyrones: Mitochondria targeted antioxidants. Pharmacologyonline. 2009; 2:690-8.

[Source: http://lifespa.com/ayurvedic-supplement-facts/shilajit/]