According to traditional Indian knowledge, the benefits of shilajit, when taken internally, are numerous. Shilajit exerts action as a rejuvenating and energizing tonic, laxative, expectorant, immunomodulator and diuretic. It is antibilious and lithotriptic (disintegrates urinary stones). It is used to enhance fertility and sexual function. It is also known traditionally as a conqueror of a set of 20 different urinary disorders known as ‘Prameha’. This includes modern-day diabetes. Externally it acts as an antiseptic, analgesic, deobstruent (removes obstructions in the body by aiding the opening of ducts) and germicide.
Shilajit In Ancient Ayurvedic Texts
Shilajit is mentioned under the rasayana category in the Charaka Samhita, the oldest text of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Charaka stated that shilajit can be used in several diseases by altering the anupana (vehicle) and adjuvant in combination with several medications. Sushruta has described shilajit in madhumeha chikitsa (diabetes mellitus). In his text, purified shilajit is advocated in madhumeha along with the decoction of Shorea robusta group of plants.
Shilajit is given along with milk to control diabetes. To treat fractures, shilajit is prescribed along with Commiphora wightii (guggulu). It is believed that it promotes the formation of callus.1
Uses of Shilajit for Various Health Conditions
Shilajit is an important ingredient in various herbal preparations, as mentioned in various classical Ayurvedic texts. It is indicated in various health conditions. Shilajit’s health benefits and herbal supplement uses are as follows.
Loss of voice due to overuse of voice box
Cough associated with emaciation
Prameha group of urinary disorders which includes diabetes mellitus.
Loss of appetite
Asthma
Various skin diseases
Bleeding disorders
Serious conditions of urinary bladder dysfunction
Weakness
Fainting
All types of disease caused by Vata aggravation
Ascitis
Enlargement of spleen and liver
Acidity
Piles and fistula
Rheumatoid arthritis
Gouty arthritis
Edema
Chronic fever
Apthous mouth
Various diseases of teeth, tongue and palate
Renal diseases
Vaginal itching
Infertility
IBS
Measles
NOTE: To manage these disease conditions the Shilajit is used with other herbs and gives a synergistic effect. It might not have the same effect if taken alone or without an appropriate vehicle as suggested by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Do you know where you can find pure shilajit? Take a look at this blog to know more: How To Find High Quality Shilajit
10 Benefits of Shilajit
Some of the benefits of Shilajit herb have been validated in research studies.
An adaptogen to stress
Shilajit works as a stress reducer. An herbal formulation of Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terristris and shilajit, was tested to attenuate the effects of stress. All of these substances are classified in Ayurveda as rasayanas, which means they are reputed to promote physical and mental health, improve defense mechanisms of the body and enhance longevity. The results were compared with that of Ginseng and this herbal mixture came out a clear winner.2
Shilajit and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
In a study of the modulation of Hypothalamus Pitutiary axis and preservation of mitochondrial function and integrity, shilajit was shown to mitigate the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).3
Shilajit is an energy enhancer
A study showed some of shilajit’s key mechanisms of action to light as an energy booster.4 Shilajit contains two primary components, fulvic acid and DBPs (dibenzo-a-pyrones). Fulvic acid independently stimulates mitochondrial energy metabolism, protects mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, and helps channel electron-rich DBPs into the mitochondria to support the electron transfer chain. Fulvic acid works as an electron “shuttle,” augmenting Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to speed electron flow within mitochondria. CoQ10 is a coenzyme, a substance similar to a vitamin. It is found in every cell of the body. Your body makes CoQ10, and your cells use it to produce energy that your body needs for cell growth and maintenance. It also functions as an antioxidant, which protects the body from damage caused by harmful molecules.
The DBPs in shilajit serve as electron “reservoirs” replenishing electrons lost by CoQ10 when it donates them to free radicals (thereby neutralizing them). Thus it works synergistically with CoQ10 to produce energy without letting ATP ( the energy packets) get depleted.
The anti-aging effect
A preliminary clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of shilajit on anti-aging. The study contained both a shilajit supplement and exercise training on human skeletal muscle adaptation. A group of healthy overweight/Class I obese human subjects were studied over a 12 week period. Results showed Shilajit has a significant role in collagen and related extracellular matrix protein gene expression, thus suggesting its role in the anti-aging process.5
An increase in cognitive function
Recent investigations point to an interesting medical application of Shilajit toward the control of cognitive disorders associated with aging, and cognitive stimulation.7
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving extracellular plaques (amyloid-β) and intracellular tangles of tau protein. Recently, tangle formation has been identified as a major event involved in the neurodegenerative process, due to the conversion of either soluble peptides or oligomers into insoluble filaments. At present, the current therapeutic strategies are aimed at natural phyto-complexes and polyphenolic compounds able to either inhibit the formation of tau filaments or disaggregate them. One significant Shilajit health benefit is its role in neurological support. Fulvic acid, the main active principle in Shilajit, blocks tau self-aggregation, opening an avenue toward the study of Alzheimer’s therapy.
Shilajit as an anti-ulcer
Shilajit was found to possess anti-ulcerogenic effects by its ability to decrease gastric acid secretion and peptic output. It was also found to be effective in restraining stress models. The adrenocortical response to stress appears to be a common mechanism for the anti-stress, adaptogenic activity.9,1
Shilajit Benefits for Men
Shilajit as an Antioxidant
Shilajit was found to be a strong regulator of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. These findings were consistent with the benefits of shilajit as an Ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenator) against oxidative stress and geriatric complaints.11
Aphrodisiac And Reproductive Health
Purified Shilajit, an Ayurvedic rasayana, was evaluated in healthy volunteers between 45 and 55 years of age for its effect on male androgenic hormone viz. testosterone levels in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study at a dose of 250 mg twice a day.
One of the key Shilajit advantages is its potential to support hormonal balance. Treatment with Shilajit for 90 consecutive days revealed that it has significantly (P < 0.05) increased total testosterone levels, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) compared with the placebo. Gonadotropic hormone (LH and FSH) levels were well maintained19.
Shilajit for Spermatogenesis
The safety and spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit (PS) were evaluated in oligospermic patients. Initially, 60 infertile male patients were assessed and those having total sperm counts below 20 million ml were considered oligospermic and enrolled in the study. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, content of semen and biochemical parameters for safety were also evaluated. A significant decrease of semen MDA content (-18.7%) was observed. Moreover, serum testosterone (+23.5%; P < 0.001) and FSH (+9.4%; P < 0.05) levels significantly increased. HPLC chromatogram revealed the inclusion of PS constituents in semen. Unaltered hepatic and renal profiles of patients indicated that PS was safe at the given dose. The present findings provide further evidence of the spermatogenic nature of Shilajit, as attributed in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly when administered as PS. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia.20
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