Shilajit

{xtypo_dropcap}S{/xtypo_dropcap}hilajit is not a recently developed product or a brand name. It is a substance that is so old that it is described in detail in ancient Hindu texts. "Shilajit" (properly pronounced Sil'-i-jeet") literally means "conqueror of mountains & destroyer of weakness" in Sanskrit. In the ancient Charak, it is described as a substance for which "there is hardly any curable disease that cannot be assisted."

A bituminous substance found in the lower Himalayan mountains, Shilajit has been elevated over thousands of years in terms both commonly practical and deeply spiritual. In its native state, Shilajit is a compact mass of vegetable organic matter composed of a dark gummy matrix - thought to be largely the result of humification of the plant Styrax officinalis Linn and/or Euphorbia royleana Boiss. It is gathered from stone formations, either on the ground or from fissures in the rocks. Before refinement, Shilajit is a semi-hard, brownish black to dark, greasy, black resin that has a distinctive smell and taste.
Many health benefits are attributed to Shilajit by regular users who live near the Himalayan mountains.

It us known as a strong kidney tonic and is said to increase the body's core energy, responsible for sexual and spiritual power (which is why some have nicknamed it "Indian Viagra"). It is, therefore, considered an anecdote for anxiety and stress.

Among Ayurvedic practitioners, Shilajit is considered indicated for genito-urinary diseases, diabetes, gallstones, jaundice, digestive disorders, enlarged spleen, epilepsy, nervous disesases, elephantiasis, chronic bronchitis, worms, piles, adiposity, renal and bladder stones, nervous diseases, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, exczema, bone fracture, anorexia, and anaemia. Its properties include aphrodisiac, rejunvenator, alterative tonic, respiratory, stimulant, internal antiseptic, diuretic, and lithontriptic.

Ayurvedic practitioners also commonly report that Shilajit:

• Counteracts debility and general fatique
• Helps regular blood sugar levels, providing relief for diabetics
• Purifies the blood, strengthens digestion, and improves pancreatic function
• Promotes protein and nuclei acid metabolism
• Assists the body in using fat
• Counteracts thirst
• Stimulates the immune system
• Improves recovery after exercise
• Promotes the movement of minerals, especially calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium into muscle tissue and bone.

One note of contraindication: there are unconfirmed reports on the web that shilajit can, for some individuals, cause a reduction in the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin -- which can lead to mild depression during the use of the product. We noted no such response in any of our own staffers, or among ayurvedic practitioners we spoke with -- in fact, more times than not, people reported just the opposite. Individuals with a history of depressions, should, however, note these reports and be vigilant as to their own response. Any adverse experience should cause you to immediate discontinue use of the product.

 Shilajit ("encyclopedia article" by botanical.com)
 Unearthing the evidence ("The claims that surround folk medicines may not all be down to superstition...")
 Shilajit comparative study of the ancient and the modern scientific findings published by Indian Medlars Centre. [ Conclusion: "The biological effects of shilajit revealed by modern research lend credence to its anti-aging and rejuvenating properties as claimed in Ayurveda." ]
  Fulvic acids and Shilajit
  Fulvica Bio-Science -- describes role of fulvic acid
-- on same site: "Renowned longevity and health of isolated Himalayan cultures is linked to fulvic acid extracted from fossil-like humic substances."
  Fulvica - Pharmacological Studies
  Shilajit: Sacred Soma of the Alchemists
  Research references on shilajit
  Effects of Shilajit on Memory, Anxiety, and Brain Monoamines in Rats (PDF format) [ Summary: "... The observed neurochemical effects induced by shilajit, indicating a decrease in rat brain 5-hydroxytryptamine turnover, associated with an increase in dopaminergic activity, helps to explain the observed nootropic and anxiolytic effects of the drug.")
  Shilajit, the Traditional Panacea: Its Properties
  Ayurvedic Adaptogenic Herbs - Though not an "herb," Dr. John Douillard, D.C., includes shilajit in this interesting summary of Ayurvedic's Adaptogenic class of compounds.