Shilajit 101 - how to use, what it is and why you should add it to your diet.
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Perched high in the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Mount Kailash, Everest, and Altai, among others, conceal a time-honored secret to wellness. Known as Shilajit, or mountain tears, mumie, moomiyo, and scientifically as Asphaltum punjabianum, this ancient remedy has been cherished for thousands of years for its ability to energize the body, combat altitude sickness, and revitalize cells.
What is Shilajit
Shilajit is a tar-like resin that seeps from ancient mountains. When the sun heats the rocks and melts the snow, a thick, dark brown to black substance begins to ooze from the stones—this is Shilajit. The term "Shilajit" translates to "rock invincible" or "conqueror of mountains," and it is the result of millions of years of decomposed plants and animals, transformed by heat and pressure into a remarkable resin with numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore the many advantages of Shilajit, its effects, reasons to incorporate it into your routine, and any potential side effects.
How was Shilajit Discovered
Numerous legends surround the origins of Shilajit. One well-known story tells of Himalayan villagers who noticed monkeys licking the rocks and crevices of the mountains. Curious about the possible advantages, the villagers decided to try the substance for themselves and quickly experienced a significant increase in energy and stamina at high altitudes. Today, Shilajit is celebrated globally for these same benefits. Used in Ayurvedic remedies, it is available in both resin and powder forms.
What are the benefits from taking Shilajit
Shilajit provides an impressive range of benefits, acting as a natural energy enhancer while also offering anti-aging properties. It assists those at high altitudes in fighting altitude sickness, improves memory, strengthens immunity, and is rich in antioxidants.
It’s an adaptogen- helping the body cope with physical, chemical, and environmental stressors.
Naturally Boosts energy and stamina- Shilajit helps enhance mitochondrial function, improving energy production at the cellular level. This leads to increased vitality, reduced fatigue, and improved stamina.
Strengthens immunity- Shilajit contains a wide array of minerals and compounds that can enhance immune function, making the body more resilient against infections and diseases.
Helps the body absorb nutrients- Fulvic acid, a key component in shilajit, helps transport nutrients and minerals more effectively into cells, which enhances overall nutrient absorption and utilization in the body.
Enhances Body Detoxification - Shilajit acts as a natural detoxifier by helping the body eliminate heavy metals and other toxins due to its fulvic acid content.
Improves Altitude Sickness- Traditionally, shilajit has been used in the Himalayas to help with altitude sickness by improving oxygen flow and reducing symptoms like fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
Promotes Digestion- Shilajit supports the digestive system by promoting healthy gut flora and improving nutrient absorption, which can enhance overall gut health.
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Shilajit Benefits for Women:
Fertility Enhancer:
Shilajit may enhance female fertility by supporting hormonal balance and improving reproductive organ health. Its ability to boost energy levels, aid nutrient absorption, and improve overall vitality makes it a valuable natural remedy for women looking to optimize fertility.
Hormonal Balance:
Shilajit helps balance hormones, making it especially beneficial for women dealing with irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, or menopausal symptoms. By supporting healthy endocrine function, it promotes hormonal stability, which contributes to better reproductive health and overall well-being.
Menopause Relief:
Shilajit may help ease common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue. It aids in balancing estrogen levels and reduces stress, helping women manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with menopause.
Iron Boost:
Rich in essential minerals, including iron, shilajit supports hemoglobin production in women, which is crucial for maintaining healthy red blood cell levels. This makes shilajit effective in alleviating and preventing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia by boosting red blood cell function and overall energy levels.
Shilajit Benefits for men
Improves Testosterone Levels - Regular consumption of shilajit has been linked to increased testosterone levels in men, which can improve fertility, energy, and overall male reproductive health.
Promotes Heart Health- Shilajit may support heart health by improving circulation, reducing cholesterol levels, and offering protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Two significant health benefits linked to Shilajit are Fulvic Acid and Humic Acid.
“Shilajit is mainly composed of humic substances, including fulvic acid, which make up about 60% to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound, along with trace elements such as selenium that contribute to its anti-aging effects.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/)
Let’s delve into these two compounds for a better understanding of this remarkable resin.
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Humic Acid
Humic Acid is essentially dirt, specifically humus, which consists of three main components: humic acids, fulvic acids, and humin.
This remarkable substance can be found in soil, rivers, and nutrient-rich dirt, formed from the decomposition of organic matter by fungi. Humic acid is packed with every known mineral, vitamin, and amino acid our bodies require for optimal functioning. In the soil, it plays a crucial role in seed germination and supports a healthy metabolism for plants. Plants grown organically are rich in Humic Acid, which we then consume, fueling our cells.
Humic acid contains various acids, with Fulvic Acid being one of the primary ones, which we will explore next. However, let's first delve into the incredible benefits of humic acid. It is rich in large carbon chains that bind to plants, promoting strong and healthy growth while preventing heavy metals and toxins from entering. Additionally, it aids in water retention, ensures nutrient absorption, and fosters overall plant growth.
Fulvic Acid
Fulvic Acid is derived from Humic Acid. When present in soil, it activates seeds, enabling both humic and fulvic acid to penetrate. Fulvic acid directly regulates the vitamins and minerals in our bodies. Its molecular chain is significantly smaller than that of humic acid, allowing it to easily cross cell membranes and energize our bodies, similarly to how it benefits plants. Its primary role, in both plants and humans, is to transport nutrients to the cells. Consuming organic plants that thrive in nutrient-rich humus-filled soil provides us with fulvic acid, which in turn supplies the energy our cells require to energize the body.
Why do we need to take Shilajit?
In America today, we are grappling with a significant health crisis. The water we consume is tainted with chemicals and heavy metals, while as a society, we are overworked and stressed. We lack sufficient sunlight and essential nutrients for our bodies to flourish. Additionally, our food, which should naturally nourish us, is deficient in the vital nutrients we require.
We are harming the soil, Mother Earth's womb, with pesticides that contain harmful chemicals, hindering our cells from thriving. Synthetic fertilizers, a byproduct of the petroleum industry, imitate the naturally occurring compounds of humic acid to produce nutrient-poor food. Unfortunately, due to the insufficient nutrients in our soil, we are not receiving enough fulvic or humic acid. The pesticides and fertilizers we rely on lack the fungi and healthy organic compounds crucial for soil health. This practice is depleting the soil, resulting in plants that do not provide the essential nutrients we need to thrive.
Our bodies consist of a multitude of cells; in fact, that's the essence of who we are. Much like a battery, we function as energy conductors—absorbing energy through food, air, and water, metabolizing it, and eliminating what is unnecessary. To maintain optimal health and help combat the toxins that are prevalent in today's environment, it is essential to nourish your body with the right herbs and nutrients.
How to take Shilajit
There are so many ways to easily take it
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Shilajit is available in two primary forms: as a resin, either pure and raw or mixed with honey, and as a powder that can be incorporated into various foods. We utilize both the honey and resin forms in our herbal remedies to enhance their effectiveness and ensure we receive the appropriate milligrams daily. Since Shilajit is water-soluble, it can be easily dissolved in tea, coffee, water, or food, allowing for straightforward ingestion and efficient absorption by the body as a cellular enhancer. The resin is incredibly thick, and to ensure we can scoop out the proper amount, I place it next to the pot of simmering herbs, so that the heat of the fire can warm it gently and make it easier to extract. The honey sticks come in a conveniently sized packet, making it easy to add it to toast, tea or water, by simply squeezing it from the packet.
Shilajit Dose:
One of the most advantageous aspects of Shilajit is its potency; just 0.5 grams taken three times daily is sufficient to experience its remarkable benefits. Shilajit honey is conveniently packaged with the correct dosage, while the resin includes a stick marked to guide you on how much to take.
