Ayurvedic shilajit resin, also known as Neelam or Neel, is a highly valued substance in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Shilajit resin is believed to possess numerous health benefits, including promoting overall health, improving immunity, and supporting reproductive health. In this article, we will explore the properties and benefits of Ayurvedic shilajit resin.
Shilajit resin is a natural, organic substance found in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal, and Tibet. It is formed when the roots of certain trees, such as the juniper tree, come into contact with hot water and minerals from the earth. Over time, the roots absorb these substances, forming a resinous substance that is then collected and used in Ayurvedic medicine.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a dazzling sticky tar-like resinous material not entirely vegetal or animal-derived. In the natural world, Shilajit is a type of mineral pitch composed of humus and decayed plants that remain exuded by the rocks throughout the Himalayas at a height of 1000–5000 m above sea level.
The ancient Ayurvedic texts explain that during the months between Jeshta and Ashada, the mountains are heated by the direct sunlight rays that melt the layers of the hill, producing a semisolid resin-like substance called Shilajatu. In the beginning, some million years ago, when the Indian subcontinent collided with the Asian continent, the Himalayan mountains formed,best way to consume shilajit resin crushing and encasing the tropical forests between the massive rocks.
These materials were squeezed into massive rock layers over millions of years before being transformed into a tar-like, gummy substance that could be brown, black, or white and look similar to asphalt if there are cracks in the rocks because of excessive heat that causes the material to ooze out and then settle upon the stones. The evaporated herbo-mineral known as Shilajit is abundant in nutrients and minerals. It is awash in bioactive humic acid and fulvic acid. They are found in high-altitude mountains like Kashmir, Bhutan, Japan, Gilgit, and Tibet.
Common Names Of Shilajit
Shilajit is commonly referred to as asphaltum, black bitumen, or mineral pitch in English. Other names referring to Shilajit in Ayurveda across different states of India include Silajat, Shilajatu, Silajatu, Kanmandam, Saileya Shilaja, Moomie, Moomiyo, Punjabinum, Memiya, Shiladhatuja, Adrija, Shilasweda, Shilaniryasa, Asmaja, Asmajatuka, Shilamaya, Girija, and Gaireya.
Types Of Shilajit
Shilajit is a type of Shilajit that is distinguished from the mountainous rocks that it emasculates.
Rocks that contain gold (Charka Samhita Shilajit):
Shilajit flowing out of these rocks is a Japa (i.e., the Hibiscus flowers) or reddish colour and contains Madhura, Tikta Rasa, and Katu Vipaka.
Rocks containing Silver (Rajat Shilajit):
Shilajit emerges from the rocks. They are whitish in colour and have Katu Rasa and Madhura Vipaka.
Rocks that contain copper (Tamra Shilajit):
The evaporation of these kinds of rocks has a peacock-throat appearance, i.e., the colour is bluish-purple and reveals Tikta Rasa and Katu Vipaka.
Rocks containing iron (Lauha Shilajit):
The most sought-after kind, the exudation, is like the Guggulu gum and shows Tikta, Lavana Rasa, and Katu Vipaka.
Chemical Compositions of Shilajit
The structure of this crucial mineral compound primarily depends on factors like the plant species in the area, the geological characteristics of the stone, and the surrounding temperatures, altitudes, and humidity in that area. And it generally comprises 60-80 organic matter. It also contains 20-40% of mineral matter and 5% of trace elements.
Various scientific studies and reports suggest that it is home to more than 80 bio-active substances, including benzoic acid, fatty acids, hippuric Acid, and waxy substances such as albuminoids, gums, and vegetable matter. Being a phytocomplex, Shilajit mainly contains (60 to 80%) of humus-related substances such as Humins, humic acids, and fulvic acids. It also has triterpenes, sterols, and ichthyol, as well as ellagic acid, resin, and aromatic carboxylic Acid.
Amino acids and phenolic lipids minerals such as silica, antimony, iron manganese, calcium molybdenum, copper, zinc, and sodium selenium, as well as small amounts of dibenzopyrones (metabolites made from fungi, plants and animal faeces as well as mycobionts). However, the beneficial and curative properties of Shilajit most likely stem from the presence of fulvic acids that assist in treating a wide spectrum of illnesses.
How Do I Purify Shilajit?
Purification, or Sodhana, as it is known in Ayurveda, is essential in the case of Shilajit. While Shilajit is an extremely important mineral in Ayurveda, it can only be used following an extensive purification process with a range of herbal tinctures and other ingredients. The presence of contaminants from dirt, soil, and other sources reduces the mineral's curative and therapeutic effects and renders it inedible for consumption by humans.
The process of purification not only removes any microbes or impurities that could be present within the mineral but also increases its therapeutic effectiveness. Ayurvedic shilajit products can be cleansed with various methods, such as cow's Ghee or dashamoolarishta; however, the most popular method is through Triphala Decoction.
Ayurvedic shilajit resin is believed to have the following properties and benefits:
Improves immunity: Shilajit resin is believed to strengthen the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections. It is also believed to enhance the functioning of the spleen and liver, which play a crucial role in the immune system.
Supports reproductive health: Shilajit resin is believed to support reproductive health by promoting the production of healthy sperm and eggs. It is also believed to improve the functioning of the reproductive organs and enhance fertility.
Promotes overall health: Shilajit resin is believed to promote overall health by balancing the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) in the body. It is also believed to have a detoxifying effect, helping to remove toxins from the body.
Supports digestion: Shilajit resin is believed to support digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and aiding in the absorption of nutrients from food.
Supports skin health: Shilajit resin is believed to support skin health by promoting the production of healthy sebum, which is essential for skin moisture and elasticity.
Supports heart health: Shilajit resin is believed to support heart health by promoting the production of healthy blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the heart.
Supports brain health: Shilajit resin is believed to support brain health by promoting the production of healthy brain cells and improving cognitive function.
Supports bone health: Shilajit resin is believed to support bone health by promoting the production of healthy bone cells and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Treatments for Stress and Anxiety
Being an adaptogen that is powerful, Shilajit is beneficial for treating various types of psychotic disorders such as dementia, depression, etc. It regulates your Vata, Doshas, Pitta, and Vata inside the body, which helps to keep serotonin levels under control. It also assists in the reduction of various signs of anxiety, such as a feeling of numbness or anxiety, irritability, cold hands and feet, and so on.
The powerful antidepressant properties of this herb also assist in relaxing the mind, decreasing all kinds of mental and physical tension, anxiety, and stress. They also help improve stamina and energy levels.
Conclusion
Since the beginning of time, ayurvedic shilajit resin the resinous exudation that comes from the Himalayan mountains, has been referenced in numerous Ayurvedic books as the ultimate cure for a variety of health issues. This powerful medicinal compound is described as an adaptogen and assists in the normalization of anxiety and stress.
As a potent aphrodisiac, it boosts libido, addresses different infertility problems, and enhances the quality of reproduction in females and males. It also helps improve the function of the heart. It also manages the effects of diabetes, helps with digestion, boosts memory, relieves inflammation, and, therefore, increases overall stamina and immunity.
