Know Shilajit benefits for men and womens and Medicinal Uses In Ayurveda

According to scientific researches, it is confirmed that Shilajit is very effective in the treatment of many diseases like Consumption (Kshaya), tuberculosis (Rajayakshama), genito-urinary diseases, sexual weakness, gonorrhea, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, phthisis, asthma, gallstone, renal stone, anuria, jaundice, enlarged spleen and the liver, and nervous diseases. In the Indian sub-continent, Shilajit is very common for treating sexual weakness. As Shilajit is a rich source of many minerals so definitely it will improve physical and mental health and that will improve sex life.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is one of the most ancient medicines of India. It is the exudation of a bituminous substance from the rocks of the Himalayas. It is also found in the Caucasus Mountains, Altai Mountains, and other Asian mountains. It is said to carry the healing power of these great mountains.

The literal meaning of the word Shilajit is the conqueror of rock. Another meaning is the sweat of the rock.

Shilajeet is a natural substance but it is not an animal or plant-based product. It is a mineral pitch that oozes from the rocks of the Himalayas. In summer when the rocks are warmed this mineral comes out from them. In Gangotri, it drips from the rocks.

Shilajit contains more than 80 minerals and used in Ayurveda for medicinal purposes. According to Ayurvedic texts, there is no disease in the world that cannot be treated by Shilajit if given by the administrator properly with other drugs.

In Charak Samhita, Shilajit is described in detail in the Rasayana chapter of Cikitsasthana. In Sushruta Samhita, its detail is mentioned in Madhumeha chikitsa (diabetes treatment). Shilajit is described as one which removes Kapha, dries up fat, and alleviates calculus, gravels, dysuria, and Gulma (abdominal distension). Its use is also described for other diseases like Kushtha (leprosy), Apasmara (epilepsy), Unmada (mental disorders), Shlipada (filariasis), Shosa (cachexia), Gulma, Vishama Jvara (malaria), and stones.

Shilajit is used in combination with Ashwagandha, Gokhru for male reproductive disorders. It is given with Shatavari, Mulethi for female disorders. In diabetes, it is combined with Gurmar, Neem, turmeric, black pepper, etc. In fluid retention, it is given with Punarnava and Guggulu.

Synonyms of Shilajita (Asphalt)

1. Sanskrit: Shilajita, Shilajeet, Shilajatu, Silajit, Silajit, Shilajit, Silaras, Adrija, Girijatu, Kannada, Shaileya
2. English: Mineral Pitch, Vegetable Asphalt
3. Hindi: Gujarati and Marathi: Shilajita
4. Bengali: Silajatu
5. Tamil: Uerangyum, Perangyum, Uerangyum
6. Latin: Asphaltum, Asphaltum
7. Nepali: Kalo Shilajita
8. Persian: Asphaltum Punjabinum; Osteocolla
9. Arabic: Hajar-ul-Musa
10. Persian: Mumiyai, Mumiya, Momiai Faqurual Yahud
11. Baluchistan: Khatmolt, Mashana churro
12. Russian: Mummio, Mumie

Definition of Shilajita: Shilajit or Asphalt, is an exudate of selected rocks occurring in the Himalayas region, made of decomposed centuries-old plants, and rocks formed under pressure.

It is a highly condensed mineral and amino acid source. It gives physical, mental, and sexual power.

In Hindu Mythology: Mythological, it is believed Silajit originated from the Mandrachala Parvata as Sveda (sweat) while churning of the ocean.

Distribution: India, Afghanistan (Hindukush), Australia (Northern Pollock Ranges), and in the former USSR (Tieii-Shan, Pamir, Caucasus, Ural), Tibet at altitudes between 1000 and 5000 m.

Part used: oozing from the rocks.

Color: Pale-brown to blackish-brown.

Smell: like cow’s urine.

Botanical description: Bitumen mineral

The Dosage of Shuddha Shilajatu: It is given in a dose of 250 mg -1 gram, 2-3 times a day with milk.

For obesity, Shuddha Shilajit is given in a dose of 500 mg, twice a day with hot water.

The exact dose depends on the age, strength, digestive power of the patient, the nature of the illness, the state of the viscera, and humor.

It is taken with milk, buttermilk, meat soup, hot water, or with adjuvant depending on the disease.

Important Ayurvedic Medicines containing Shilajita

1. Arogyavardhini Vati
2. Chandraprabha Vati
3. Shatavari Gud
4. Shilajitvadi Lauh
5. Shatavaryadi Ghrita
6. Sarvatobhadra Vati
7. Prabhakar Vati
8. Purnachandra Ras
9. Yograj Lauh

What is Shuddha Shilajit?

The rock’s exudate contains only fifty percent Shilajit and the rest is impurities. If impure Shilajit is taken then it may cause giddiness, inflammation, hemorrhages, loss of appetite constipation, etc. The impurities are removed as per the Ayurvedic text and Shilajit thus obtained is known as Shuddha Shilajit.

Shodhan of Shilajita (Rasatarangini)

Shilajita Shodhan is the process that removes the impurities, makes it suitable for use, and helps in increasing the therapeutic values.

1. Silajatu 2 Parts
2. Hot water 4 Parts
3. Triphala Kvatha P. 1 Part

Process:

1. Take powder of Silajatu, add specified amounts of hot water and Triphala Kvatha so as to disengage the soluble matter.
2. Allow to settle down and decant the supernatant layers.
3. Repeat the process until a clear liquid is obtained.
4. Concentrate the decanted material to thick paste over moderate heat.
5. Dry in sun rays and preserve for further purpose.

How to test the purity of Shilajeet

1. When putting on fire it must burn without smoke and should take shape of Lingam.
2. When dropped into water it must spread like a thread up to the bottom without being dissolved.
3. It should look black and give the smell of cow’s urine.

How Shilajit formed in rocks?

It is formed for centuries by the gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms. It mainly composed of humus and organic plant material.

Varieties of Shilajita Described in Ayurveda

Sushruta Samhita and Astanga Hardayam describe six types of Shilajit viz. Svarna, Rajat, Tamra, Lauha, Vanga (Tin) and Naga (Lead) whereas Charak Samhita has mentioned four varieties Hema (gold), Rajata (silver), Tamra (copper), Krishnayasa/Lauha (iron). The Shilajit which is black in color is used for medicinal purposes.

There are four different varieties of Shilajit described in charka Samhita.

• Swarn: gold Shilajit, red in color.
• Rajat: silver Shilajit, white in color.
• Tamra: copper Shilajit, blue in color.
• Lauha Shilajit: iron-containing Shilajit, brownish-black in color.

The Swarna and Tamra varieties are not found commonly and the black variety i.e. laugh shilajit is generally used for medicinal purposes.

Composition of Shilajit

The composition of Shilajit is influenced by factors such as the plant-species involved, the geological nature of the rock, local temperature profiles, humidity, and altitude.

Shilajit consists of 60-80% organic matter, 20-40% mineral matter, and 5% of trace elements. It has been reported to contain a number of components including benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acids, resin, and waxy materials, gums, albuminoids, and vegetable matter with benzoic acid. Extensive research in the eighties showed that the major organic mass of Shilajit comprised of hummus (60-80%) along with other components such as benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acid, ichthyol, ellagic acid, resin, triterpenes, sterol, aromatic carboxylic acid, 3, 4-benzocoimiarins, amino acids, and phenolic lipids.

It contains silica, iron, antimony, calcium, copper, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc.

Shilajit Medicinal Properties

Energetics of Shilajit

It is pungent, bitter, and hot-pungent. It balances tridosha. But when taken in excess it increases pitta.

Rasa (taste on the tongue): Kasaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)

1. Guna: Guru (Heavy)
2. Virya: Ushna (Heating)
3. Vipaka (transformed state after digestion): Katu (Pungent)
4. Dhatu (tissue): All the tissues.
5. Srotas (Channel): Urinary, nervous, and reproductive.
6. Karma: Rasayan, Yogvahi, Sarva-roghar, Kaphahar, Tridoshaghna.

Shilajit is an important Rasayan drug of Ayurveda. It has been used since time immemorial for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases due to its medicinal properties. Some of the important medicinal properties are given below:

1. Alterative: alters the morbid or unhealthy processes of nutrition and excretion and restores normal functioning.
2. Aphrodisiac: Stimulating or increasing the sexual appetite, passion, and virile power.
3. Antiseptic: prevent or retard the growth of micro-organisms.
4. Anti-ulcerogenic: prevents the formation of the ulcer by reducing gastric acid secretion.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
6. Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
7. Anti-diabetic: Blood sugar lowering
8. Anti-stress, an anti-anxiety: reduces stress.
9. Anti-allergic: prevents, or relieves an allergy.
10. Diuretic: stimulates urine production.
11. Immunity-boosting: Increases immunity.
12. Immunomodulatory: modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system.
13. Lithotriptic: possess the power of dissolving various concretions in the body.
14. Rejuvenative: to make young again; restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc.
15. Spermatogenic and Ovogenic
16. Nootropic: Learning to augment
17. Nutritive Tonic

Shilajit Health Benefits for Men and Women

Shilajit is a mineral pitch. It is a potent and very safe dietary supplement that restores the energetic balance and prevents several diseases. It is especially used in India in the treatment of male sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, ejaculatory incompetence, impotence, and infertility.

Shilajit is a complex mixture of humic substances. It is an important Rasayan (rejuvenator and immunomodulator) drug of Ayurveda. Rasayan is a tonic that helps to attain optimal physical strength, the sharpness of sense organs, qualities of dhatus, longevity, immunity, and mental competence. Shilajit is anti-aging, Medhya Rasayan, Yogavahi (enhancer of another drug), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, adaptogen, and immunomodulator. It shows the effect on everybody organ and cures a wide variety of diseases.

1. It is a Rasayana or tonic.
2. It is a powerful adaptogen (help the body adapt to stress).
3. It improves vitality and libido.
4. It cures sexual debility.
5. It improves spermatogenesis and increases sperm count.
6. It is a wonderful uterine tonic.
7. It acts on everybody’s organs and especially on the urinary and nervous system.
8. It is especially useful in diabetes and male sexual disorders.
9. It increases the flow of digestive secretion and helps in better absorption.
10. It helps in reducing blood sugar levels.
11. It is one of the best kidney toners.
12. It tonifies the activity of the seven body constituents (Saptha Dhatus) namely plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow, and reproductory fluids of the body.
13. It has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
14. The minerals and plant nutrients in Shilajit provide powerful antioxidants in the body that scavenge free radicals and prevent degenerative changes in the body.
15. It is an excellent mineral supplement. The Fulvic acid present in Shilajit makes the trace minerals in bioavailable.
16. It reduces the risk of degenerative Disorders.
17. It slows down the process of aging by rejuvenation and immunomodulation.

Gastrointestinal:

1. Digestive troubles, vomiting
2. Enlargement of the abdomen
3. Piles or Hemorrhoids
4. Parasitic Infestation
5. Jaundice, Hepatitis, Indigestion, Gall stones, and its obstruction
6. Obstinate abdominal diseases including ascites

Urinary tract system (kidney, ureter, bladder)

1. Kidney stones, Cystitis, Dysuria i.e. difficulty in urination
2. Chronic urinary tract problems, Urinary tract infections burning urination
3. Spermoruia (sperm outflow through urine), Diabetes Mellitus
4. Stones
5. Frequent urination caused by a stone in the prostate area
6. Obstinate urinary disorders including diabetes Incipetus, Glycosuria, Lithuria

Respiratory

1. Scrofula (tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis)
2. Dyspnoea, Chronic bronchitis problem, Asthma attack

Nervous system

1. Nervous diseases, Parkinson’s disease
2. Stress management, Epilepsy attacks
3. Insanity problems, Schizophrenia

Reproductive system

1. Sexual debility and weakness, Sexual vitality problems, Infertility issues of males and females
2. Menstrual disorders in females, Post-partum health issues
3. Thyroid dysfunction

Improving sexual performance, sperm count

1. Curing erectile failure, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, and ejaculatory incompetence
2. Nocturnal emission/ Nightfall, Venereal disease, Gonorrhea

Bone disorders

1. Fractures and broken bones, Arthritis and joint pains, Osteoarthritis, Osteopenia
2. Spondylosis of cervical as well as the lumbar region

Many other diseases such as

1. Anemia, Vitiation of blood balance and its circulation
2. Parasitic diseases related to the skin, Various Skin related diseases, Leprosy and Psoriasis
3. Bodybuilding (Muscular hypertrophy)
4. Mouth related disorders

What Modern Researches Say?

Modern researches confirm the medicinal properties and support the traditional uses of Shilajit.

A study was done to evaluate the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of the aqueous extract of Shilajit in rats. For this purpose, Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats were orally treated with (1) Control group: distilled water (2) Viagra group:4 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate (3) Shilajit 50 mg/kg/day and (4) Shilajit 100mg/kg/day and their sexual behavior was monitored 1h later using a receptive female. Their sexual behavior was evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42days of treatment by pairing with an estrous phase female rat. For sperm count, the treatment was continued further.

The study concluded, Shilajit extract improved sexual performance as well as sperm count.

It is a safe drug without any known adverse effects and can be very useful in enhancing male sexual activity and treating various sexual disorders like an erectile failure, premature ejaculation, lack of sexual desire, and ejaculatory incompetence.

The results of the study suggested that Shilajit has a beneficial effect on male reproductive functions in rats.

The data showed increased sperm counts, motility, an increase in the absolute weight of the testis and epididymis, and a significant increase in serum testosterone levels.

Shilajit improves and enhances the fertilizing capacity of the Semen.

Shilajit Side Effects

1. It is safe to use Shilajit in the recommended dosage. Study shows it is quite safe up to a dose of 3 g/kg in mice.
2. The dosage is dependent on the age, strength, digestive power of the patient, the nature of the illness, the state of the viscera, and humor.
3. In excess, it increases Pitta.
4. It should not be used in the high uric acid count.
5. It should not be used in febrile diseases.
6. It should not be used with a heavy diet.
7. Avoid physical exercise, exposure to sun rays and wind while taking Shilajit.
8. The ill-effects of Shilajit are cured by taking Kali Mirch and Ghee, in a dose of 3 grams for seven days.
9. Do not use fried, roasted, sour, fermented foods, kuatha/Kulthi Dal and Kakamachi (Solanum nigrum) for the period Shilajit remains in the body.

Although shilajit is used to treat kidney stones, use caution if the stones are made of uric acid or if uric acid crystals are in the urine as uric acid increases with the administration of Shilajit. For this same reason, Shilajit is contraindicated in gouty arthritis. (Halpern 2003).

References

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