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Shilajit
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance found most notably in the Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges in central Asia. It is usually dark brown to black in color, with black being the most potent.
Shilajit is heralded in Ayurvedic medicine for being a miracle worker and vitality enhancer. It contains over 80 trace minerals, triterpenes, humic acid, and fulvic acid. It is also known as mineral oil, rock sweat, and stone oil.
Shilajit in Sanskrit (Shilajatu) literally means “rock invincible” or “conqueror of mountains”. It is created by the decomposition of plant material mixing with water, soil, and other microorganisms, plus years of geothermal pressure. It takes centuries to form, and oozes from in-between rocks in the summer months when heated by the sun.
Shilajit Benefits
The health benefits of consuming shilajit have been well known in Asia for more than 3000 years. Traditionally it was consumed with raw, fermented milk. It also mixes easily in water, and has a somewhat earthy taste.
Shilajit benefits health in many ways. Firstly, it’s considered an adaptogen. To put it simply, adaptogens are a unique class of plant/herb that helps your body adapt to stress, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, or environmental.
Adaptogenic herbs can “adapt” their function based on your body’s specific needs. Which is why adaptogens can simultaneously give you an energy boost, and calm your body. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty special to me.
Secondly, it contains heavy amounts of humic and fulvic acids, which aid in transporting nutrients into the cells, (as well as numerous other benefits you’ll see below). And as many of us have absorption issues, this becomes even more vitality important.
Shilajit also has the ability to …
- Enhance immune function
- Improve male sexual function
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Reduce inflammation
- Resolve digestive issues
- Improve urinary tract health
- Increase cognitive function
- Detoxify the body
- Enhance energy levels
- Prolong cell life
- Slow the aging process
- Rejuvenate the body
There have been numerous studies done on shilajit, including one that concluded that it has the potential to “prevent several diseases“, particularly Alzheimer’s.[6] According to the study, shilajit’s curative properties can be attributed to significant levels of fulvic and humic acids, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Humic acid is essentially created, or released, as organic matter decomposes. It is the main componenent of humic substances (humus) found in soil, peat, rock sediments, and even in streams, lakes, and ocean water.
Fulvic acids are simply humic acids of lower molecular weight and higher oxygen content, which allows them to penetrate cell walls more easily. But both support the body in numerous ways, including digestion, cellular health, and brain health. And both contain an abundance of minerals in ionic form, which make them much more bioavailable (easily absorbed) than most other vitamins and minerals.
Fulvic acids are internal cleansers and detoxifiers, binding to and breaking down toxins in the body. Fulvic acids slow the aging process, protect brain function, and improve gut health (as it’s both a prebiotic and a probiotic), while encouraging the good bacteria in your body to repopulate. And without proper gut health, you’ll never be healthy; it’s that simple.
Fulvic acids improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and help alkalize the body, all of which are extremely important for preventing and fighting disease. Fulvic acids also improve energy levels, as they are natural electrolytes, which, according to research conducted by Doctors Across Borders, activate almost every biological process in the body.[7]
One thing to keep in mind here: healthy cells equals a healthy body. So anything that provides support to, and benefits for, cellular health, will benefit your entire body.
This 2012 study showed that Shilajit is an effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.[8] The study cited the high fulvic acid content in shilajit as a significant and contributing factor.
One of the benefits to supplementing with shilajit appears to be in the area of male sexual function. One such study showed improvements in both sperm count and testosterone levels after 90 days of shilajit supplementation.[9]
The main reason shilajit is so high on my superfood list is because it supplies things that no other superfood can, kind of like chlorella. While many other superfoods are more interchangeable. And, because of that, I really struggled as to which would occupy the number one space in this book.
Shilajit Uses
Unless you live in the high reaches of the Himalaya range, you’re probably not harvesting your own shilajit. And even if you do live there, you’re still probably not. Which leaves very little in the way of do-it-yourself possibilities. So your goal here, and your only goal, is to find a reputable source. Easier said than done sometimes.
Once you find a reputable product, usually in powder form, you’ll want to consume it in a liquid. Like I mentioned earlier, traditionally it was taken mixed in raw milk, which is also very healthy. So if you have access to raw milk, try that. You can also mix it into smoothies. It has very little taste, but it will turn the beverage quite dark.
I recommend mixing it into a darker smoothie, like a raw cacao and maca blend, so the color isn’t as off-putting. Or you can simply mix it into a glass of water, which is quick and my usual go-to method. And lately, I’ve been taking my wide array of morning supplements with a large glass of water and shilajit, because of it’s ability to aid absorption.
Shilajit is without a doubt one of my favorite superfoods, and, along with chlorella, one I consume every day. However, start with a small dose, as with any new superfood. It’s quite potent, and you’ll likely feel its effects immediately.
For a bit more information on shilajit, watch this video made by the folks at Complete Wellness. In particular, it’s really interesting how people living in the Himalaya region first became aware of shilajit and its health benefits. I’ll give you a hint: Monkey see, monkey do!
I use Lost Empire Herbs for many superfood products, including shilajit. They have it in powder and resin. I have only taken the powder, though I recently ordered their resin (though haven’t tried it yet), as it’s less processed and better value. Also on their shilajit page is more information on this extremely unusual Ayurvedic “herb”.