Shilajit – Destroyer of Weakness

Shilajit is a thick, sticky, tar like substance that is found in high mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, the Altai Mountains of central and eastern Asia, the Ural Mountains of Russia and the Hindukush in Afghanistan. Shilajit can also be found in Nepal, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Australia as well as North and South America.

In its natural state it is found as an exudate from rocks high in the mountains. Because it appears to flow from the rocks the ancients often referred to it as the “sweat of the mountains” or “the tears of the rocks”. The Ayurvedic physicians of India prized it highly as medicine and called it by the Sanskrit name of “Shilajit”, meaning “Conqueror of Mountains”.

How shilajit forms is not known, but it is thought to be the product of the centuries long decay and amalgamation of plants, herbs and minerals found at high altitude in the mountains. Analysis shows that Shilajit is full of many interesting compounds, primarily humic and fulvic acids that are themselves made up of a rich blend of organic molecules.

shilajit

There are over 80 minerals in shilajit including iron, zinc, copper, silver, chromium, selenium, gold and magnesium. There are amino acids such as glycine, lysine, tyrosine and glutamic acid, fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, triterpenes, sterols and polyphenols, to name a few!

Shilajit has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and other related systems of medicine such as the Tibetan system. In Ayurveda it is classified as a “Rasayana” substance. This means it is a rejuvenator, renewing the body, preventing ailments and enhancing the quality of life. Restoring strength, energy and endurance.

Rasayana therapy and Rasayana medicines would be given to the elderly or those who had been chronically ill for long periods to restore and rejuvenate; a kind of super tonic. Some of the most well known doctors and physicans in history such as Avicenna, have used shilajit and its use has spread practically world-wide.

If we look for research on shilajit and what ailments it could be used to treat we find an interesting list; heart disease, mental and neurological decline, high cholesterol and blood lipids, chronic pain, high blood sugar, inflammation and allergy and hormonal decline in men and women. Looking at this list we can see that they are all problems that can affect an aging, run down or chronically ill person.

Shilajit therefore may indeed be the Ayurvedic secret to maintaining a healthy body and fighting age related physical and mental decline.

#shilajit #tearsofrocks #sweatofmountains #conquererofmountains #destroyerofweakness

Methylene Blue – A bolt from the Blue

Many of us who studied chemistry in school will remember the ubiquitous bottles of methylene blue — a dark blue, ink-like substance used in various reactions, tests, and as a staining agent. What might come as a surprise is that methylene blue was the first synthetic pharmaceutical ever created. It was first produced as a dye by a German chemist in 1876 and quickly found use as a medicine.

Initially used to treat methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), methylene blue later became a treatment for conditions such as malaria, urinary tract infections, cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning, septic shock, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its historical use also contributed to the development of other widely-used antimalarials and antidepressants.

Modern research has focused on methylene blue’s ability to enhance mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of cells, convert glucose and oxygen into energy. Dysfunction in these structures is thought to contribute significantly to degenerative and age-related diseases.

Because of this, methylene blue is being investigated for its potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease, as well as ischemic brain injury (such as stroke), traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuro-degenerative conditions. Its key mechanism appears to be enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, which improves energy production, blood flow, and cellular repair.

Additionally, methylene blue may boost levels of vital brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate mood and support mental well-being.

As a powerful antioxidant and enhancer of energy metabolism, methylene blue could help combat age-related changes throughout the body, potentially helping us look younger and stay healthier longer.

Recent attention has also turned to its antimicrobial properties, with promising implications in the fight against COVID-19 and other bacterial and viral infections.

Caution: Methylene blue should not be used if you are taking antidepressant medications. It may stain the tongue and cause temporary discolouration of urine and stool.

Arnica – Sprains and bruises

The healing properties of Arnica are widely known and it has been used since the 11th century. Arnica Montana grows in the mountainous regions of central Europe, where shepherds reported that sheep and goats would eat Arnica after a fall.

Even the most severely injured animal would soon be back on their feet fully recovered. The shepherds themselves then tried Arnica Montana and, finding it helped to speed recovery from injuries they spread the word of its success, which has been confirmed by scientific research.

Arnica improves the local blood supply and accelerates healing ❤️‍🩹 taken internally or used topically.

Arnica is taken internally only as a homeopathic remedy, mainly after injury; sprains; bruising; after operations; visits to the dentist; childbirth.

Arnica cream or gel is best known as an effective treatment for sprains and bruises; aches and pains after physical pursuits such as cycling and gardening and for rheumatism and arthritis.

arnica gel

Arnica montana

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