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.
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.
Jar of Shilajit resin by GoodGuru
Shilajit has over 80 minerals, 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, etc.
Shilajit is classified in Ayurveda as a “Rasayana” substance. A rejuvenator, renewing the body, preventing ailments and enhancing the quality of life. Restoring strength, energy and endurance.
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
- allergies
- hormonal decline in men and women.
Looking at this list we can see that they are all problems that can affect a run down, older or chronically ill person. Shilajit therefore may indeed be an Ayurvedic secret to maintaining a healthy body and fighting age related physical and mental decline.
#shilajit #tearsofrocks #sweatofmountains #conquererofmountains #destroyerofweakness