SHILAJIT : The Ancient Yogic Superfood That Rebuilds Your Body

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Author's page : https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/shilajit-benefits-ancient-superfood/

Shilajit : The Ancient Yogic Superfood That Rebuilds Your Body
by JUSTIN FAERMAN



authentic shilajit resin. photo: pranav bhasin


Treasures may be found everywhere for those who have eyes to see—a perfect example of this being Shilajit, one of the most prized medicines throughout Asia for the last few thousand years. In its “wild habitat” you could be forgiven for simply thinking that it was a tar-like substance oozing from the cracks in between rocks high up in the Himalayan Mountains. And the locals did for many thousands of years; however, in ancient times one had to look for clues from nature to better understand their natural habitat—particularly what was safe and what was poison. Upon seeing packs of native chimps snacking on the Shilajit tar and further observing that those who did seemed to be the strongest, most intelligent and long-lived of the bunch, the indigenous people began ingesting the night-black mineral pitch themselves. When they too began experiencing the benefits:—a rapid restoration of their health and enhanced cognitive and physical abilities—they knew they had stumbled on a great discovery.

Oral tradition has it that this is how Shilajit was originally discovered. Maybe so, maybe not, but either way decades of intense scientific analysis and study have revealed that Shilajit is one of the most nutrient-dense substances on the planet. And what’s more, is that the nutrients it contains, such as naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids—two of nature’s most potent detoxifiers of heavy metals and other pollutants that disrupt the natural function of the body, and are quite rare to boot.

Known euphemistically as the “destroyer of weakness,” much can be learned about the incredible properties and benefits of Shilajit by understanding the process of how it is created. Over the course of millions of years, the lush primeval vegetation that once blanketed Asia was decomposed by the forces of nature, eventually becoming highly compacted under the weight of the mountains, which later formed as continental plates collided. Over 6,500 different species of ancient plants spent many millennia in a sort of geological alchemy that created a thick, black, resin-like substance trapped deep within the Himalyan, Caucasus, and other famous mountain ranges in the region. The relentless monsoons and ever-increasing pressure eventually caused this “tar” to begin seeping from cracks in rocks in the sides of the mountains.
 
“Intense scientific analysis and study have revealed that Shilajit is one of the most nutrient-dense substances on the planet.”

Laboratory analysis of Shilajit reveals a complete spectrum of every essential mineral on the planet in ionic form—the most easily absorbable and assimilated by the human body. Scientists also found amino acids, fulvic and humic acids, ellagic acid, fatty acids and plant sterols, which tend to have a harmonizing effect on the hormonal/endocrine system, among many others.


purified ladakhi shilajit resin from a tenth-generational family of herbal alchemists, considered by many to be some of the world’s best shilajit. it can be cut with a knife and is similar in texture to a hard candy, although more pliable. photo: lerina winter

Although shamans and medicine men of the time could not possibly have understood its complex and unusual composition, they could easily discern the beneficial effects Shilajit was having on the people they treated, which was a massive restoration of health and wellbeing.

The Benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit acts on many different systems in the body, earning it a place among the prized natural medicines known as adaptogens, meaning it helps to restore balance to one’s system, whether that is through reducing excess (stress and cortisol, for example) or nourishing deficiencies (promoting sound sleep and giving endurance, strength and stamina) within the body’s various systems.

One of the primary ways it does this is through its action on the endocrine system. As the master controllers of the body’s thousands of delicately tuned processes, hormones—or the lack thereof—have a very large influence on your health. They control mood, libido, sleep-wake cycles, hair growth, cognition, energy, consciousness and much more. Therefore it should come as no surprise that Shilajit has long been valued for its ability to restore sexual function, promote cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood and generally extend one’s lifespan. Quite impressive, to be sure.

However, Shilajit’s beneficial medicinal properties are not solely limited to the endocrine system. It has also been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, making it one of the most sought after remedies for those suffering from arthritis. It also has a healing effect on the digestive tract, with the notable ability to repair ulcerated intestines and keep harmful bacteria in check.

And, of course, it is also a great remineralizer and detoxifier, removing heavy metals and replacing them with those the body needs for health and wellbeing. It has also been used to treat allergies, malnutrition, anemia, and broken bones. It’s kind of like water: life is just better when you consume it regularly.

Selecting Quality Shilajit

Shilajit can be found seeping wildly in many mountain ranges across Asia, although each culture tends to have its own name for the substance. In Western and Central Asia it is typically referred to as Moomiyo, but in the areas in and around the Himalayas, it is referred to as Shilajit. While this may seem semantical, it is an important distinction due to the fact that, depending on the source, Shilajit/Moomiyo will have different compositions. Generally speaking, the best quality Shilajit is believed to originate from the Himalaya area.


shilajit is harvested in remote regions of the himalayan mountains.

However, because Shilajit is somewhat rare and difficult to collect, as well as the fact that the world’s supply originates in developing countries, the quality varies widely in the products currently available through various health food stores and websites worldwide.

The most sought after and rare form is the night-black mineral resin, with only a handful of companies selling it worldwide. It is a sticky, wet-looking “tar” that is an intensely concentrated and purified form of Shilajit. It can be pricey, although a little goes a long way, making even a small amount last for months, even at higher dosages.

That being said, there are many excellent, more affordable Shilajit products that come in a powdered form—though they will generally be slightly less concentrated and potent than the pure resin. The primary benefits of the powder are the ease of use, price, and the ability to measure precise amounts, if needed, as the resin itself is quite sticky.

When using a powder discernment is needed, as not all brands are equal. (In the section that follows we recommend some high quality, potent and high integrity Shilajit powders that are not adulterated). The vast majority of products available worldwide are actually diluted Shilajit powders. Pure Shilajit resin is composed of approximately 2% to 10% naturally occurring humic and fulvic acids with the remaining portion composed of minerals and other medicinal substances. However, adulterated products are typically 10% to 30% actual Shilajit powder and about 70% to 90% extracted humic and fulvic acids, which can be produced cheaply in a lab and added afterwards. While not dangerous, the adulterated Shilajit powders do not posses the same powerful medicinal properties.

Authentic, quality Shilajit always has a distinct, strong piercing tar-like odor that is unmistakable. If the product you have does not have a noticeably intense smell or seems ‘faint’, then it is likely old or diluted Shilajit.

Shilajit is not grown like most herbs and foods, so there are no organic or conventional distinctions. If authentic and unadulterated, Shilajit is wildcrafted, which is truly what lends it such incredible healing properties.


Recommended Shilajit Products :


Ladakhi Shilajit Resin

Future Alchemy



Future Alchemy offers one of the most authentic, spiritually activating Shilajits available outside of the Himalaya region. Harvested and made by a tenth- generation family of Buddhist alchemists living in remote Ladakh, this is a powerful Shilajit concentrate with unusual sweet notes. Extremely rare.



Siberian Shilajit Resin

PÜRblack



PÜRblack offers a meticulously crafted Shilajit concentrate harvested from a pristine, uninhabited area of Siberia. PÜRblack has developed a special low-temperature processing and purification method that ensures all naturally occurring compounds are kept intact and bioactive.



Himalayan Shilajit Powder

Omica Organics



Omica Organics offers a water-extracted Shilajit powder that is hand harvested under tightly controlled conditions at a minimum 6,000 ft. altitude in the Himalayan Mountains. Particularly high in fulvic acids, this is an excellent Shilajit for those interested in detoxification and cleansing.



Himalayan Shilajit Capsules

Dragon Herbs



Dragon Herbs offers their Shilajit in highly convenient capsules without loss of quality or potency. Harvested in the remote Western Himalayas, Dragon Herbs Shilajit undergoes further purification and extraction to produce a balanced, highly concentrated product.



About The Author

Justin Faerman is the Co-founder of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine.




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Author's page : http://www.authenticshilajit.com/real-shilajit-faq.html

Frequently Asked Questions about Real Shilajit

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is an ancient herbal substance containing over 85 minerals and trace elements the human body needs to function optimally and fulvic acid which helps the body absorb these minerals at a cellular level. Shilajit has been consumed as a dietary supplement for thousands of years in Asia because of the many benefits it provides.

How is it made?

Over Many millions of years, plants and organic matter were trapped by layers of rock in mountainous regions of India and Tibet. The pressure from the weight of the mountains and the extreme temperature changes causes the plants to be transformed into a rich mineral mass that flows out of the rocks. This is shilajit.

Are there different types?

Yes!

The purity and potency depends upon the location and altitude the Shilajit is harvested from, the purification techniques used and, most importantly, the quality of the shilajit.



Very few people, outside of the areas where it is collected, are aware that there are in fact four different qualities of shilajit. Only the highest grade (Gold Grade) is considered to have all of the legendary properties one reads about. When any of the four grades of shilajit are purified the result will be a black tar like resin. In order to select the highest grade, one must first see the color and type of rock the shilajit is found in before it is purified. The most effective Shilajit comes from the highest points of the Himalayas, approximately 16,000 – 18,000 feet above sea-level, which is where we at Lotus Blooming Herbs source our Shilajit. The highest grade is found in red/gold colored rock pictured.

How does it work?

The minerals in shilajit are in ionic form, which means the body can more easily absorb and move them to areas where the minerals are needed for growth and maintenance of cells. In Ayurveda, gold grade shilajit is believed to be a rasayana or rejuvenation substance. It is thought to have the unique ability to bring the essence on any tissue system (dhatu). For example, the essence of muscle (mamsa) is to give shape, the essence of blood (rakta) is to bring life, and the essence of the marrow/nervous system (maja) is to bestow knowledge.

How do I take it?

To consume, simply dissolve in hot, non chlorinated water, tea or warm milk and drink. Alternatively one can dissolve under the tongue or simply swallow a portion if the taste is too unpleasant.

We recommend starting with a rice to pea sized portion, one to three times a day for general well being. Amount can be increased for greater energy and effect.

*Traditional Ayurvedic instructions recommend that shilajit be dissolved in hot organic milk or taken with ghee (clarified butter) or taken with raw, unpasteurized honey to increase delivery to the body. If one is a vegan one may substitute the previously mentioned products with sesame oil or coconut oil. Follow with a cup of hot water. If one has a Pitta constitution ghee is recommended, for Vata sesame oil, and for Kapha honey is best.
 
Is it safe?

Absolutely- Shilajit has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

The standard supplement disclaimer applies: If you are pregnant or lactating or under a doctors care for any health condition you should consult with your physician before taking this or any other supplement.

Are there any contraindications?

Authentic Shilajit™ is very safe.

There is very small trace amount of phenylalanine, an essential amino acid. All products containing phenylalanine are contraindicated in people who have been diagnosed with the genetic disorder PKU (phenylketonuria).

Shilajit should not be mixed with chlorinated water. Fulvic and humic acids, when combined with chlorine, create dangerous chemical byproducts. Beware of other commercially available shilajit extracts and powders that may have been processed with chlorinated water.

The standard supplement disclaimer applies: If you are pregnant or lactating or under a doctors care for any health condition you should consult with your physician before taking this or any other supplement.

How is shilajit used for Rasayana (rejuvenation)?

Shilajit stimulates the growth process of skin cells at a molecular level. It improves the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and iron. These properties of shilajit give people a healthy appearance and youthful glow. Likewise, Shilajit’s minerals help to maintain the body’s optimum energy metabolism rate which naturally slows down with age. This is achieved partly through balancing electrolyte levels, and by burning off excess fat. Ayurveda practitioners tout its ability to balance hormone levels that change and cause stress as we age.

How is Shilajit used for health and wellness?

A great many health issues can be traced to mineral or nutrient deficiencies. Intensive chemical farming (through pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc) and irrigation have removed natural minerals and beneficial microbes from our agricultural land and the plants grown on it. Shilajit contains many of the vital minerals and trace elements needed for energy reactions in our cells and the growth of new cells and high percentages of fulvic acid to help transport these mineral molecules deep into the body.

Are there any other benefits?

Yes – trace minerals and fulvic acid in Shilajit act as catalysts for vitamin absorption within cells, with subsequent health benefits.

How long will it take to work?

Many people report feeling improved energy and stamina levels within 10 days. For maximum benefits, we recommend taking one to three portions of Shilajit per day over a 6-8 week period.