Ayurvedic Origin of Shilajit

Classical Reference:

निदाघे घर्मसन्तप्ताधतुसारं धराधराः |
निर्यासवत् प्रमुञ्चान्ति तत् शिलाजतु कीर्तितम् ||

During the intense summer months of Jyeshtha and Ashada, the strong sun heats the Himalayan Mountains, causing a resin-like substance to ooze from the rocks. This substance is known as Shilajit.

Sanskrit Synonyms of Shilajit

·  Shailodbhava

·  Shaileya

·  Shaila

·  Girijathu

·  Adrija

·  Shailadhatuja

·  Shilamaya

·  Shilasweda

·  Shila Niryasa

·  Ashma Laksha

·  Gaireya

Vernacular & Common Names

·  Latin Name:Asphaltum punjabianum

·  English: Asphaltum, Mineral pitch, Black bitumen

·  Other Names: Moomiyo, Moomie, Punjabinum, Memiya, Asmaja, Kanmandam

Types of Shilajit (Based on Ore Source)

Classical Reference:

सौवर्णंरजतंताम्रंआयसंतत्चतुर्विदम् |

Shilajit is classified into four types based on the mineral-rich region of origin:

1.  Swarna Garbha Shilajit – Found near gold ore regions

2.  Rajata Garbha Shilajit – Found near silver ore regions

3.  Tamra Garbha Shilajit – Found near copper ore regions

4.  Loha Garbha Shilajit – Found near iron ore regions

Ayurvedic Properties of Shilajit

Classical Reference (Bhavaprakasha Nighantu):

शिलाजंकटुतिक्तोष्णंकटुपाकंरसायनं |
छेदियोगवहम्हन्तिकफमेदोष्मशर्करा ||
मूत्रकृच्छ्रंक्षयंश्वासंवातार्शन्सिचपाण्डुतां |
अपस्मारंतथोन्मादंशोथकुष्टठोदरकृमीन || 

Pharmacological Profile

Therapeutic Uses as per Ayurveda

Shilajit is indicated in:

·  Prameha – Diabetes mellitus

·  Mutrakrichra – Difficulty in urination

·  Kshaya – Tuberculosis & wasting disorders

·  Shwasa – Dyspnoea / asthma

·  Vataja Arshas – Non-bleeding piles

·  Pandu – Anaemia

·  Apasmara – Epilepsy

·  Unmada – Psychiatric disorders

·  Shotha – Oedema

·  Kushta – Skin diseases

·  Udara – Ascites

·  Krimi – Intestinal worms

Ayurveda states that no curable disease exists which cannot be treated effectively by Shilajit when administered properly.

Importance of Shilajit Purification (Shodhana)

Classical Warning:

अशुद्धंदाहमूर्च्छायभ्रमपित्तास्र्शोषकृत |
शिलाजतुप्रकुरुतेमान्ध्यमग्नेश्चाविड्ग्रहम ||

Raw or unpurified Shilajit should never be consumed. Improper intake causes:

·  Excess thirst (Daha)

·  Giddiness (Murcha)

·  Hallucinations (Bhrama)

·  Pitta and blood depletion

·  Weak digestion (Agni Mandya)

·  Constipation (Vit Graha)

Purification removes physical impurities and enhances therapeutic potency.

Dosage & Forms of Shilajit

·  Available as resin, capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid

·  The purest form is purified resin or liquid

·  Dose: 250–500 mg per day

·  Anupana (Vehicle): Milk, warm water, or Triphala Kwatha

·  Tablets and powders often contain Triphala churna as an excipient

Health Benefits of Shilajit (Scientific Evidence)

Shilajit contains 60–80% organic matter, 20–40% minerals, and over 80 bioactive compounds, primarily fulvic acid.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease

Fulvic acid prevents tau protein aggregation, reducing neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Low Testosterone & Male Infertility

Clinical studies show:

·  Increased testosterone levels

·  Improved sperm count and motility

3. Anti-Aging & Longevity

Acts as a potent Rasayana with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting tissue repair and cellular rejuvenation.

4. Iron Deficiency Anaemia

High humic acid and iron content improve:

·  Hemoglobin

·  RBC count

·  Hematocrit levels

5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Improves mitochondrial and cellular energy production, addressing fatigue at its root cause.

6. Diabetes Management

Shilajit shows hypoglycaemic activity by:

·  Enhancing insulin secretion

·  Reducing starch-to-glucose conversion

7. Cardiac Health & Cholesterol

·  Increases glutathione levels

·  Improves circulation

·  Reduces cholesterol via humic acid

8. Obesity & Metabolic Support

Studies show better weight reduction outcomes when Shilajit is combined with exercise.

Contraindications of Shilajit

Although Shilajit is a potent Rasayana, it must be used judiciously and only after proper purification. It is contraindicated or should be used with caution in the following conditions:

1. Pregnancy & Lactation

·  Shilajit is Ushna (hot) and Yogavahi, which may overstimulate metabolism and circulation.

·  Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

2. Excess Pitta Conditions

Avoid or use cautiously in individuals with:

·  Hyperacidity

·  Gastritis

·  Peptic ulcers

·  Epistaxis (frequent nosebleeds)

·  Severe inflammatory skin conditions

Due to its Ushna veerya, Shilajit may aggravate Pitta dosha.

3. Acute Infections & Fever

·  Shilajit should not be used during acute febrile conditions.

·  It is best introduced only after fever subsides and digestion normalizes.

4. Children

·  Not advised for children below 12 years unless specifically indicated by an Ayurvedic physician.

5. Gout & Hyperuricemia

·  Shilajit may increase metabolic activity and aggravate symptoms in individuals with elevated uric acid levels.

6. Hemochromatosis / High Iron Levels

·  Since Shilajit naturally contains iron, individuals with iron overload disorders should avoid its use.

7. Unpurified (Ashuddha) Shilajit

·  Raw or unprocessed Shilajit is toxic and must never be consumed.

·  Only Shodhit (purified) Shilajit should be used.

Safe Usage Guidelines

✔ Always use purified Shilajit

✔ Start with low doses (250 mg/day)

✔ Consume with cooling Anupana like milk in Pitta individuals

✔ Avoid alcohol during Shilajit therapy

✔ Use under professional supervision in chronic disease

Conclusion

Shilajit is a divine Ayurvedic Rasayana that supports metabolism, vitality, reproductive health, immunity, and longevity. When properly purified and correctly administered, it serves as a powerful rejuvenator for both body and mind.

Maha Narayana Taila is one of the most celebrated and powerful classical Ayurvedic medicated oils, renowned for its exceptional versatility in managing Vata disorders, neuromuscular conditions, joint diseases, and overall debility. Mentioned in authoritative Ayurvedic texts, this oil has been used for centuries to promote strength, longevity, and resilience.

The formulation is named after Lord Narayana (Vishnu)—the sustainer of the universe—symbolizing its role in nourishing, protecting, and restoring the body. Classical literature even narrates that Lord Vishnu prepared this oil to restore the strength of wounded warriors during battles between gods and demons.

Classical Reference – Method of Preparation

बिल्वाश्वगन्धाबृहतीश्वदंष्ट्राश्योनाकवाट्यालकपारिभद्रम्।

क्षुद्राकठिल्लाग्निबलाग्निमन्थंमूलानिचैषांसरणीयुतानाम्।

मूलंविदध्यादथपाटलीनांप्रस्थंसपादंविधिनोद्धृतानाम्।

द्रोणैरपामष्टभिरेवपक्त्वापादावशेषेणरसेनतेन॥

तैलाढकाभ्यांसममेवदुग्धमाजंनिदध्यादअथवापिगव्यम्।

एकत्रसम्यग्विपचेत्सुबुद्धिर्दद्याद्रसच्चैवशतावरीनाम्।

तैलेनतुल्यंपुनरेवतत्ररास्नाश्वगन्धमिषिदारुकुष्ठम्।

पर्णीचतुष्कागरुकेशराणिसिन्धूत्थमांसिरजनीद्वयश्च॥

शैलेयकंचन्दनपुष्करणिएलास्रयष्टीतगराब्दपत्रं।

भ्रंगाष्टवर्गाम्बुवचापलाशंस्थौणेयवृश्चीरकचोरकाख्यम्॥

एतैःसमस्तैर्दिपलप्रमाणैरालोड्यसर्वंविधिनाविपक्वम्।

कर्पूरकाश्मीरमृगाण्डजानांचूर्णीकृतानांत्रिपलप्रमाणम्॥

प्रस्वेददौर्गन्ध्यनिवारणायदध्यात्सुगन्धायवदन्तिकेचित्।

नारायणंनाममहच्चतैलंसर्वप्रकारैर्विधिवत्प्रयोज्यम्।I

(Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Vatavyadhi adhikara)

Maha Narayana Taila is prepared following a complex and meticulous classical process, involving decoction (Kwatha), swarasa (juice), herbal paste (Kalka), milk, and sesame oil, cooked slowly to ensure maximum potency.

Method of Preparation (Traditional Process)

1. Preparation of Decoction (Kwatha)

A decoction is prepared using 960 g each of the following coarse herbal powders:

·  Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)

·  Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

·  Brihati (Solanum indicum)

·  Swadamshtra (Gokshura) (Tribulus terrestris)

·  Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum)

·  Bala (Sida cordifolia)

·  Paribhadra (Erythrina variegata)

·  Kshudra Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)

·  Atibala (Abutilon indicum)

·  Agnimantha (Premna corymbosa)

·  Prasarini (Paederia foetida)

·  Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens)

These herbs are boiled in 98 liters of water, reduced to 24 liters, and filtered.

2. Oil & Liquid Media

·  Sesame oil (Tila Taila) – 6.1 kg (heated to remove moisture)

·  Milk (Dugdha) – 6.14 liters

·  Shatavari juice (Asparagus racemosus) – 6.1 liters

3. Preparation of Kalka (Herbal Paste)

Fine powders (96 g each) of the following herbs are used:

Rasna, Ashwagandha, Mishreya, Devadaru, Kusta, Shalaparni, Prishniparni, Mudgaparni, Mashaparni, Agaru, Nagakesara, Saindhava, Jatamamsi, Haridra, Daruharidra, Shaileya, Chandana, Pushkara, Ela, Manjishta, Yashtimadhu, Tagara, Musta, Tejapatra, Bhringaraja, Jivaka, Rishabhaka, Meda, Mahameda, Kakoli, Ksheera Kakoli, Riddhi, Vriddhi, Ambu, Vacha, Sthauneya, Vrishchikali, Choraka.

4. Final Processing

The decoction, kalka, goat milk, and Shatavari juice are combined with sesame oil and cooked on mild heat (Mridu Paka).

After filtration, 48 g each of:

·  Karpoora (Camphor) – Cinnamomum camphora

·  Kashmeera (Saffron) – Crocus sativus

·  Mrigamada (Musk)

are added to enhance fragrance and therapeutic efficacy.

Therapeutic Uses & Benefits of Maha Narayana Taila

आश्वेवपुंसापवनार्दितानामेकान्गहीनार्दितवेपनानाम्।

येपङ्गवःपीठविसर्पिणश्चबाधिर्यशुक्रक्षयपीडिताश्च॥

मन्याहनुस्तम्भशिरोरूजार्तामुक्तामयास्तेबलवर्णयुक्ताः।

संसेव्यतैलंसहसाभवन्तिवन्ध्याचनारीलभतेचपुत्रम्॥

वीरोपमंसर्वगुणोपपन्नंसुमेधसंश्रीविनयान्वितन्च।

शाखाश्रितेकोष्ठगतेचवातेवृद्धौविधेयंपवनार्दितानाम्॥

जिह्वानिलेदन्तगतेचशूलेउन्मादकौब्ज्यज्वरकर्षितानाम्

प्राप्नोतिलक्ष्मींप्रमदाप्रियत्वंवपुःप्रकर्षविजयन्चनित्यम्॥

तैलोपसेवीजरयाभिमुक्तोजीवेच्चिराच्चापिभवेध्युवेव।

देवासुरेयुद्धपरेसमीक्ष्यस्नाय्वस्थिभघ्नानसुरैसुरांश्च।

नारायणेनापिसुबृंहणार्थंस्वनामतैलंविहितन्चतेषाम्॥

(Bhaisajya ratnavali Vatavyadhi adhikara)

Classical texts praise Maha Narayana Taila as a Sarva-Vata-Vyadhi-Nashaka (destroyer of all Vata disorders).

Indications as per Ayurveda

1.  Sarvanga Vata – Generalized Vata disorders

2.  Ardita – Facial palsy

3.  Ekanga Heena – Paralysis of one limb

4.  Vepana – Tremors

5.  Pangu – Lameness, paraplegia

6.  Peeta Visarpa – Weakness of lower back

7.  Badhirya – Hearing impairment

8.  Shukra Kshaya – Low sperm count, infertility

9.  Manya Stambha – Neck stiffness

10.  Hanu Stambha – Jaw stiffness

11.  Shiroruja – Headache

12.  Mukta Amaya – Promotes strength, immunity, and radiant complexion

13.  Vandhya Stri – Helps overcome female infertility

14.  Shakha Ashrita Vata – Peripheral Vata disorders

15.  Koshtha Gata Vata – Visceral Vata imbalance

16.  Vridha – Hernia

17.  Jihva Nila – Tongue-related Vata disorders

18.  Danta Gata Shoola – Toothache

19.  Unmada – Mental disturbances

20.  Kubja – Kyphosis (hunchback)

21.  Jvara – Fever

22.  Snayu & Asthi Bhagna – Muscle tears, ligament injuries, fractures

Unique Classical Claims

·  Enhances strength, stamina, and vitality

·  Delays aging and promotes longevity

·  Improves fertility and progeny quality

·  Strengthens nerves, muscles, joints, and bones

·  Attracts prosperity, charm, and success

·  Maintains youthfulness with regular use

तैलोपसेवीजरयाविमुक्तोजीवेत्चिराच्चापिभवेद्ध्रुवम्।

Regular use keeps the body youthful and free from the effects of aging.

Mode of Use

·  Abhyanga (external massage) – daily or as prescribed

·  Pichu / Basti / Nasya – under Ayurvedic supervision

·  Internal use – only under physician guidance