Shilajit: Properties, Benefits, Types & Ayurvedic References

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.