Shilajit: Secret of Vitality, Benefits, Uses.

 Shilajit: The Ancient Secret of Strength and Vitality

Introduction

Shilajit, is mentioned in text as the "Jaravyadhi-Prashamanam" and "Deha-daadhryakara", is a well-known substance in Ayurveda, known for its rejuvenating, adaptogenic, and restorative properties.

Found primarily in the Himalayan ranges.

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like exudate (Niryaas) formed by the decomposition of plant matter over centuries, compressed between layers of rocks.

It is more than just a mineral pitch — it is a Rasayana (rejuvenator) in Ayurveda, used for thousands of years to promote longevity, vitality, and overall health, because Ayurveda believes in achieving Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha in this life and for that healthy body is very important.

 Table of content

1. Introduction
2. Properties
3. Uses and benefits
4. Dose
5. Anupana
6. Compatibility and Synergism
7. Antagonism and Incompatibility
8. How to Identify Pure Shilajit?
9. Precautions and Contraindications
10. Types
11. Various Names of Shilajit
12. Classical Reference
13. Composition of Shilajit
14. Conclusion

Properties of Shilajit

Rasa: Amla, Kashaya Rasa

Virya: Anushnasheet.

Vipaka: Katu.

Prabhav: Tridosha Shamak

 

Uses and Benefits of Shilajit

1. Diabetes Mellitus (Prameha)

Shilajit acts as an anti-diabetic agent by:

• Enhancing insulin sensitivity.
• Stimulating pancreatic beta cells.
• Improving glucose metabolism.
• Reducing fatigue and weakness associated with chronic diabetes.

Shilajit is often combined with herbs like Gudmar (Gymnema) and Vijaysar for enhanced action in Madhumeha.

2. Sexual & Reproductive Disorders

Shilajit is a potent Vrishya (aphrodisiac) and Shukra dhatu vardhak:

• Enhances libido and sperm quality.
• Increases testosterone levels.
• Improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
• Promotes fertility in both men and women.

It is often used with Ashwagandha, Kaunch beej, or Gokshura for synergistic effect.

3. Anti-aging and Rejuvenation

• Promotes cellular repair and regeneration.
• Boosts energy levels and stamina.
• Reduces oxidative stress and free radicals.
• Acts as an adaptogen—helps body manage stress and fatigue.

4. Bone and Joint Health

• Enhances calcium uptake.
• Useful in arthritis, osteoporosis, and fracture healing.
• Reduces inflammation and supports cartilage repair.

5. Memory and Cognitive Function

• Improves mental clarity, concentration, and memory.
• Protects neurons from degeneration.
• Used in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s management in integrative medicine.

6. Anaemia and Weakness

• Rich in iron, helpful in iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Boosts hemoglobin levels.
• Improves nutrient absorption.

7. Urinary Disorders

• Acts as a Mutrala (diuretic).
• Helps flush out toxins and reduce uric acid.
• Useful in urinary tract infections, stones, and burning micturition.

 

Dosage of Shilajit

Powdered extract: 250–500 mg twice a day.

Tablets/capsules: As per formulation, typically 1–2 tabs twice daily.

In textbooks it is advised as 5 weeks, 3 weeks and 1 week as par Rogi Bala.

In Charak Samhita 1 pala, ½ pala and 1 Karsha matra is advised as par Rog Bala, but now days it seems impossible to digest. So, in practical terms, 1gm, 500 mg and 250 mg dose are wiser.

Always start with a lower dose and increase gradually (under supervision).

 

Anupana (Adjuvants)

In Ayurveda, Shilajit is taken with different Anupanas based on disease condition:

With warm milk – For strength, sexual health, general debility.
With honey – For diabetes, obesity.
With Triphala decoction – For detoxification.
With decoction of Dashamoola / Gokshura – For urinary and joint disorders.
Takra, MamsRasa, Yusha, Gomutra, Jala as per advice.

 

Compatibility and Synergism

Shilajit acts as a Yogavahi – it carries the qualities of other herbs deep into the tissues. It combines well with:

• Ashwagandha – For muscle gain, stress, reproductive health.
• Guduchi (Giloy) – For immunity and diabetes.
• Guggulu – For joint inflammation and detox.
• Brahmi or Shankhpushpi – For brain function.
• Turmeric – For anti-inflammatory and antioxidant synergy.
• Nagarmotha, Pittapapada- For Fever.
• Milk-For Mental relaxation.
• Khadir kwath- for Kushtha.

 

Antagonism and Incompatibility

Avoid combining Shilajit with:

Fermented food and alcohol.

Sour and heavy-to-digest food.

Horse gram (Kulthi) in some contexts.

In Pitta dominant individuals in peak summer (unless combined properly).

 

How to Identify Pure Shilajit?

Smells earthy, smoky.

Dissolves in warm water or milk, leaving no residue.

Softens when warmed and hardens when cooled.

No strong chemical or plastic-like smell.

 

Precautions and Contraindications

Not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.

Avoid in gout (due to uric acid modulation).

Must be purified (shodhit) before consumption.

Consult an Ayurvedic physician before long-term use.

Types of Shilajit

Types	Appearance	Rasa	Virya	Vipaka	Dosha effect
Swarna Shilajit	Raktaabh (Reddish)	Madhur- Tikta	Sheeta	Katu	VataPitta
Rajat Shilajit	Shwetaabh (Whitish)	Katu	Sheeta	Swaadu	KaphaPitta
Tamra Shilajit	Mayurkanthaabh (Peacock-neck like colour)	Tikta	Ushna	Katu	Kapha
Lauh Shilajit	Krishna (Guggul Sadrish)	Tikta-Lavan	Sheeta	Katu	Tridoshaj

Lauh Shilajit is considered best for Rasayana effects.

Various Names of Shilajit

Shilajit is known by many names across regions and traditional texts:

Shilajatu – Sanskrit

Asphaltum – Latin

Mineral pitch or Bitumen – English

Silajit / Salajit / Shilajita Mumiyo – Hindi / Urdu / Persian

Girija – Born of the mountains

Adrija – Of the rocks

Shilaswar – Resin of the stones

In Tibetan medicine, it's called "Brag zhun" and in Arabic Unani medicine, "Mumiyo", meaning "protector of the body".

 

Classical Ayurvedic Reference

Acharya Charaka lists Shilajit under Rasayana dravyas, especially Yogavahi, which means it enhances the potency and absorption of any other herb it is combined with.

According to Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 1/3.41-43):

"There is no curable disease in the universe which cannot be cured by Shilajit when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and in proper dosage."

 

Composition of Shilajit

Fulvic acid (up to 60%): Vital for absorption of minerals.

Humic acid,

Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones

Over 85 trace minerals: zinc, magnesium, copper, silver, iron, manganese, etc.

Antioxidants, phenolic lipids, amino acids, and vitamins.

Conclusion

Shilajit is a true wonder of nature, with time-tested benefits for modern ailments ranging from diabetes, fatigue, and infertility to aging and cognitive decline. When sourced authentically and used appropriately, it works not just as a supplement but as a powerful Rasayana that harmonizes the mind-body-energy axis.