Shilajit: Wonder Mineral of Ayurveda
Courtesy: http://www.bazaarofindia.com
Shilajit, also known as
mineral pitch, comes from the rocks in the lower Himalayas during the warm,
summer months. It is believed that its origin is from the decomposition of
vegetable substances. This organic matter is composed of a large variety of
minerals along with the main active ingredient - Benzoic acid. Throughout
history there has been four varieties of Shilajit which have been used; however,
the iron shilajit which is a blackish brown is the most common one used for
medicinal purposes. A purified form is used which may have been processed with a
number of different herbs including Triphala, Dashamula or Ashwagandha.
Having tonic properties, this substance is useful in a wide variety
of treatments. It has been said that there is hardly any curable disease which
cannot be assisted with the aid of Shilajit. General debility and fatigue is
among the list of ailments which can be helped with Shilajit. The overall
action is alterative, tonic, slightly laxative, cholagogue, respiratory
stimulant, disinfectant, expectorant, intestinal antiseptic, diuretic and
lithotriptic. The following is a list of diseases which may benefit from the
use of this gum resin: genito-urinary, diabetes, gall stones, jaundice, enlarged
spleen, dyspepsia, worms, digestive troubles, hemorrhoids, fatty tissue, kidney
stones, mental disturbances, neurasthenia, epilepsy, nervous diseases, female
reproductive system, skin, anemia, and bronchitis. Since it promotes
expectoration, it makes it useful in respiratory illnesses. It may be used in
acute and chronic bronchitis. The antispasmodic qualities brings it's effects
with asthma, colic, other intestinal complaints and menstrual difficulties. It
addresses ascites and edema with being a diuretic.
The average dose is one 250 mg. tablet once a day. Some diseases may benefit
from an increased dose, please ask the advice of your Ayurvedic physician if you
have any questions about dosage. You may wish to include Shilajit along with
your use of other herbs.
In sexual weakness you may take Shilajit along with Ashwagandha. For menorrhagia
you may take it with Amalaki. With painful micturation it would be helpful with
Yashtimadhu (licorice). In mental disturbances you may want to also include
Jatamansi. In Diabetes it decreases the quantity of sugar and urine. You may
want to take it with other hypoglycemic herbs. Arthritis may receive results
with an addition of Shilajeet to your other herbal therapies.
Shilajeet may also be applied externally as an antiseptic, parasiticidal, and
anodyne.