There exists a black sticky tar like substance, on the rocky peaks high in the Himalayas. This magical substance has long been used in the ancient medical sciences specifically in Ayurveda for treatment of the number of ailments. Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (the knowledge) which means the knowledge of life. Ayurveda has deep routes in the culture of the sub-continent currently Pakistan, India and some of their neighboring countries. Ancient Ayurveda Practitioners discovered the incredible benefits of this black tar like sticky substance and based on these benefits, it was named shilajit. Shilajit is a Sanskrit word which means the conqueror of mountains and since Sanskrit was the popular language in the region in ancient times, the word shilajit became famous. Since then, Ayurveda has used shilajit in the treatment of nearly all common diseases at that time. Although shilajit do have other origins, the one that originates in the himalayan mountains is known as the himalayan shilajit. The himalayan shilajit is often reffered as the gift of nature and the destroyer of the weaknesses. It is a mineral rich plant based extract that develops over hundreds of years due to the slow decomposition of herbs and plants.
The Revitalizing Power of the Himalayan Shilajit
The progression of the modern sciences of medicines gave rise to the number of questions regarding the shilajit i.e why is shilajit extremely effective in treating the number of diseases? The answer to it’s revitalizing power lies in the compositon of the himalayan shilajit. The himalayan shilajit contains humic substances such as fulvic acid, humins and humic acid with fulvic acid being the prominent one that constitutes 60%-80% of the nutraceuticals within the shilajit. Apart from Fulvic acid, shilajit contains more than 85 essential trace minerals. The presence of these natural organic substances in shilajit gives it a revitalizing power i.e to give vigour and vitality.
Fulvic Acid: The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant component of The Himalayan Shilajit
Fulvic acid is an organic nutraceutical that is produced from the humic substances in the soil. It constitutes 15-20% of the overall shilajit and 60-80% of the nutraceuticals in the shilajit. Fulvic acid is a strong anti-inflammatory that prevents inflammation in the cells at small and in the body at large. Most of the chronic and acute problems in the human body are caused by inflammation. With its anti-inflammatory properties, fulvic acid is believed to cure number of issues caused by inflammation such as immune disorders, aches and pains. Inflammation can cause hurdles in the working of immune system, fulvic acid reduces inflammation and in this way it boosts the immune system. Most of the allergies such as asthma and other general disorders are associated with the overreactive immune cells. This overactivity of the immune cells is caused by inflammation within the cells. Fulvic acid may have constructive impact against these disorders. Gut health is an another disorder that leads to the other health issues. Several studies suggest that fulvic acid aids in the improvement of gut health hence it improves the overall health. Moreover, the most associated benefit of fulvic acid in shilajit is that it is believed to increase the testosterone level in men and treat the male infertility. Fulvic acid is also good for skin as it protects the skin cells.
Fulvic acid in shilajit is also a strong anti-oxidant. Oxidative disorders are linked with the inflammatory disorders. Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance between the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anti-oxidant. When ROS outnumber the anti-oxidants in the cells, which can lead to the oxidative stress which can further lead to the cellular damage. Cellular damage in brain can cause diseases such as alzheimers (short-term memory loss). Anti-oxidant properties of the himalayan shialjit due to the presence of fulvic acid can also prevent cognitive disorders. Alzheimers progresses with time as more and more cells become affected, it is believed that shilajit can slow down the progression of Alzheimers. Similarly, fulvic acid in shilajit may affect several other cognitive disorders and may improve the overall cognitive health.
Although there are several studies carried out on animals regarding the impact of fulvic acid and there is human evidence too that safe consumption of fulvic acid can improve these general disorders caused by inflammation, yet there is a lack of human research regarding the comprehensive effects of fulvic acid. Fulvic acid in the himalayan shilajit has been used to improve the general well-being for over 3000 years in traditional ayurveda, so it is believed to have the positive impact on the human body.
More than 85 Essential Trace Minerals in the Himalayan Shilajit
Shilajit contains more than 85Â essential minerals in trace amounts. These minerals contribute to the general well-being in different ways. Minerals deficiency can lead to several disorders such as Anemia (lack of iron), fatigue, poor immune system, weak bones and teeths, muscle cramps, loss of apatite and what not. Regular consumption of the himalayan shilajit in recommended doses can prevent the minerals deficiency and hence can contribute to the general well-being, vigor and vitality. Presence of these minerals in regular diet can help build stamina, give energy and prevent the chronic fatigue.
Along with providing the body with essential minerals, the himalayan shilajit also gives the capability to digest these minerals. Shilajit improves the overall gut health. A good gut health contributes to the proper mineral digestion and metabolism.
Conclusion
Fulvic acid, humins and minerals in the himalayan shilajit are believed to have numerous health benefits. These constituents give shilajit its revitalizing power. Its because of this composition that shilajit had remained the best remedy in the ancient ayurveda and several other traditional sciences of medicines. It is believed to have hundreds of health benefits. However, there is still a lack of research on the effects of shilajit on humans. Also, himalayan shilajit is a heavy minerals rich substance that needs to be taken with due consideration. Over consumption can cause problems instead of benefits.