Shilajit is a fascinating substance that's been used for thousands of years in ancient cultural medicine. While its origins are somewhat mysterious, modern research is starting to reveal its many potential health benefits.
From acting as an antioxidant to supporting men's health, shilajit might just be the modern medicine of the mountains.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky, gum-like substance that varies in color from pale brown to dark brownish-black. It's primarily found oozing from rocks in mountain ranges across India, Russia, Pakistan, and China, especially between May and July. The Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains are its most common sources.
Shilajit is a blend of plant and mineral material, believed to form when organic plant matter is compressed between heavy rocks. This usually happens on steep, sunny rock walls at high altitudes between 1,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level. Studies suggest that shilajit is more likely to develop in rocky, porous areas rich in organic carbon.
The name "shilajit" comes from Sanskrit, meaning “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” This refers not only to its presence on rugged rock walls but also to its reputed health benefits.
Shilajit's Nutritional Content
Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit may be a natural wonder due to its rich mineral content, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. It's also high in fulvic acid, which makes up 60-80% of its composition. Fulvic acid, a by-product of the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria and fungi, is believed to help improve various health conditions.
Traditional Uses of Shilajit
In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of many Indian cultures, shilajit is used as a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including digestive disorders, diabetes, urinary tract conditions, and immune support.
Modern research supports the potential health benefits of shilajit, suggesting it may help with stress response, fatigue, performance enhancement, and detoxification pathways in the body.
Here are six potential benefits of shilajit:
Shilajit May Benefit the Stress Response
Stress is a common experience for most people, and chronic stress can lead to a variety of health issues, from mental health disorders to cardiovascular disease. Studies also link chronic stress to a weakened immune system, increased oxidative stress, and higher inflammation levels.
Shilajit might help reduce oxidative stress and lower inflammation in the body. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study focused on shilajit supplementation in postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone mineral density). The women, aged 45-65, were divided into groups receiving either shilajit or a placebo daily for 48 weeks. The study found that those who took shilajit had lower inflammation and oxidative stress, less bone loss, and higher glutathione levels in their blood. Glutathione is a crucial antioxidant produced by the body. Animal studies also suggest that shilajit may boost other antioxidants, like catalase.
Interestingly, another animal study showed that shilajit increased oxidative stress, likely because it acts as an immune system regulator, not just a stimulator.
Shilajit May Help Improve Fatigue
Fatigue, a sense of tiredness or lack of energy, can become chronic and affect long-term health. Studies suggest that chronic fatigue affects up to 10% of the adult population globally, with 1% suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Research indicates that shilajit may help alleviate fatigue. An animal study with a rat model of CFS found that three weeks of shilajit supplementation reduced fatigue and anxiety symptoms associated with CFS.
Shilajit May Help Improve Athletic Performance
Athletes often experience performance fatigue, a decline in output over time. Studies suggest that shilajit can improve performance fatigue. One study involving 63 active young men (ages 21-23) examined the effects of shilajit on workout-induced fatigue and diminished strength. Participants were divided into shilajit and placebo groups. After eight weeks, the shilajit group experienced less performance fatigue compared to the placebo group.
Shilajit May Benefit Brain Health
Emerging research suggests that shilajit may support brain health. For instance, studies indicate that the fulvic acid in shilajit could benefit Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that impairs memory and cognition. Research shows that fulvic acid may prevent the aggregation of proteins that disrupt brain cell communication, potentially benefiting Alzheimer’s patients. Additionally, shilajit may strengthen brain cells and improve communication. Animal studies combining shilajit and ashwagandha extract have shown increased cognition and better memory formation.
Shilajit May Benefit Men’s Health
Testosterone, a key hormone in the male body, is responsible for muscle mass, strength, sperm production, and sex drive. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, starting in the 30s, by 2-3% annually. Low testosterone levels are linked to obesity, low muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, and depression.
Research suggests that shilajit can increase testosterone levels. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study focused on healthy men aged 45-55 found that those who took shilajit for 90 days had significantly higher testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. DHEA is a hormone used to produce testosterone, and studies suggest it can increase bioavailable testosterone levels.
Shilajit May Help Improve Wound Healing
Effective wound healing is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. For individuals with conditions like diabetes, the wound healing process can be impaired, increasing infection risk.
Research suggests that shilajit can speed up wound healing. A test-tube study found that shilajit increased the speed of wound healing and reduced associated inflammation. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined shilajit’s effects on bone fractures. The study followed 160 participants aged 18-60 with fractured tibias. Those who took shilajit healed 24 days faster than the placebo group, as confirmed by X-ray evaluations.
Takeaway
Shilajit, a mix of mountainous plant and mineral material, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Modern research suggests that it may indeed be the “Conqueror of the Mountains and Destroyer of Weakness” due to its potential health benefits. From acting as a powerful antioxidant to supporting cognition and men’s health, incorporating shilajit into your health routine could enhance overall wellness for years to come.