The Himalayan regions of Nepal, are rich in shilajit, a resinous material that is blackish-brown in color. The Shilajit plant is more often known by its botanical name, Asphaltum. Shilajit is an organic chemical that develops over generations from the breakdown of plant and microbial materials; yet, it is not derived from plants. From the cracks of rocks gathered from the high-altitude mountainous regions of Nepal, Shilajit arises. These places range in altitude from 1,000 to 5,000 meters. Respected for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating qualities, it has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Tibet an medicine.
Harvesting Methods of Shilajit in Nepal
Nepalese farmers have to work hard and be careful when they pick Shilajit. It usually comes out of the cracks and openings in the Himalayan rocks from May to September, when it’s warmer. This animal is mostly found in the high northern places, like Manang, Humla, Dolpa, and Mustang. The conditions are perfect for this natural resin to form in these places, which are often remote and hard to get to. People who collect the resin often hike to these high elevations.
They are usually local villagers or mountain climbers. The shilajit is usually on the surface of rocks as a tar-like material that needs to be chipped off of the rock it’s on in order to be removed. The resin is carefully taken out of the rocks using simple tools like chisels or knives. Because the quality of the Shilajit can change depending on things like altitude, the purity of the material, and the local environment, workers usually use their knowledge to figure out the quality of the material while they are collecting it. Harvesting is hard on the body and can be dangerous because of the risks that come with working at high elevations and in weather that changes quickly.
Processing Methods of Shilajit in Nepal
To ensure its safety for human use, Shilajit goes through a multi-stage purifying process once it is gathered. In its unprocessed state, Shilajit contains impurities like rock fragments, filth, and other unwanted organic substances. Traditional processing methods in Nepal are based on Ayurvedic and indigenous medical knowledge. There are several steps in the purifying process that work together to eliminate these contaminants. To facilitate filtering and purification, we soften the raw Shilajit by soaking it in warm water. After the resin has melted, it is strained through a cloth or fine mesh screen to remove any bigger particles, such as rocks or plant stems. To isolate the valuable resin, this technique calls for multiple water changes.
To enhance its purification process and extract its medicinal properties, boil any remaining Shilajit in water or a herbal decoction after filtering.The water is reduced to a thick and sticky paste by boiling it and then letting it evaporate. Let the paste dry in partial shade or direct sunlight until it becomes a glossy, firm, resin-like consistency; then proceed to the following stage. Occasionally, Ayurvedic practitioners may add specific minerals or herbs to the purification process of Shilajit to make it even more potent and valuable for medical purposes. Two examples of current purifying procedures include activated charcoal filtration and centrifugation. These techniques help get rid of pesticides, heavy metals, and any other modern contaminants that could have been around when Shilajit was formed. The most important characteristics of the resin are its bitter taste, strong tar aroma, and dark brown to black colour; the method of production is irrelevant.
Major Components of Shilajit:-
It has over 80 different bioactive compounds, which makes its chemical makeup very complicated. This makes it a very powerful drug in traditional medicine. Fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and important minerals are some of the main parts of Shilajit that make it useful as a medicine.
Fulvic Acid
This is one of the most important active ingredients in Shilajit. It helps the herb fight inflammation, protect cells from damage, and clean the body. Fulvic acid is an important part of regaining energy and fighting tiredness because it helps the body absorb nutrients and make energy. In addition to fighting oxidative stress, its antioxidant qualities also help slow down the aging process and improve brain health.
Humic Acid
Like fulvic acid, humic acid is an organic acid that is found in Shilajit. It helps the body handle food better, get rid of toxins, and absorb nutrients better. It’s also thought to have immunomodulatory benefits that make the body better able to fight off illnesses and infections.
Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones
These chemicals are strong antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to protect mitochondrial activity. Mitochondria are the energy-producing parts of cells. Because of this, Shilajit is very good at boosting stamina, lowering fatigue, and speeding up the healing process after physical stress or hurt.
Elements
Shilajit has many trace elements in it, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. These elements are very important for keeping the body’s metabolism in check and making sure that the enzymes and energy-making processes work well. Shilajit is thought to be a strong adaptogen in traditional medicine because it can replace these minerals and bring the body’s physical and mental balance back.
Major Health Benefits of Shilajit Resin:-
- Shilajit gives you more energy by making your mitochondria work better. This helps your body make more energy and fight tiredness.
- It improves brain function because it keeps neurons healthy, which also makes memory, focus, and brain function better in general.
- Strengthens Your Body: Shilajit strengthens your body’s endurance and power by making more energy and helping muscles heal.
- Effects on Aging: The antioxidants in it fight reactive stress, which makes the skin and cells age more slowly.
- Shilajit’s fulvic acid keeps your cells healthy and slows down the aging process, so you can age in a healthy way.
- Shilajit may be good for your heart because it may help keep your heart healthy and lower your blood pressure.
- Builds up the immune system: This helps the body fight off sickness better by making the immune system stronger.
- Shilajit naturally raises testosterone levels, which gives guys more energy and makes them more fertile.
- Because it is adaptogenic, it helps you deal with stress, calm down, and keep your feelings in check.
- Enhances Sexual Health: It boosts the libido and sexual health of girls and women of all ages.
- Fulvic acid in Shilajit helps the body get rid of heavy metals and dangerous toxins. This is a part of cleansing.
- Some of the chemicals in shilajit can help lower inflammation, which can be helpful for people who have long-term inflammation or joints that are affected by it.
- It helps your body process food, keep your gut healthy, and get rid of gas and constipation.
- Because they reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage, shilajit helps keep joints healthy by easing pain and making it easier to move around.
- It keeps blood sugar levels in check, which is good for people with diabetes.
- Better Absorption of Nutrients: Fulvic acid makes nutrients more bioavailable, which means the body can usually take them in better.
- It has many minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are good for bone health because they make bones stronger and stop illnesses that affect bones.
- It gives people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome more energy and stamina, which helps them.
- It makes your mind clearer by getting rid of brain fog and making your thinking more clear, which is good for staying smart.
- Shilajit helps people who have trouble sleeping sleep better and even cures them of not being able to sleep. It does this by balancing stress hormones and calming the mind.
How to use Shilajit Resin?
How Much to Take?
The usual amount is between 300 and 500 mg per day. Still, it is suggested that you start with a small amount (like a pea-sized piece or a rice grain) and slowly increase it based on how your body reacts.
- Before you start taking Shilajit, talk to your doctor to make sure you are getting the right amount for your needs. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, or already have a health problem.
How to Make It?
Easy to Dissolve in Liquid:-
Shilajit resin is simple to dissolve in water, milk, or herbal tea. The following steps are taken to use it:
- Take a small amount, about the size of a pea (about 300 to 500 mg).
- Put it in a cup of hot water, milk, or tea and mix it.
- Stir the material around some more until it’s all gone.
The best time to take shilajit is in the morning. Many people choose to take it on an empty stomach in the morning so that they feel energized and clear all day.
- Before Exercise: Shilajit can be taken before exercise to help with energy and stamina.
- Before bed: Some people drink it at night to help them sleep and heal, but it may also wake them up and make it hard for them to sleep. Adding more spices Milk:
In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is often mixed with warm milk to boost energy, stamina, and general healing. Honey or Ghee: Some people add a tablespoon of honey or ghee (clarified butter) to Shilajit to help their body absorb it better.
Use Duration:-
- Continuous Use: It is generally safe to use for a long time, but experts usually suggest taking breaks every so often (e.g., every two to three months of continuous use) to give the body a chance to reset.
External Use:-
- Skin Application: Shilajit can be used on the skin to keep it clean by mixing it with water or lubricants to make a paste that can be put on the skin to treat acne or lines.
How to Storage Shilajit Resin?
- Store Shilajit resin in a cold, dry location at room temperature. Prevent the resin from being exposed to moisture or heat, as these can cause it to degrade.
- Utilize an airtight container: To safeguard Shilajit from contaminants and moisture, it is recommended that it be stored in an airtight container. This aids in the preservation of its texture and prevents it from becoming excessively viscous or hardening.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Shilajit’s efficacy may be diminished over time as a result of UV radiation that can degrade its active compounds.
- Refrigeration (Optional): Although not mandatory, Shilajit can be extended by preserving it in the refrigerator. If it is stored in the refrigerator, it is important to allow it to reach room temperature before using it, as it may become hardened in frigid temperatures.
- Clean Utensils: To prevent contamination or moisture from entering the container, it is imperative to use clean, dry utensils to shovel the resin.
