Shilajit: 10 benefits and uses

Shilajit is the result of a long process of degradation of plant matter and minerals. It is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that comes from rocks in high mountain ranges.

Shilajit traditionally came from India and Tibet, although it is now found in many other countries.

Shilajit has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and its compounds appear to be beneficial for many conditions. In this article, discover the benefits and possible side effects of this natural substance.

When used correctly, shilajit can have several benefits for the body. This may be due in part to the high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, as well as many minerals.

1. Brain function

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The many compounds found in shilajit may be helpful to brain function and may even help treat Alzheimer’s disease.

A study in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease noted that shilajit is traditionally used for longevity and to slow aging. The compounds it contains may help control cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers expect shilajit to have an impact on preventing cognitive impairment, but more research is needed to explore these possibilities.

2. Aging

A study noted that fulvic acid, one of the key compounds in shilajit, acts as a antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound. As such, it can help reduce free radicals and cellular damage in the body, which are two key factors in aging.

Daily shilajit supplementation may contribute to overall vitality and a slower aging process in some people.

3. Anemia

Anemia develops when the blood does not contain enough healthy cells or hemoglobin. There are many causes of anemia, including iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia can cause many symptoms in the body, including:

Shilajit contains high levels of humic acid and iron, which may be helpful in treating iron deficiency anemia. However, it is important to explore this option with a doctor before taking supplements.

4. Antiviral

The wide range of minerals and compounds found in shilajit may also help fight viruses. A noted research study that shilajit could fight and kill many different viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes virus.

The researchers noted that while this appears effective, more studies in living subjects are needed to support these claims.

5. Chronic fatigue

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that shilajit helped reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in the test subjects.

Researchers noted that shilajit could help improve the body’s cellular functions, meaning it could reduce problem-causing fatigue and naturally increase energy levels.

6. Altitude sickness

One of the claims made by traditional practitioners is that shilajit can help relieve altitude sickness. Pressure changes at high altitudes can greatly affect some people. Symptoms of altitude sickness range from body aches and fatigue to lung congestion and lack of oxygen to the brain.

Shilajit is a complex substance that contains over 80 different minerals, as well as fulvic acid and humic acid. Due to this broad spectrum of beneficial components, shilajit is said to help reduce many symptoms of altitude sickness.

This can help improve the brain’s cognitive processes, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammationall this could reduce altitude sickness.

7. Liver cancer

Shilajit also shows promise in combating certain types of cancer cells. A study found that shilajit helped destroy liver cancer cells.

This also stopped these cancer cells from multiplying. The researchers noted that their results show that shilajit has an anticancer effect, but that additional studies are needed.

8. Heart health

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Shilajit can also protect the heart and improve heart health. A recent study the use of rats made it possible to observe the protective effects of shilajit on the heart.

Animals treated with shilajit before heart injury had less heart damage than those that did not receive shilajit.

It is important to note that shilajit can reduce arterial pressure in some cases and should not be taken by anyone with active heart disease.

9. Obesity

Carrying extra weight can fatigue muscles and put stress on the bones. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Foods noted that obese people who took an oral supplement of purified shilajit responded better to exercise than those who did not take it.

Researchers noted that shilajit appeared to activate genes in the body that helped skeletal muscles quickly adapt to the new workout. This could mean less fatigue and more strength over time.

10. Male fertility and testosterone

Shilajit has also been studied to increase male fertility. A study given 60 infertile men shilajit twice a day for 90 days.

After the testing period, almost half of the men who completed treatment showed an increase in total sperm count and sperm motility, or the number and manner in which sperm move toward the egg, all of which are two of the factors of male fertility.

Another study examined the ability of shilajit to increase testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Men aged 45 to 55 were given shilajit for 90 days. At the end of this period, researchers noted a significant increase in total testosterone levels.