Shilajit: The Indian Viagra and the Elixir Oozed Out of Rocks

A bituminous substance that is brown to black in color, bitter in taste, smells like stale cow urine and from no angle seems edible, is Shilajit. By quality it is an elixir used for centuries by human beings to acquire good health and great strength. Researchers have enough evidence of its use by Harappans (one of the oldest civilizations in the world). Ancient system of medicine has vast descriptions of its various medicinal uses, supposing it one of the most effective rejuvenating herbs that can bestow a new healthy life to those who use it regularly. Vatsyayna in his great Indian treatise of sex, Kamsutra, refers it as one of the most libidinous herbs on the earth. Due to its Ushna virya (hot potency) nature it is often called “Indian Viagra” by the people. Ancient India’s Vedic texts such as Charak Samhitas, Susutra Samhitas, Rastarangini, give detail information about its origin, composition, medicinal uses and provide the guidelines of its use that seems relevant even today. It’s rediscovery has an interesting story that accept the Himalayan monkeys as the original discoverer of Shilajit, who got attracted by it’s different smell and used to lick the semi liquid lumps to get great strength, vitality and to beat the bone freezing cold of snowy mountains.

They were followed by the local villagers who learnt about this magical substance from them and later developed their own indigenous technique to purify it. John Anderson a western explorer can also be credited to a great extent to introduce Shilajit to rest of the world. For years he work hard, wandered to the Himalayas and finally learnt the technique of harvesting Shilajit from local people. Origin- Among researchers, the source and origin of Shilajit is still a hot topic of discussion. There are different views about its origin, but the most accepted concept is that Shilajit is a compact mass of plant’s matter that has decomposed and got dumped deep in rocks on higher altitudes due to the geographical changes that took place centuries ago.

Due to the pressure these organic matters got preserved and later oozed out breaking the rocks due to the scorching heat of sun in summer. It is the same theory that was given centuries ago by the great ancient Indian physicians Sushutra and others who claimed Shilajit a complete vegetative substance dumped and decomposed and preserved in mountains and came out in semi- liquid form in summer season. Composition- Ancient texts classify Shilajit in to four different categories on the basis of predominant mineral in each type. They are Swarna, Rajat, Tamra, and Lauha Shilajit. Certainly the influencing factors are various such as altitude, varying temperature, dumped plant species and even the geological nature of the rocks. Out of these four categories, Lauha Shilajit (black- brown) is considered the best one. Regarding its mineral contains Charaka Samhita quotes the four chief minerals- gold, silver, copper and iron, while Sushutra Samhita aids two more minerals- lead and zinc. Modern researches show that Shilajit is very rich in minerals containing almost eighty five minerals in ionic form, besides the biochemical such as humic and fulvic acid, uronic acids, hippuric acid, benzophyrones, amino acid and phenolic glycosides etc. Fulvic acid is the chief component on which the standardization of Shilajit is based. Medicinal uses- Shilajit is best known for its rejuvenating, vitalizing and aphrodisiacal properties. It is said that the emperors and kings of great empires had Shilajit in their regular diet regime so could they were able to maintain their sexual power even in old age. Even today Aurvedic doctors widely prescribe Shilajit in case of low sperm count, infertility, impotence, premature ejaculation etc.

Due to its hot potency, it is very effective in the treatment of respiratory disorder, bronchitis, cough, cold, pneumonia, emphysema etc. Shilajit is considered as one of the most effective rasayana herbs for diabetic peopleand it is due to the presence of fulvic acid and other associated humic compounds that prevent sugar accumulation in blood stream and stimulates the secretion of insulin improving the function of pancreas. It works as a good anti-toxin removing the harmful toxins through urinary system. Aurvedic texts mention Shilajit as vata and kapha suppressant; hence it is an effective remedy of all types of arthritis, goat, joint related pain, muscular pain etc. It works very well in repairing the damaged tissues and helps the body to regenerate new cells.

As a vitalizing herb it is very useful for those persons who have an exhausting and stressful work schedule. Its different components are anti-aging and reduce extra fat accumulation in the body. It improves digestive system and useful in all types of stomach relating diseases. It is also very effective in kidney disorder. It’s potency in improving the over all immune system of the body is now well proved by the scientists. It strengthens nervous system, hence reducing stress, mental fatigue and depression and gives the people mental health. People using Shilajit have showed improvement in alertness and learning skills. Shilajit is known by its various names in different languages such as- black asphatum, asphatum in Latin, Ozokerite in English, Shilajit in Hindi, and Shilajitu in Sanskrit etc. It’s Sanskrit and Hindi names truly define it as the destroyer of all types of weakness making the person conquer of mountains.