Shilajit (Asphaltum bitumen)
Other names: Shilajita, mumiyo (russian), mumie, momia, asphaltum Rasa (taste): pungent, bitter, astringent, slightly salty
Virya (quality,energy) : slightly heating
Vipaka (post digestive affect): pungent
Other Qualities: dry, sharp
Affinity: all seven dhātus (plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, nerve & bone marrow, reproductive tissue)
Location/cultivation: Shilajit exudes from rocks in the high mountains of India, Tibet, Nepal, China, Russia, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, and Kashmir
Actions: kidney tonic, diuretic, nootropic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulator, scrapes fat, reduces obesity, controls blood sugar, reduces cholesterol, antiseptic, respiratory stimulant, expectorant, builds bones, adaptogen, geriatric rejuvenate tonic, catalytic agent (yogavahi)
Uses: Adrenal support, increased energy, detox support, obesity, asthma, anxiety, hepatitis, diabetes, cystic ovary, fibrocystic changes in the breasts, fibroid tumors, bone marrow depression, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, liver and kidney issues, sexual debility, skin diseases, hypothyroidism, kindles Agni (digestive strength), diabetes, internal organ injuries, jet lag, prevents altitude sickness, anemia.
Unprocessed Shilajit resin (Nepal)
What is Shilajit?
(Asphaltum bitumen) is a natural substance found mainly in the Himalayas, formed for centuries by the gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms. The black rocky resin oozes slowly from the rocks and cliffs, in warmer weather. Shilajit is composed mainly of humic substances, including fulvic acid, that account for around 60% to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound plus some oligoelements including selenium of anti aging properties. Shilajit also contains a wide range of mineral and trace minerals such as magnesium, manganese, antimony, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, phosphorous, strontium, and zinc.
There has been extensive research to discern what shilajit really is. There are several theories, including one that says it is the remains of bacterial and/or fungal degradation of plants that are rich in resin and latex (including Euphorbia royleana and Trifolium repens). This theory seems to be the most valid. Another theory suggests that it is created by mosses and liverworts that break down soil and rocks. Some traditional tales describe it more as fossilized material of mineral/metal rock origin. Ancient texts describe four types of shilajit by color: red, yellow, blue, and black/brown.
History
It is said in the ancient text the Charka Samhita, by the Ayurvedic doctor Charaka that "there is no curable disease in the universe which is not effectively cured by Silājātu when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable drugs”. In Ayurvedic medicine it is said that shilajit is tridoshaghna, meaning it reduces and balances all three doshas in the body. It is know as a Rasayana (rejuvinating & anti aging tonic) in Ayurveda. Shilajit is a powerful adaptogen and has been safely used in Ayurveda for thousands of years.
The rediscovery of shilajit is said to have been made by Himalayan villagers who were observing large white monkeys migrate to the mountains in the warm summer months. The monkeys were seen to be chewing a semi soft material that flowed from between layers of rock. The villagers credited the monkeys great strength, longevity, and wisdom to the strange substance. They began to consume it themselves and experience many improvements in health.
The ancient Vedic text Rig Veda speaks about a mythical substance called soma and states that soma " has mountains and stones for its body" and "dwells within the mountains rock where it grows". Mountainous rocks are the "abode of soma", and it is "plucked from between the rocks by mountain dwellers and brought to the priests-alchemists who prepared the soma by washing and grinding and cooking". Soma was considered the elixir of immortality, the secret substance used by alchemists to perfect both the body and the mind. Soma is described in other ancient texts differently, and some scholars believe it may be a mushroom or more than one plant. The above description does sound very similar to shilajit though.
In Unani-Tibb (Greco-Arabic medicine), shilajit is known as momia or mumijo and is used internally as an antidote for poisons and to treat a wide range of diseases. The hakims (healers) apply shilajit topically to swellings, arthritic areas, and bruises.
Modern uses
Mouse studies have shown that shilajit is better than the drug metformin at reducing blood sugar levels and that when shilajit is combined with the drug Glibenclamide, a greater drop in blood sugar was noted than when using either of them alone. Shilajit also had benefits for people with problems involving blood lipids. It reduced total cholesterol levels and increased levels of healthy high density lipoproteins (HDL- good cholesterol). In clinical practice, the combination of triphala, gymnema, and shilajit is very effective for treating people with insulin resistant diabetes, hyperlipedema, elevated triglycerides, and obesity.
Another animal study found that, taken over five days, shilajit given to mice increased their levels of dopamine, the neurochemical that helps you feel calm. At least in mice, it relieved anxiety and stress. One other study found that it also enhanced learning and memory in rats.
Further studies have shown that shilajit can help gastric and duodenal ulcers caused by aspirin and has benefit as an anti inflammatory in mice with arthritis. A Russian study using mumie (Russian type of shilajit) for men with mild cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia found that it relieved their symptoms. Dr. Nikolai Volkov, a Russian researcher, has used it to enhance athletic performance in Russian athletes and cosmonauts.
purified suryatapi shilajit
Sourcing/method
It has been a dream of mine for years to be able to offer high quality Shilajit to people and now its here. Having spent the last 7 years immersed in Ayurveda, and the herbal/supplement world I’ve tried most of the Shilajit resins, powders, etc out there. I can truthfully say most of what's available isn't authentic Shilajit or is really bad quality. The shilajit that i'm selling is coming from the northwestern area of the nepal/tibetan border. It is said that this area of nepal produces the best shilajit available. The shilajit coming from the himalayas is considered vastly superior compared to the resin gathered in russia (this type is called mumiyo) or china.
The Vaidya “Dr” who made this Shilajit comes from a multigenerational family of medicine makers.This surya tapi or “sun purified” Shilajit takes around a year to be processed and purified. The raw resin is mixed in a decoction of Triphala, and then exposed to the rays of the sun “surya” daily. Over time a scum forms on the surface of the liquid, this is then skimmed off and collected as purified Shilajit. The Vaidya also makes another form of traditional Shilajit in the "agni tapi” method. This process can be done in less than a week, but does not have the same level of potency. He sells and exports larger amounts of this to the foreign market place. He mostly makes the high quality and time intensive Surya Tapi Shilajit as a hobby. when you buy this Shilajit you are supporting these traditional and important methods to continue.
Me with Ajaya, and my teacher Todd
Dosage and safety
Resin paste: 500mg- 1gram (around the size of a big rice grain to a large pea) 1-2 times per day. It is best taken on a empty stomach ideally in the morning, it can be taken with honey or ghee or a combination of both in hot water or milk and make a tea. The resin can be easily scooped out with a chopstick. Shilajit is often mixed with other substances such as milk, triphala, amla fruit, or gymnema depending on its use.
Safety Issues: High quality shilajit, that has been processed in the "suryatapi" method is very safe, and has been effectively used for thousands of years. Unprocessed raw shilajit can be contaminated to potentially toxic fungi. Shilajit should be used with caution or not at all by people with gout, gouty arthritis, or uric acid calculi (small uric acid kidney stones).
Herb/Drug interactions: When shilajit is combined with metformin or glibenclamide, it enhances the medications' ability to lower blood sugar levels.
Selected Research studies: Effects of shilajit on memory, Anxiety, and Brain Monoamins in Rats, India (Jaiswal 1992).
This animal study suggested that shilajit has nootropic (cerebral enhancing) effects and can relieve anxiety.
Effects of Shilajit on Blood Glucose and Lipid Profile in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats (Trivedi et al. 2004).
This study helped confirm that the traditional use of this substance for people with diabetes was effective and pointed researchers toward possible new uses of shilajit for promoting healthier blood lipids.
I am selling 30g jars for $65 (2+ for free shipping). I could easily sell this size for $80+ if I wanted to. My goal isn’t to make a ton of money off this or be a part of the overpriced Shilajit “superfood” and “adaptogen” craze that is going on (and causing many sourcing issues). Shilajit is one of my favorite herbs ever, and it has so many amazing uses, I have taken this kind for awhile now and can testify to its power. I only have about one kilo left at the moment and I’m not sure when I will be able to get more. As always health starts with proper diet, exercise, spiritual practices, healthy sleep, time in nature, uplifting relationships, etc
To order I can be reached by text or email:
248-459-6091
kevinbarker7@yahoo.com