A true concentrate from Nature, shilajit is an extraordinary substance, long-prized by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine. What are the benefits (and contraindications) of the famous ‘mountain tears’?
Also known as Mumiyo or black Asphaltum, shilajit (Asphaltum bitumens) is difficult to classify. Neither a true plant nor mineral, it is more accurately described as an exudate, which is secreted under the effects of heat by rocks in high mountain ranges at altitudes of 2000-4000 meters. It is primarily found in the Himalayas, as well as in the Altai, Urals and Caucasus mountain ranges, hence its poetic sobriquet ‘mountain tears’.
It has a tar-like appearance, pale to dark brown in color, and a unique composition, reflecting the rich physicochemical properties of the sediment from which it comes. It is composed of both humus (the result of plant decomposition), and various organic matter and minerals which have accumulated in the rock over thousands of years in a totally pollution-free environment.
The first written references to mountain tears appear in sacred Sanskrit texts dating back more than 3000 years. Legend has it that it conferred strength and longevity to the large white Himalayan monkeys that would habitually chew it. The local people then decided to benefit from this extraordinary substance themselves, soon noticing positive effects on both mind and body.
Containing no less than 85 minerals and trace-elements including selenium, shilajit is a powerful phytocomplex from Ayurvedic medicine. It has all the characteristics of a rasayana compound (maintaining youthfulness and energy) (1). Classified as an adaptogen compound, it is valued in particular for its ability to optimize and increase the effects of other plants.
Shilajit helps to support reproductive function, having a particular effect on the mechanisms involved in male spermatogenesis. At the same time, it helps combat menstrual discomfort in women, and can also provide support after the menopause (3).
Mumiyo also helps maintain good mental health by acting at various levels. In India, it is popular for enabling cognitive tasks to be accomplished with optimal efficacy (4). Therapists also recommend it for its soothing and relaxing properties. Rat studies have been conducted to substantiate a probable inhibitory action on certain types of central nervous system neuron (5).
However, its reputation really comes from its regenerative properties. Shilajit’s main component, fulvic acid, acts as a natural scavenger in the body (6). And it’s this humic substance (combined with dibenzo-α-pyrones) to which most of its benefits are attributed.
Research has highlighted fulvic acid’s particular affinity with mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells, responsible for converting glucose into energy (ATP) (7). This helps to explain why shilajit supports the digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and fats as well as weight control (8-9).
Shilajit also contains many other molecules, present to varying degrees depending on the source, which are likely to contribute to the overall benefits observed: ellagic acid, fatty acids, triterpenes, sterols, polyphenols, phenolic lipids …
Shilajit supplements are generally well-tolerated (10). No drug interactions have been recorded to date.
However, supplementing with mumiyo could, in some cases, lead to an increase in levels of creatinine, a waste-product. As a precaution, therefore, it should not be taken by those suffering from kidney disease or excess uric acid.
As it contains high levels of iron, shilajit is also contraindicated in anyone suffering from hemochromatosis (a genetic condition in which too much iron builds up in the body).
Shilajit in its natural state is likely to contain various impurities such as heavy metals, mycotoxins and polymeric quinones. In order to benefit from its effects in complete safety, it’s therefore essential to supplement with purified forms only (10).
As well as ensuring you take a purified form, there are other criteria to take into account when choosing your shilajit supplement.
Pay close attention to the level of active principles it contains (particularly that of its main active ingredient, fulvic acid), and the manufacturing process used, which should comply with stringent safety standards.
Protected by several US and international patents, the supplement Super Shilajit offers a unique formulation standardized to 60% fulvic acids and 10% DBP-chromoproteins for maximum efficacy.
References
Keywords
6 Days
ease of ordering, well described products, short delivery time
richard sears
6 Days
Product works as advertised and the delivery time was excellent.
JEFFREY
7 Days
SuperSmart's supplements have always been top-notch for both me and my husband. I recommend this company for the best quality supplements. Whenever I have a health issue that I want to address with supplements, I go first to SuperSmart and look under the health topic supplements category and start looking there first for how to address whatever I need. Can't go wrong with SuperSmart.
Diane
8 Days
You have what the doctor can’t do for me Lower de prolactin I am very happy You change my life.!
MENDOZA Mirna
11 Days
Your products are good. You just need to change the way people purchase. Give customers the option of being a guest purchaser.
Grace Jordan
13 Days
Prompt and accurate service.
Cecelia Grosholz
13 Days
The supplements I have purchased from Supersmart have helped me enormously. Their products are well-priced compared to other brands. My order of H. Pylori Fight Advanced Formula arrived yesterday. I have not used this before, but I am hopeful this will be another positive experience.
C Sara
15 Days
The knowledge of knowing by reading what is available to us.
DOMINIC
18 Days
Their products are excellent. I highly recommend SuperSmart for all supplementation needed.
LAZO Renata
20 Days
great website, good products fast, easy checkout
Vivian
21 Days
Fast and efficient service as always
OOMEN Robert
21 Days
Renewed at a discount and items arrived when promised.
El Capt
26 Days
Good service - thank you
EM
28 Days
Fast shipper. With the great discounts on repeat orders, it is a good reason, great discount to try something new.
Larry
30 Days
SuperSmart has the best supplements which generally surpass their American counterparts. I have never purchased a SuperSmart product that did not seem effective at its intended purpose. I trust SuperSmart above all other brands.
Ronald S. Smith