Shilajit Benefits, Uses, and Ayurvedic Perspective

In today’s fast-paced, stress-filled lifestyle, Shilajit has gained renewed importance as a natural adaptogen and rejuvenator. While ancient texts praised its Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, modern science also supports its multi-dimensional health benefits. Shilajit is a thick tar-like substance with a color of dark brown which exudes from rocks of mountains predominately in Himalayas, Karkuram, Tibet, Caucasus, Atlai mountains and mountains of Gulgit Baltistan, Arunanchal Pradesh, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal in the month of summer due to extreme heat of sun.In ancient literature, Lord Shiva narrated the process of origin of the drug as during summer season, the mountains get heated up and as a result these mountains releases the extract of the exudate of Dhatu called as Shilajit. While it is widely promoted for enhancing stamina in men, its Ayurvedic utility is far broader and deeper than just that. It is regarded as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) in Ayurveda and is revered for its ability to promote strength, vitality, and longevity.

Shilajit and its Properties-

• Botanical Name: Asphaltum punjabianum
  
  

• Sanskrit Name: Shilajatu
  
  

• Ayurvedic Classification: Rasayana
  
  

• Ayurvedic Properties (Guna-Karma):
  
  

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent)
  
  

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
  
  

• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)
  
  

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu
  
  

• Karma: Balya (strengthening), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Rasayana (rejuvenative)
  
  

🧾 Types of Shilajit

Lauha Shilajit (Iron-based) is considered the best and most potent

Shilajit Reference in Ayurveda Samhitas-

 "शिलाजतु लोहभावितं त्रिदोषघ्नं परं रसायनं च वयःस्थापनं चापि विशेषतः॥"चरक संहिता, चिकित्सा स्थानम् १/३०–३१

It is excellent for Tridosha pacification, rejuvenation, diabetes, and vitality and is especially useful as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and vayahsthapanam (anti-aging).

"शिलाजतु रसायनं वृष्यं बल्यं च दुर्लभम् |
सर्वरोगानुतं तिक्तं च हिमं रूक्षं कषायम् ||"सुश्रुत संहिता, सूत्रस्थान ४५/१३३

 Shilajit is a powerful Rasayana, Vrishya (aphrodisiac), Balya (strengthening), and effective in many diseases. It is bitter, cold, and astringent in nature.

Shilajit, its main components, and potential uses based on properties of fulvic acid. This phytocomplex known as shilajit is mainly composed of humic substances. One of them, fulvic acid, is known by its properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory enhancer

Purification of Shilajeet

 Shilajit being a natural exudation from rocks containing a large amount of contaminants like rock pieces, heavy metal ions, vegetable compounds, reactive free radicals, toxins and soil particles etc, which cause illness. Hence it is necessary to purify the Shilajit before using it for therapeutic purpose. Shilajit is purified as per classical methods, in decoction, with Triphala and expressed juice of Bhringraja (Eclipta alba) in an iron container successively for one day each. It may also be purified with by mixing Shilajit in water/cow milk 

Shilajit Benefits -

Boosts Energy and Stamina

Improves Male Reproductive Health

Effective in kaphaj disorders like Diabetes, PCOD, Obesity etc

Acts as a rejuvenator

Acts as Agnideepan and improves digestion

Acts as anti-inflammatory

Acts as antioxidant

"योगवाही त्वं श्रेष्ठानां, सर्वदोषजितं परम्।

कफजं च विसर्पादि रोगं नाशयसि क्षणात्॥"Charaka Samhita – Chikitsa Sthana ⅓

Shilajit, being a Yogavahi, enhances the action of other herbs and effectively eliminates Kaphaja disorders like Visarpa (herpetic eruptions), etc.

Diseases Where Shilajit Shows Remarkable Benefits-

Kaphaj diseases where Shilajit is beneficial:

• Prameha (Diabetes & metabolic disorders)

• Shvasa-Kasa (Respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis)

• Medoroga (Obesity, excess fat)

• Agnimandya (Low digestive fire due to Kapha)

• Ama-related disorders (Toxin accumulation, sluggish metabolism)

• PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease)

• Alzheimer's disease
  
  

  Other Male Disorders like-

  Erectile Dysfunction

  Pre Mature Ejaculation

  Male Infertility

Shilajeet in Ayurvedic Classical Medicines-

Chandraprabha Vati – For urinary and reproductive health
Yogendra Rasa – For nervous disorders
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras – For neurological conditions
Shilajitwadi Lauh – For diabetes and urinary issues

Dosage and Administration

Form: Resin (purest), Capsule, Powder
General Dose: 250–500 mg once or twice a day (resin: pea-sized portion)
Anupan (vehicle): Warm milk, water, or honey
Note: Dose should be taken under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician

Conclusion-

Shilajit is a powerful Ayurvedic substance with wide-ranging health benefits, from improving energy and fertility to boosting brain function and immunity. When sourced and used correctly, it offers holistic wellness aligned with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda.