Shilajit, the hindi word, came from the Sanskrit word Shilajatu. Shilajit is mainly a tar-like substance found in the snow mountain ranges of Himalaya, Russia, Central Asia, and Northern Chile. Some researchers opined that shilajits are basically vegetable fossils, deposited under the ice.
It is thought to be decomposed plants that are rich in metallic components. It comes out when the sun melts the ice. That is why it’s sometimes called “sweat of the mountain.” It is believed to work as an anti-aging agent.
It has a rich history of medicinal use and has been used in India since before 600 BCE. In the past, it was thought to have magical powers. Modern medicine, however, has not yet recognized the benefits of shilajit. Research has been going on in India and Russia to prove its usefulness. One of the main components of shilajit is fulvic acid, which aids digestion as it helps us absorb minerals and nutrients.
It can also improve immunity, reduce inflammation in parts of the body, and increases energy levels. In Ayurveda medicine, it’s used to lessen the effects of various types of conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, iron-deficiency anemia, and high-altitude sickness.
How to get Shilajit
You can buy shilajit from various websites outside India. In India, it's sold like everyday goods in stores and by hawkers on the street. It’s available in the northern states, but is rare elsewhere and very costly outside the Himalayan range. It’s also available in Russia as a commodity.
How Shilajit can benefit women’s health
For a long time shilajit was thought to be a factor that helps male sexual health. But now, in the age of science, various uses have been found for shilajit. Apart from general effects, which are prevalent in both males and females, shilajit provides some specific benefits for women.
Regulating menstruation
Shilajit helps regulate menstruation. It helps to regulate various hormones in our body, such as estrogens and progesterone.
By maintaining these hormones, it can help to maintain the menstruation cycle of the female body. It also helps control the cramps and PMS.
Boosting energy
Shilajit can generally help boost energy, especially in women. Whether you're a working mum trying to juggle, or a mum working at home managing your busy family life, Shilajit can help revive energy after a hard day’s work.
The science behind it is that Shilajit helps boost the function of the mitochondria in our cells, which are are the powerhouse for the body, and as such, will boost the energy levels.
Alzheimer’s protection
Women have more chances of developing Alzheimer's disease than men. Statistics shows, one in every six women over the age of 60, has the chance of acquiring this disease, while the number is one in every eleven for men. In fact, women have more chances of developing Alzheimer’s than breast cancer.
Shilajit can be a relief to sufferers. The fulvic acid works as an antioxidant in this case. It hsa been reported, that this can help to prevent the growth of protein factors that can damage the brain cell.
Bone density
Shilajit has mineral properties, and can help maintain the bone density. The presence of hormones such as estrogen post menopause can induce reduction in absorption of calcium. Shilajit can also increases resorption.
Skin care
The fulvic acid in shilajit helps absorbtion of nutrients, which, in turn, can help maintain healthy looking skin.
Cancer
While more studies are needed, Shilajit has shown promising results in the treatment of cancers, and is thought to prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia, a condition more prevalent in women, is where blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells or erythrocytes. Red blood cells help synthesize hemoglobin in blood and Hemoglobin carries oxygen to various cells. Without iron, the red blood cells do not have enough Hemoglobin. The condition can leave the sufferer feeling a range of symptoms including fatigue and headaches. Shilajit is rich in minerals and contains iron, which helps ease the anemia and can sometimes even prevent it.
Shilajit can be beneficial for women's health, with the central component, fulvic acid, having a positive effect on various conditions.
