Medicinal properties and uses of mumiyo

Shilajit is a natural substance found mainly in the Himalayas. It is formed over the centuries, by the gradual decomposition of plants, under the action of microorganisms. It is a powerful and safe nutritional supplement that restores the energy balance of a person and has the potential to prevent some diseases.

Mumiyo, also known in northern India as salajit, shilajatu, mimie or mummiyo, has been called “an ancient panacea” and “a wonderful gift from God.” And like most supposed panaceas, he was prescribed a rejuvenating effect, and traditional healers used it as a tonic, adaptogenic and anti-stress remedy.

Shilajit is a sticky substance that has a bitter taste and smell reminiscent of cow urine. The substance is processed by various supplement manufacturers and sold as capsules or powder.

The FDA has not approved shilajit supplements for medical use. Please consult with your physician.

*FDA – Food and Drug Administration – Food and Drug Administration.

Types and origin of mumiyo

The main source of shilajit is the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal. It has also been found in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and recently in northern Chile. The health benefits have been proven to differ from region to region, depending on where it was extracted.

The exact composition of shilajit depends on factors such as:

• plant variety;

• soil quality;

• geographical origin of the breed;

• local temperatures;

• humidity;

• height above sea level.

For example, Shilajit from North India has more fulvic acids (~21%) than Shilajit from Nepal (~15%), Pakistan (~15%) and Russia (~19%). However, mumiyo from Nepal contains more other biologically active compounds.

Today, four varieties of mumiyo are known:

• Golden mumiyo, which, in fact, is reddish in color (Savran);

• Silver mumiyo, white (Rajat);

• Copper mumiyo, blue (Tamra);

• Iron-containing shilajit of brown-black color (Lauha).

The rarest varieties are gold and copper.

Despite scientific research and traditional use, the exact origin of shilajit is still a mystery. Given that maturation takes a long time and occurs spontaneously, current theories are the best guess scientists can make. The process of making shilajit has never been scientifically reproduced or confirmed.

Mummy composition

Shilajit consists mainly of humic substances, including fulvic acids, which account for 60 to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound, plus some oligoelements, including selenium, which has anti-aging properties.

Humic substances are the result of the degradation of organic matter, mainly plant matter, which is the result of the action of many microorganisms.

Mummy contains:

• 30 trace elements;

• 28 chemical elements;

• 10 metal oxides;

• 6 amino acids;

• an impressive range of different vitamins, especially a lot of B vitamins;

• essential oils;

• bee venom;

• fulvic acid, main active ingredient;

• humic acid (and uronic acids);

• other plant and microbial metabolites (such as dibenzo-alpha-pyrones);

• small peptides and amino acids;

• some lipids;

• phenolic glycosides.

Thanks to modern research, it became known that mumiyo contains fungi that are very similar in their properties to penicillin, thanks to these fungi, mumiyo can act as a reliable bactericidal agent in the treatment of a large number of infectious diseases, for example, such as dysentery, tuberculosis and any diseases that are associated with inflammatory processes.

12 Proven Medicinal Properties of Shilajit

The complex composition of mumiyo determines its healing properties, mumiyo contains such biologically active substances that dilate blood vessels well, and this is extremely important in the treatment of hypertension, sclerosis, headaches, heart attack, as well as some diseases that are directly related to metabolic disorders .

Let’s consider this in more detail:

1 Protects against Alzheimer’s disease

The main component of shilajit is an antioxidant known as fulvic acid. This powerful antioxidant promotes cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of our nervous system, but its accumulation can cause damage to brain cells.

Scientists believe that the fulvic acid in shilajit may stop the abnormal buildup of the tau protein and reduce inflammation, potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. ^[1]

However, more research and clinical trials are needed.

2 Treats male infertility and boosts testosterone

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, but some men have lower levels than others.

Signs of low testosterone levels include:

• low sex drive;

• Hair loss;

• Loss of muscle mass;

• Fatigue;

• Increase in fat.

Shilajit has also been studied to increase male fertility. In one study, 60 infertile men took shilajit twice a day for 2 days.

Another study examined the ability of shilajit to increase testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Men aged 45-55 received mumiyo for 90 days. At the end of this period, the researchers noted a significant increase in testosterone levels. ^[3], ^[4]

3 Reduces fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disease characterized by prolonged physical and mental fatigue that does not improve after rest or sleep, accompanied by numerous joint, muscular, infectious and neuropsychological symptoms. Researchers believe shilajit supplements may reduce symptoms of CFS and restore energy.

CFS is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This is when the cells do not produce enough energy.

In a 2012 study, researchers gave lab rats shilajit for 21 days and then induced CFS by having the rats swim for 15 minutes for 21 consecutive days. The results showed that shilajit helped reduce the effects of CFS. ^[5]

The researchers noted that shilajit can help improve cell function in the body, meaning that fatigue can be reduced and energy levels naturally increased.

4 Acts as an antioxidant

Because shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, shilajit may also protect against free radicals and cell damage. As a result, regular use of shilajit can promote longevity, slow down the aging process, and improve overall health. ^[6]

5 Helps with altitude sickness

Signs of this condition:

• Pulmonary edema.

• Lethargy or feeling tired.

• Hypoxia.

Altitude sickness can be caused by low barometric pressure, cold temperatures, or high wind speeds. Researchers believe shilajit may help overcome altitude problems. It can function as an antioxidant to improve immunity and memory, as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an energy booster, and as a diuretic to remove excess fluid from the body. Because of these benefits, shilajit is believed to help counteract many altitude-related symptoms. ^[7]

6 Increases hemoglobin

Iron deficiency anemia can result from a diet low in iron, blood loss, or an inability to absorb iron.

Symptoms include:

• Fatigue.

• Weakness.

• Cold hands and feet.

• Headache.

• Arrhythmia.

However, shilajit supplements can gradually increase iron levels.

A study was conducted on rats. 18 rats were divided into three groups. The researchers induced anemia in the second and third groups. On day 11 of the study, the rats in the third group received 500 mg mumijo. On day 21, blood samples were collected from all groups. The results showed that the rats in the third group had higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocytes compared to the rats in the second group. These are all vital components of the blood.

Shilajit contains high levels of humic acid and iron, which may be helpful in treating iron deficiency anemia.

7 Strengthens the heart

Shilajit may also protect the heart and improve heart health. A recent study using rats showed that shilajit has a protective effect on the heart.

After being pretreated with shilajit, some rats were injected with isoproterenol to cause heart damage. The study found that rats given shilajit before the heart injury had fewer heart lesions. ^[8]

It is important to note that shilajit may lower blood pressure in some cases and should not be taken by individuals with active heart disease.

8 Promotes weight loss

Excess weight tires the muscles and puts stress on the bones. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that obese people who took oral supplements of purified shilajit responded better to exercise than those who did not.

The high content of essential trace elements in the composition of the resin stimulates the metabolism, which also contributes to effective weight loss. The course of treatment should not be less than 20 days. You should take 0,2 grams of mumiyo twice a day. Regular use will normalize electrolyte metabolism, and also help the body get rid of the bulk of unnecessary fat reserves.

Shilajit is able in a short time to fill the deficiency of important substances at the cellular level, due to which harmful substances and toxins are retained in the body.

During the three-week course, give up alcoholic beverages and very fatty foods, giving your preference to fruits.

9 Anti-cancer effect

Liver cancer. Shilajit also shows promise in the fight against certain types of cancer. One study found that shilajit helped speed up the destruction of cancer cells in the liver.

It also stopped the reproduction of these cancer cells. The researchers noted that their results show that shilajit has an anti-cancer effect, but more research is needed. ^[9]

10 Destroys herpes viruses

The wide range of minerals and compounds found in shilajit can also help fight viruses. One study noted that shilajit can fight and destroy several different viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes viruses.

The researchers noted that while it does appear to be effective, more human studies are needed to confirm these claims. ^[10]

11 Helps get rid of addiction

Some researchers hope that the mixture of active ingredients in shilajit may help people overcome addiction, but much more research is needed. There are no clinical studies supporting the use of shilajit in people with addiction, and its interaction with psychotropic drugs is also unknown.

In one study in mice, shilajit reduced withdrawal symptoms while helping curb addiction. The resin worked by altering dopamine levels in the limbic system (cortico-hippocampal), the area of ​​the brain that controls emotions. ^[11]

Another group of researchers wondered if shilajit might play a role in opioid addiction. It is common knowledge that opioids such as morphine develop tolerance quickly, causing people to demand larger and larger doses. Shilajit reduces the risk of developing morphine tolerance in mice, but its effects on pain and drug tolerance in humans are unknown. ^[12]

12 Supports Gut Health

As an antioxidant, shilajit is being researched to protect the body from stomach damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

The fulvic acid contained in this biomass reduces the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin in the stomachs of rats, which reduces the risk of developing ulcers. Its effect on the intestines and indigestion in humans is also not known. ^[13]

On the other hand, the benzoic acid found in shilajit has antibacterial properties. Scientists believe it can fight bacteria in the stomach and intestines that could potentially help with intestinal infections.

How to take mumiyo?

Mumiyo is available in liquid and powder forms. Always take your supplements as directed. If you buy the supplement in liquid form, dilute a portion the size of a grain of rice or peas with the liquid and drink one to three times a day (depending on the instructions). Or you can take shilajit powder twice a day with milk. The recommended dose of shilajit is 300 to 500 mg per day.

Mumiyo can be used dissolved in water, tea, milk, juices and honey, it can also be used externally in the form of lubrication of sore spots and instillation, as well as if mumiyo is mixed with juice, alcohol, honey, or mumiyo is added to the ointment.

Mumiyo in traditional medicine is used to treat diseases such as various diseases of the stomach, gastrointestinal tract, digestive organs and bladder. It is best to use mumiyo on an empty stomach, in the morning and in the evening, more precisely, before going to bed, in other words, 2 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is 25–28 days.

If the disease treated with mumiyo was severely advanced, the course should be repeated 10 days after the first course of treatment. The required amount of mumiyo for a single dose is 0,2-0,5 g, it depends on the body weight of a person: up to 70 kg – 0,2 g, 80 kg – 0,3 g, up to 90 kg – 0,3-0,4, 90 g, more than 0,4 kg – 0,5–1 g. It is best to dilute mumiyo with milk (20:XNUMX) or water, you can add honey to the drink to taste, mumiyo can also be diluted in various juices, such as grape, cucumber , or in infusions of herbs such as blueberries, cumin, parsley. Mumiyo is also bred in egg yolks.

When a mumiyo treatment is underway, it is very important to follow a diet and consume food in moderation. During this period, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited!

Mumiyo for children

The natural remedy mumiyo is a storehouse of useful trace elements. If you do not exceed the prescribed dosages, then such an incomparable resin will not bring absolutely no harm to the child. The following norms should be strictly adhered to: from 3 months to one year – no more than 0,02 grams; from 1 year to 9 years – 0,05 grams; from 9 to 14 years old – 0,1 grams.

For ingestion, mumiyo should be diluted in water at the rate of 5 grams per 1 gram per 4 tablespoons of water. One teaspoon of the solution contains 0,1 grams of mumiyo. The resulting composition must be stored in the refrigerator and used no longer than 10 days from the date of preparation.

It is indicated for children with dislocations, fractures, muscle sprains, as well as with severe bruises. With a toothache, you should knead 0,1 grams of mumiyo and apply the mixture on the affected tooth. With dermatosis, you can use a concentrated solution of mumiyo – 20 grams of mumiyo per half liter of water. With this tool, it is recommended to wipe the affected areas of the skin.

The alleged beauty benefits of shilajit

In cosmetology, mumiyo has been valued for many years. Since ancient times, it has been used to treat skin and hair. The result will not be long in coming, since mumiyo has rejuvenating, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Mountain resin activates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, relieves acne and age spots, and heals scars.

Mumiyo from stretch marks

Delicious mumiyo is able to restore skin elasticity, help get rid of stretch marks, and also helps to prevent them. The powerful regenerating effect that such a substance has on cells has been recognized by many modern women. Shilajit is safe to use during pregnancy and long periods of breastfeeding. To prepare such a remedy at home, you need to take any baby cream and 4 grams of mumiyo, which must first be diluted in 1 teaspoon of water. Stir the resulting mixture well until smooth and store in the refrigerator.

To obtain results, it is recommended to apply such a cream to problem areas of the body for at least four months. It can also be rubbed for prophylactic purposes into the thighs, buttocks and chest. Within one month, a significant increase in skin elasticity can be replaced, and after a full course of treatment, any woman will be able to almost completely get rid of ugly stretch marks on her body.

Mumiyo for the face

From the healing mumiyo, you can make magnificent face masks that amaze with their effectiveness. Such an unusual resin has unique minerals and biologically active components. Mumiyo perfectly fights against skin aging and the first wrinkles. This amazing mixture, which consists of organic and inorganic substances, has a powerful anti-aging effect. To prepare a universal cream based on such a resin, you need to take 1 tablespoon of face cream and 14 grams of mumiyo. We mix the ingredients. The healing mask is ready. It should be applied before going to bed, leaving it on the skin for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. With regular use, this remedy will make your skin glow with health.

To make a soothing mask, we need 1 teaspoon of mumiyo, 2 tablespoons of field chamomile and 100 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the chamomile and keep it on fire for at least three minutes, after which we filter the broth and mix it with resin. The consistency will be like sour cream. You can apply this mask at any time of the day, leaving it on your face for 15-20 minutes. It will help relieve skin inflammation and fatigue.

Mumiyo for hair

Regardless of the causes of hair loss, the use of shilajit gives good results. Regular use of shilajit-based products has a positive effect, improving the saturation of hair color and restoring brittle ends. Such a unique remedy is usually used externally in combination with ordinary shampoos.

We take a small amount of shampoo, 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 grams of mumiyo. Apply the composition to the skin and leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with regular shampoo. This nutrient has a powerful tonic effect on hair growth.

It should be noted that mumiyo has an excellent intracellular effect on the roots, nourishing the upper layer of the epidermis, where the hair follicles are located. This leads to a powerful stimulation of the dormant follicles, as well as a noticeable strengthening of the hair, which is already directly in the growth phase.

Side effects of shilajit

The study suggests shilajit is safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement. However, there are some potential side effects. ^[14]

Shilajit may lower blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people taking high blood pressure medication. People with active heart disease or hypotension should also avoid taking shilajit to prevent a drop in blood pressure.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not control dietary supplements, so it is important to get more information from a reputable source. Poor quality shilajit can be damaged by heavy metals, free radicals and even arsenic.