Botanical Name: Asphaltum
Common Name:
- Also, known as: Salajeet, Moomiyo, and Mumijo, Shilajit
Origin: India
Parts Used: Chunks
General Information:
When you consider a new supplement, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not a jar of black, tar-like goo. But maybe it should be because shilajit is an excellent ancient herb with a host of health benefits.
Shilajit is a thick and sticky substance with the same characteristics as that of tar. It is usually dark brown but can also come in white and lighter shades of brown. Also referred to as Salajeet, Moomiyo, and Mumijo, Shilajit is usually found in the Himalayan Mountains, including Tibet Mountains and the Caucasus Mountains.
It is said to contain a large number of minerals and nutrients which are essential for good overall health. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Shilajit was first used in Ayurveda, which is the traditional system of medication in India. Shilajit often found in the mountains of the Himalayas. It is normally found between cracks of large rocks. It occurs naturally after an organic matter dies and mixes with microbial metabolites and minerals from different sources. After fermentation period, they naturally come out of the rocks due to the sun’s heat, and this is when they are harvested. They are manually scraped from the rocks and then processed to remove impurities. The outcome is a homogeneous paste-like material in dark brown to black in color. It appears glossy with a bitter taste and bitumen-like smell.
BEWARE OF FAKE SHILAJIT:
Shilajit is safe for everyone when purity is a priority. However, it can be dangerous if you use raw, as it still contains plenty of impurities which can negatively affect some individuals. You don’t necessarily need machine-processed Shilajit, but manually by hand. On the other hand, it can also do more harm than good if you take fake Shilajit. They contain heavy metals and other substances. There are many different methods to obtain clean Shilajit from raw one.
How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.