Would you ingest sooty black, sticky goo that resembles tar and tastes like a smokey rock? Maybe that isn’t a fair description of an immensely powerful and ancient supplement. It’s been a common practice in the world of Ayurvedic living, a lifestyle and culinary realm based on the balance of the body through diet, breath and movement. This gooey resin called shilajit (pronounced SHIL-ah-jit) is a powerful supplement said to contain more than 85 minerals and elements and purification properties of charcoal.
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It doesn’t just appear in “goo” form, but as a tea or “black water” as well, and is now for purchase in the States. As you can imagine, it’s not something you can just swig down nonchalantly or throw into your supplement regimen on a whim. But if you want to try it, you can find it in supplement form online. It comes in a raw form and is also mixed into formulas. Click here for Skinny Mom’s Glossary of Supplements.
Shilajit is only found in its original raw form in the Himalayas. It forms slowly “for centuries by the gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms” and “…is a potent and very safe dietary supplement restoring the energetic balance…” It’s linked to the control of mental disorders that come with age, including Alzheimer’s. Within the molecular makeup is the most active ingredient: fulvic acid. It possesses highly active carbon (organic) and oxygen, making a powerful antioxidant and cleanser.
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The recommended dose for someone new to shilajit is as small as a grain of rice. Eventually, you’ll increase it to about 300 milligrams, the size of a pea. That’s really all you need to benefit from this potent resource.
Benefits: prevention of mental disorders like Alzheimer’s; improve symptoms of urinary tract infections, jaundice, digestive issues, anxiety, anemia; act as a memory enhancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; reduce discomfort from diabetes, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, asthma, thyroid problems and more.
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Most people who end up implementing shilajit describe a very positive effect of clarity and improved overall health. It is safe so long as it is processed correctly (by hand) and distributed by trusted companies. The side effects are limited, but since it contains quite a bit of iron, you could experience an iron sensitivity with symptoms of nausea and diarrhea.
Although it’s been around for centuries, it has recently become a trendy health practice. Mention it to your doctor before trying it and do some good ole research to see if this goo is for you.