I was overwhelmed when I began writing this article because there are so many overall health properties to this nutraceutical, I didn’t know where to begin. While my default is to share anti-ageing and longevity benefits of supplements and herbs, shilajit’s medicinal properties are so far-reaching, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t share more of its full-body benefits. So, I’ve decided to journal this in two parts. The first instalment – anti-ageing and longevity benefits of shilajit.
WHAT IS SHILAJIT
Shilajit (no, I hadn’t heard of it either until I did), is a not-so-widely-known phytocomplex that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It’s a tar-like organic mineral compound found mostly in the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal- when temperatures in this region rise, shilajit resin oozes from the mountain crevices. It ranges from yellowish-brown to pure black in color, the black variety is considered the most nutritional.
WHAT’S IN SHILAJIT?
Considered a Rasayna herb in Ayurvedic medicine (a herb that slows aging and revitalises the body), shilajit is a phytochemical and nutrient-rich substance that contains more than 84 minerals, namely iron, copper, and zinc. Known for thousands of years as the ultimate rejuvenator, shilajit has garnered a fairly significant body of research for its impact on many body systems, mostly because of its high fulvic acid content. It also contains therapeutic compounds like humic acid, ferulic acid, mineral salts, and amino acids – it’s these phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. But let’s get into its potential skin health benefits for now.
MAY INCREASE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
According to a randomised control trial, shilajit supplementation can increase the gene expression of collagen synthesis. An eight-week study found that both 500 mg and 1000 mg doses of shilajit increased type 1 collagen synthesis compared to a placebo. Type 1 collagen is a structural protein that’s important for the skin, eyes, bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Another clinical trial involving middle-aged women, found that daily shilajit supplementation increased skin microcirculation, which helps deliver essential nutrients to the skin. Researchers noted that it also improved the growth of blood vessels, suggesting shilajit may support improved skin tone and detoxification.
MAY HAVE SKIN PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES
Harmful UV rays can induce cellular stress, causing lasting damage to skin cells and increasing the skin’s ageing rate.
In a review, researchers found that because of ferulic acid’s potent capacity to act as an antioxidant, it uses its protective properties to absorb harmful rays and neutralise their stress-inducing activity.
Additionally, an animal study observing ferulic acid found that the compound acts as an antioxidant in the gut. Since there’s a biological connection between the gut and skin, this suggests that shilajit may support skin health through its ability to minimise gut stress.
MAY ASSIST WITH SKIN MOISTURE RETENTION AND SKIN ELASTICITY
One of the key benefits of shilajit for skin, is its hydration, because of its humectant properties that are instrumental in retaining skin moisture.
It’s the fulvic acid component that contributes to moisture retention in the skin, and it’s the presence of humic acid in shilajit that enables the skin’s capacity to hold moisture, – great for hydration and preserving the skin’s elasticity.
WHO SHOULD AVOID SHILAJIT?
Reports on “warnings” involving shilajit are inconsistent, but here are two known possible drawbacks that include the presence of heavy metals and the ability of large doses to adversely affect blood pressure. If you’re at risk for heavy metal exposure or have abnormally low blood pressure, you should be cautious when taking it.
It’s also important to get this substance from a trusted source. Unfiltered shilajit may contain dangerous fungi – this is part of where the dangers of heavy metals come in.
TAKING SHILAJIT FOR SKIN
Capsules: 300-500 mg, 2x/day
Depending on intended use, shilajit is often mixed with other substances like milk, honey, or triphala.
Paste: 1x/day. Take a pea-sized ball and swallow like a pill.
Timing of shilajit consumption is important, as it is slow to metabolise in the body (12-14 hours after administration).
It’s worth stating that shilajit as a herbomineral is still in the introductory stages of scientific research, many studies are still in infancy phases.