Shilajit or the mummy herb – as it is called – is one of the preparations used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many medical conditions, and it has many benefits, because it contains many important minerals and acids, and below, we will show you the most important details about it.

What is shilajit?

Shilajit is a blackish-brown, tar-like resin found mainly in the rocks of mountains, particularly the Himalayas. It is the result of the decomposition of plants over centuries. It is also known by many names as mummy weed. As Shilajit, Mumie, Moomiyo or Mummiyo.

The mummy herb mainly contains fulvic acid, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and memory-improving properties. It also contains many other beneficial compounds such as selenium, minerals, and humic acids.

The benefits of shilajit – the mummy herb

Sources indicate that there are many potential benefits of the mumian herb when used properly due to its contents, and the following are the most prominent of these benefits:

1. Improve brain function

The compounds that shilajit contains may be considered useful for enhancing brain functions, and sources indicate its benefits for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, as a study indicates the use of this substance in folk medicine to slow down aging, and researchers believe the effects of the contents – especially fulvic acid – on cognitive functions, but there is still a need More research and clinical trials.

2. Slow down aging

In a study published on this substance, it was noted that fulvic acid is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, in addition to protecting the body from free radicals and cell damage, thus slowing the aging process, and giving you better health.

3. Treatment of anemia

Mumian contains iron and humic acid, which is believed to be effective in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia, but it should not be used as a dietary supplement without consulting a doctor.

4. Promote heart health

The sources indicate that there are properties of this substance to improve heart health and protection, and this was observed in studies conducted on mice, as the heart damage was less in the animals that received the mummy herb compared to the group of animals that did not get it.

The sources caution that shilajit may cause low blood pressure in some people, and it should not be taken if you are a heart patient.

5. Benefits of shilajit for men

One of the sources explains the use of shilajit in a study to enhance male fertility, and in a study conducted on 60 men, they were given this substance twice a day for 90 days.

In another study, its effect on enhancing the male hormone was observed when taken for 90 days on volunteer men between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

6. The mummy herb for the bones

Another source explains the possibility of the effect of the mummy herb on the bones, increasing their density, and protecting them from osteoarthritis.

7. Mummy and ghee

A study of obese people who took a dietary supplement consisting of purified shilajit noted that they responded to exercise better than those who did not, and researchers believe that it may activate genes responsible for muscle adaptation to exercise quickly.

8. Reduce symptoms of altitude sickness

Among the claims believed by those who practice folk medicine in some regions, that this substance may help in what is known as altitude sickness, which is the effect of some people on altitudes as a result of changing atmospheric pressure, and symptoms include body pain, fatigue, lung congestion, and low levels of oxygen in the brain.

This belief stems from the fact that the mummy herb contains a very large number of beneficial contents, including fulvic acid, humic acid, which reduces the possible symptoms of this disease, and may help in strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation.

9. Chronic fatigue

In a study published in 2012, researchers noted that shilajit helped reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue by enhancing the functions of cells in the body, which increases the energy level.

10. Improve cholesterol levels

A small study in 2003 observed an improvement in cholesterol levels in about 30 people between the ages of 16 and 30, where the participants were divided into two groups, the first group consisted of 20 people who took 2 grams of shilajit daily for 45 days, and the other group consisted of 10 people They took a placebo, and the researchers noticed a significant decrease in cholesterol levels in the first group compared to the second, and an improvement in the body’s antioxidant status was also noted, but no change in blood pressure, pulse rate, or weight was observed.

In general, despite the beliefs of folk medicine in these benefits, there is still a need for studies and clinical trials to confirm them.

Shilajit side effects

Although this material is natural and safe, it should not be used in an unprocessed or raw form, because it contains pollutants, fungi, mineral ions and free radicals that cause harm to the body. Because it has not yet been recognized by the U.S. Health and Drug Administration. The mummy herb should not be taken in the following cases:

In the event of any allergic symptoms such as skin rash, dizziness, shortness of breath, and high heart rate, you should stop taking it immediately and go to the emergency room.

Finally, this herb is available as a liquid or powder, and it must be used and stored according to the instructions attached to the product. The recommended dose of shilajit ranges between 300 and 500 mg, and it is advised to consult a nutritionist before taking it to know its side effects.