Shilajit, also known as asphaltum or momiya, or mumio, is a resinous substance formed by the accumulation and decomposition of organic matter and minerals in rocks at altitudes of 3500-5000 m above sea level and in caverns, especially in the high areas of the Himalayas, Altai and Caucasus.
Under the name shilajit, this natural bio-geological sediment, which has been forming for thousands of years, has deep roots in traditional medicines around the world, including Ayurveda, which considers it one of nature's most precious gifts and a "destroyer of weaknesses" and an important rasayana (rejuvenating effect).
History and Mythological Meaning of Shilajit
According to Hindu tradition, the divine Lord Shiva, who resides on top of Mount Kailash, located on the Tibetan Plateau, had shilajit created to enhance human health. Shiva represents the power of constant transformation and, together with Brahma (the power of creation) and Vishnu (the power of preservation), forms the triune essence of the universe. 
In ancient times, celestial beings spread the immortal nectar of amrit in the mountains, which under the influence of the sun's rays turned into shilajit, the miraculous elixir of the mountains, used by local holy men (sadhus) and yogis to stay eternally young and healthy, like the powerful and majestic Lord Shiva immersed in the trance of his deep meditation.
The first written references to mumio are more than three thousand years old. Mumio was known not only in India, Persia, Babylon, Egypt, but also in Greece and Rome. The word Mumio has probably its roots in ancient Greek and literally means "protecting the body from disease" or "preserving the body". Tibetans call mumio Barak Shun (Brogshaun) - translated as mountain oil, Indians call it Shilajit, the Arabic equivalent is Chafiz-al-Ajsod or Arakul Jibal - mountain sweat.
Historical facts show that mumio was used as a pharmacutical medicine by Sumerians, it is mentioned in the Vedas - Indian sacred books, it is found in numerous medical scriptures such as Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, in the Chinese Book of Difficult Problems. The knowledge of mumio and its application was kept secret, passed down in the families of high-ranking physicians only by oral transmission from father to son. Mumio is discussed in his works not only by Aristotle, who experimented with it, but also by the most important medieval representatives of medical science, such as Avicenna, Paracelsus, Agricola, Quiricus, and Servetus.
The author of the famous medical encyclopedia Avicenna (980-1037), by his own name Abu Ali ibn Sina, declared it to be the most perfectly compounded medicine and compiled a rich list of mumio curable diseases and dosages. Avicenna describes shilajit mumio as an antiseptic used by the people of the Caucasus region. Even older writings are texts written in Sanskrit, which are as old as 3000 years, mention a substance called shilajit, which is attributed with the mysterious power to eliminate weakness and disease.
Shilajit from the Ayurveda Point of View
In Ayurveda, shilajit is referred to as "shambhu" or also "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weaknesses". The first mentions come from the aforementioned classical texts, the Charak Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. These ancient texts describe shilajit as a thick tar-like substance that is released from the mountains and has the ability to cure virtually any disease if taken at the prescribed time and in the prescribed manner. Other Ayurvedic scriptures describe the discovery by villagers, when observing tired monkeys or wounded animals, that all the animals chewed the strange rock or were accustomed to licking it.
Shilajit strengthens all three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) and helps to establish their balance in the body. It harmonises the energy centres (chakras) and maintains the overall balance of the body and mind and is also an excellent rasayana, a means of rejuvenating the body. According to Ayurvedic medicine, when used internally it has tonic, laxative and expectorant effects, and when used externally it serves as an antiseptic and analgesic and prevents odour.
Mumio Rich in Minerals
Shilajit is known for its rich and varied composition and broad-spectrum effects. It consists of more than 80 different minerals, trace elements and vitamins, essential and non-essential amino acids, fatty acids, selenium and phospholipids. The main key components are fulvic acid, humic acid, dibenzoalpha pyrones and biphenyl carboxylates, phenolic acids and chirones. These ingredients provide a variety of health benefits, including but not limited to supporting immunity, strengthening muscles and bones, improving digestion, detoxifying the body, improving skin quality, urinary and cardiovascular health, enhancing physical vitality, maintaining normal body weight, and promoting mental calm and balance. It also helps increase energy and stamina, supports the health of the female reproductive system and the smooth running of the menstrual cycle. It is also used to help fractures recover more quickly from injuries and to treat various ailments such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis, chronic bronchitis, nervous disorders, epilepsy, anemia, angina, jaundice, menorrhagia and eczema. It is a powerful aphrodisiac and is useful in the treatment of kidney stones, edema, hemorrhoids and reduction of body fat. It is an integral part of the diet of the mountain Sherpas, an exceptionally hardy and physically robust ethnic group living at high altitudes in the Nepal Himalayan region, to give them physical strength and longevity.
Mumio as a Superfood
Shilajit - mumio is simply an extraordinary gift of nature. Thanks to its rich composition and extensive health benefits, it occupies an exceptional place in traditional natural medicine as well as in modern lifestyle and healthy diet, placing it in the category of "superfoods", exceptional natural products with a high content of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants that strengthen the body in modern hectic times with high demands on the performance of the individual.
So if you are looking for a way to boost your health and vitality in a natural way, include Shilajit in your daily diet. Perhaps in the perfectly absorbable form of the superfood drink Amla with Shilajit, which you can also add to smoothies and fruit juices. Be inspired by thousands of years of tradition and discover how this precious gift of nature can boost your overall health.
Characteristics of Mumio:
- The consistency is similar to asphalt.
- It is instantly soluble in water and also by body heat.
- It has a distinctly bitter taste and a characteristic smell.
- It contains a wide range of amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
- It maintains healthy joints and bones, helps with arthritis and rheumatism.
- It has a beneficial effect on accelerating the bone healing process.
- Relieves mood swings in menopause.
- Eliminates stress and weakness.
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal mental and cognitive functions of the body.
- Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effect.
- Increases the body's resistance, strength and endurance.
- Improves memory and cognitive abilities.
- Improves the function of the excretory system.
- Supports healthy digestion.
- Stimulates reproductive function.
- Helps maintain menstrual comfort.
- Strengthens the immune system and mental health.
- Belongs to the group of adaptogens.
- When taken regularly, it has a strengthening and rejuvenating effect.
- Strengthens and consolidates good health.
- It helps in healing of fractures and dislocations, regenerates the skeletal system, including the restoration of bone marrow, in osteoporosis, etc.).
- Generally promotes tissue regeneration.
- Helps with upper respiratory tract diseases, fatigue and stress.
- Helps with toothache and periodontal disease.
- Improves memory, concentration and mental performance.
- Regenerates the skeletal system (fractures, bone marrow regeneration, osteoporosis, etc.).
