In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Shilajit and its traditional use in Ayurveda.

Shilajit literally means “born from the mountain.” Jit in this case means born, and shila means mountain. Shilajit is a substance whose exact nature is still not completely understood. One theory is that it may be some kind of polymerized latex. In any event, it is a substance that oozes out of rocks in mountainous regions when the weather becomes very hot.

There is Shilajit in the Himalayas, there is Shilajit in the Urals, and apparently there is even Shilajit in the Rocky Mountains. It is quite possible that these different sources have different qualities. What we do know is that Himalayan Shilajit has been used in Ayurveda for many centuries, if not thousands of years.

Today, Shilajit is being added to many different products and people are frequently encouraged to take it. Therefore, there are certain things that are important to understand about it. First, it is very hot. Second, it has a strong stimulating effect. Third, it contains a large amount of humic acids, and some people believe that these humic acids are responsible for its effects.

Traditionally in Ayurveda, Shilajit has mainly been used for genitourinary conditions. This includes problems such as diabetes and other urinary conditions, as well as situations involving reduced vitality of the reproductive organs.

When Shilajit comes out of the mountains, it contains various impurities, including sticks and other natural materials. It must therefore be properly purified and prepared before it can be consumed. A common method that Vimalananda recommended was to take a small amount, dissolve it in milk, and consume it.

It is definitely possible to take too much Shilajit. One Ayurvedic text mentions a standard dose of up to four tolas per day, which is approximately forty grams. This would be an enormous amount of Shilajit, and it is unlikely that most people today would want to consume that much or even have the ability to digest it.

To digest a large amount of Shilajit requires a strong condition of agni and a strong body. Vimalananda recommended taking only a small amount, dissolving it in milk, possibly adding a little honey and ghee, and drinking it either first thing in the morning or at night.

It is also important to understand that although Shilajit is included in certain Ayurvedic medicines, such as Chandra Prabha, which is used for many conditions including problems such as ovarian cysts, this does not mean that simply adding Shilajit to a chocolate bar, coffee mixture, or other modern product will create the same effect as when it is properly prepared and combined according to Ayurvedic principles.

Shilajit is now much more available than it was in the past. Therefore, it is important to know the people you obtain it from and make sure you are receiving genuine Shilajit. If you decide to work with it, begin with a very small amount and observe how it affects your body before taking larger quantities and later having to deal with an unwanted reaction.