Shilajit for Skincare – Does Your Regimen Include This Powerful Phytocomplex?
When we think about our favorite skincare products and how they came about, we often picture scientists in clean white lab coats, in a sterile room, surrounded by beakers, petri dishes and an array of brightly colored chemicals and compounds. But, this isn’t that type of article. We are here to talk about the nitty gritty, the process, the origin of shilajit – a sticky, tar-like substance which is one of Mother Nature’s most powerful compounds. Shilajit is backed by science to help with a myriad of ailments and skin conditions, but we’ll get to that in a bit. Right now, it’s time for us to strap on our hiking boots and dawn our warmest parka, because we’re bound for the Himalayas, where it all began…
Where does Shilajit come from?
Shilajit can be found in the caves and crevices of towering mountain slopes throughout India, China, Central Asia, Iran and a few other Arabian countries. According to the oldest records available to us, Shilajit has been used as a medicine for the past 5,000 years in India and the Himalayan mountains. To this day, most Shilajit is painstakingly harvested from the Himalayan and Altai Mountains. In the year 1870, British explorer, Sir Martin Edward Stanley observed that monkeys in the Himalayan mountains appeared to remain healthy and agile in their old age, unlike their counterparts from Europe. The monkeys were seen scraping a black, tar-like substance off the side of the mountain rocks and regularly snacking on it. The local indigenous people confirmed that this substance was Shilajit and they believed that it was responsible for the monkey’s good health.
What is shilajit?
Shilajit, also known as Shilajeet comes from the Sanskrit compound word shilajatu meaning “rock-tar”, which is the regular Ayurveda term. It is believed that shilajit was formed by the decomposition of plants from tiny microorganisms over centuries and even millions of years. It can be found clinging to the side of boulders and dark crevices. Once the sun hits it, it begins to melt, making it easier to be harvested and cleaned of impurities for human consumption.
Health benefits backed by science.
The primary compounds found in shilajit are humic acid and fulvic acid along with 85 ionic vitamins and minerals. Humic acid was previously shown to enhance cutaneous wound healing and show antibacterial properties, but a recent study focused on wound healing in the oral cavity and it resulted in a statistically significant enhanced rate of wound closure when treated with humic acid. Shilajit has also been used as a treatment for genitourinary diseases, diabetes, digestive disorders, nervous diseases, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, anemia, eczema, bone fractures, and other diseases due to the concentrated fulvic acid found in shilajit. According to the National Institute of Health, recent investigations suggest that shilajit can improve cognitive disorders associated with aging, thus paving the way for potential shilajit therapy in Alzheimer’s patients. Shilajit is completely safe to ingest daily as a dietary supplement and has been used for centuries in Asia to treat a myriad of ailments and improve overall vitality and quality of life.
Read more about the benefits of shilajit in our previous article.
Shilajit has also been used in Ayurvedic Medicine to help with:
- Anemia
- Chronic fatigue
- Altitude sickness
- Liver cancer
- Heart Health
- Obesity
- Low testosterone levels
- Acne
- Signs of aging
- Herpes related viruses
- Gastric ulcers
- Stress reduction
Everyday Essence is a company focused on sourcing the highest quality shilajit that we incorporate into our all-natural, organic skincare and supplements. Our premium shilajit is cold filtered and tested, which means that we can preserve more of its rich vitamins as well as its star compound – fulvic acid. We’ve developed products that address internal and external ailments that may be affecting your skin’s health and appearance.
Shilajit for Skincare
Natural Face Toner – Shilajit Vitamin Mist
Treat your skin to an exotic experience by way of this refreshing, aromatic mist we like to call Shilajit Vitamin Mist. This all-natural toner packs a punch with up to 85 ionic vitamins and minerals, as well as a hint of colloidal silver. This refreshing spray is available in lavender, rose and palo santo scents. The fulvic acid found in shilajit, is known to act as an antioxidant. It works to slow down the aging process, protect your skin from free radicals, reduce fine lines, and prevent pesky breakouts. You can use it straight out of a steamy shower to calm irritated skin and even-out complexion. Or, use it to refresh dull, tired skin between work and drinks with friends. Personally, we love to use our shilajit spray first thing in the morning, The coolness of the mist and the calming properties of the organic shilajit and colloidal silver will awaken your skin while this natural toner delivers up to 85 ionic vitamins and minerals before you’ve even had your first cup of joe.
Shilajit Cream – Skin Therapy Platinum
Repair your skin with this ultra-powerful cream that delivers the restorative benefits of two of Mother Nature’s most precious substances – shilajit and colloidal silver. Skin Therapy Platinum works FAST! It’s the perfect marriage of powerful, all-natural ingredients that work together to hydrate extremely dry skin, reverse the signs of aging and even promote healing in eczema/psoriasis sufferers.The colloidal silver works to kill bacteria and disinfect. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your skin is soaking up two of our most powerful key ingredients every time you apply this silky smooth cream. Skin Therapy Platinum may offer many of the benefits of medicated skin creams, but it doesn’t subject you to the icky medicated scent that many of these creams come with.
*To sweeten the pot, we’ve added other organic ingredients such as stellaria media [reduces skin agitation due to acne, rosacea & eczema], calendula oil [antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, and natural collagen booster], and symphytum officinale [promotes healing of bruises and skin abrasions] to create a healing trifecta that your skin will crave!
Shilajit Supplements – Shilajit Resin
Shilajit resin (commonly known as stoney oil) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as a dietary supplement. Our shilajit resin is as concentrated as it comes. We store it in smokey glass jars to protect its precious vitamins and minerals from the light. All it takes is a pea-sized scoop of this rich, tar-like super supplement to feed your body the natural nutrients it needs to heal and regenerate. Shilajit supplements are a must-have for all-star athletes seeking all-natural treatments to reduce inflammation in tense joints and muscles. Within about a week, you may start to experience increased energy, a reduction in inflammation, healthier digestion, and clearer skin. We recommend dissolving your shilajit in a glass of water for optimal absorption and circulation in the body.
Shilajit for Skincare is just one of the many benefits of this powerful phytocomplex.
View the whole Shilajit Product Line Here
10 Ways Shilajit Could Change Your Life For The Better
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a black gooey substance that has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered to be an extremely effective herb due to the abundant presence of Fulvic Acid, an active chemical compound which promotes the absorption of nutrients.
Historically, the health benefits of shilajit are recorded to have differed from region to region, depending on where it was harvested or extracted. Today, the potent, and generally very safe dietary supplement is best known for helping restore one’s energetic balance, preventing numerous diseases, promoting physical and mental endurance, as well as, having anti-aging properties.
Where does shilajit come from?
The black tar-like goo comes from mountain crevices in the Himalayan, Tibetan, and Altai mountains. Shilajit is considered to be “India’s most prized herbal remedy” and has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. The substance itself takes centuries to form through gradual decomposition of certain plants and microorganisms.
While it is usually black, Shilajit may also be in a yellowish-brown color, with black shilajit considered to be the most nutritionally dense and valuable.
What are the other name of this ancient resin?
Due to its many uses and of how long shilajit has been around, it has garnered many different names. Depending on where you are in the world, it may also be known as the following:
- Mineral pitch
- Live mineral resin
- Mineral wax
- Shargai
- Mumlai
- Brag Zhun
- Chao-tong
- Wu ling zhi
- Baad-a-ghee
- Dorobi
- Barahshin
- Baragshun
- Arhar-tash
- Mumiyo
- Black asphaltum
- Asphaltum punjabianum
- Stone oil
What are the benefits of Shilajit?
Despite its dark and considerably frightening appearance, shilajit has an infinite number of health benefits. Here are ten benefits of shilajit that can improve your health greatly:
1. Boosting energy
One of shilajit’s popular uses is for energy boosting and revitalizing the body. Shilajit helps provide the body with energy by helping increase the functions of mitochondria in the body. As we all know, mitochondria are the “powerhouse” of cells in the body. They convert oxygen and nutrients into ATP or adenosine triphosphate, the substance that powers those cells.
Shilajit helps the function of mitochondria by helping them oxygenate efficiently. Because of this, it may increase one’s overall energy and stamina. This is a reason why so many also use Shilajit for chronic fatigue syndrome.
2. Regulating hormones
Shilajit is commonly used to help men who have an imbalance in testosterone. With age, testosterone levels start to decrease, causing mood swings, weight gain, depression, weak bones, thinning of hair, and even severe fatigue.
A study in 2010 included 60 male volunteers who underwent a 3-month period of shilajit treatment. 50% of them showed improved testosterone levels by 23.5%. The resin works by flushing the body of free radicals, which helps to improve testosterone levels.
3. Promoting brain health
A study noted that one of the traditional uses of shilajit is for longevity. Compounds found in shilajit may help control and tame cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s. Though researchers are optimistic about the impact of shilajit on cognitive disorders, more research is needed.
4. Protect against cancer
Researchers are considering shilajit as a potential natural cancer treatment. When in the presence of cancer cells, in some cases, shilajit is found to be toxic to the cancer cells and may even help protect certain body systems from radiation damage. A study in June 2016 found that shilajit may help protect ovaries from radiation damage.
5. Alleviating pain
In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit has been found to have a significant sedating effect in pain occurring on the face, mouth, or jaws. In a 2015 study, researchers found that shilajit was able to relieve and lessen chronic pain in mice. On a personal note, I have experience less knee pain over the course of using shilajit. This could be due to it’s ability to support a less inflamed environment.
6. Fighting inflammation, viruses, and acne
Some research has suggested that shilajit is effective in healing and preventing gastric ulcers, as well as fighting disease-causing inflammation. Some properties in shilajit may also help fight against herpes-related viruses.
Some skincare aficionados have also commended shilajit products for helping control oil production and acne. Whether consumed or applied topically, shilajit may help in fading acne spots and early signs of aging.
7. Managing diabetes
Research has shown that in some cases, daily supplementation with shilajit can help reduce “oxidative stress” in those who suffer from diabetes. Shilajit may also be effective in stabilizing physiological processes and promoting homeostasis.
8. Supporting bone health
Studies have found that shilajit may improve skeletal systems by helping bones regenerate and protect them by slowing down osteoporosis.
9. Helping heart function and blood
A recent study using rats showed the effects of shilajit on the heart. Animals who were treated with the substance prior to an induced cardiac injury were found to have less damage to the heart compared to those who were not given any. Shilajit may also reduce blood pressure and help with anemia some cases.
10. Controlling addictions
Shilajit has a unique interaction with other drugs, specifically opiods. It helps to reduce the addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This medicinal herb has been used to help break the addiction patterns and medication dependence for centuries.
How can you take shilajit?
Shilajit is commonly sold in three forms: powder, resin, and supplements. Most experts recommend using shilajit resin as it is considered the “purest” form.
For this reason we suggest buying a version of shilajit with a lower concentration of water. In it’s “silly putty” like state (seen below) this moisture level allow you to pull a small amount Mumiye from the glass jar, roll it into a ball and take it like a pill.
For ingestion, the simplest way is to mix it with water. Though, fair warning: the taste is a smokey earthy flavor. Its benefits are worth bearing the rubbery taste.
Shilajit products may also be used in a number of beauty and skincare products, such as shilajit creams and sprays. The spray shown above is an all natural vitamin mist, and facial toner. This product contains both colloidal silver and the rich filtered resin. The resin delivers up to 85 ionic vitamins and minerals, while the colloidal silver creates a anti microbial environment to ward off bacteria and shield the skin from potential break outs. View the positive reviews!
Buying Shilajit
Not all shilajit is created equal!
- It’s important that you buy shilajit sold in glass not plastic. The thick gooey resin is a powerful substance and it will pull in toxins from the plastic. Leaching harmful substances into the product defeats the cleansing purposes. For this reason, glass is a safer medium for storage.
- Buy shilajit that is tested in the United States. As with many products, you want to make sure you are getting a clean, and potent product free from natural contaminants and heavy metals.
Buy Shilajit Here
Final thoughts on the benefits of shilajit
When used properly, shilajit can have many benefits. Even for those who do not suffer from any illness or disease. Think of Shilajit as your daily detoxifying bodyguard. Always there to shuttle out the toxins, promote energy, protect your body from harm, and rejuvenate you from the inside out!