MUMIJO (SHILAJIT)
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH
Mumijo, known also as Shilajit, is a nutrient-rich black tar-like biomass that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas or Altai Mountains. Mumijo is composed of organic plant material that has been compressed by layers of rock and consists of 60 – 80% organic mass. The higher temperatures in the summer melt Mumijo, causing it to ooze from cracks in the rocks. In many countries such as Russia or Poland Mumijo has been approved for internal use.
Animals, created with the incredible natural instinct, seem to be the first users of the pitch black Mumijo resin. Humans were the ones who just followed their example. As a result of observing some monkeys eating black Mumijo tar and seeing that those who did it seemed to be the most intelligent, strongest, and long-lived, the indigenous people began following the example by ingesting Mumijo themselves. As a result they also noticed excellent benefits in the form of restoration of their health and enhanced mental and physical abilities.
Also huntsmen who observed mountain goats, noticed that when they licked a black substance off the rocks they recovered abnormally fast. These animals would lick the material only when wounded or sick.
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Long considered a panacea in Ayurveda, purified Mumijo is made of a mixture of synergistic compounds that act as a rejuvenator, antioxidant, immune-stimulator, adaptogen, testosterone and energy booster, anti-inflammatory agent, and aphrodisiac.
KEY ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Over 80 types of minerals, Fulvic acid (the main active ingredient), Humic and Uronic acids, plant and microbial metabolites (such as Dibenzo-alphapyrones), Humins, Peptides and Amino acids, Lipids, Phenolic glycosides, etc.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Shilajit improves blood flow, supports energy production and tissue recovery, and reduces the negative impact of psychological and physical stress.
TESTOSTERONE & DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE
Known as “Indian Viagra”, Mumijo is believed to help various sexual problems including low stamina and libido. In a clinical trial healthy men who took 250 mg of purified Shilajit twice a day for 3 months increased total and free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (>). Human body naturally produces DHEA in the adrenal gland. It helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. As a neurosteroid and neurotrophin, DHEA has important positive effects in the central nervous system. Often touted as an anti-aging therapy, DHEA is also claimed to ward off chronic health problems and improve physical performance.
FERTILITY
Shilajit supports fertility increasing sperm production and decreasing oxidative damage in testes, according to cell-based and animal studies (>, >).
STRESS, ANXIETY, TIREDNESS & ADRENAL FATIGUE
In one study Mumijo reduced tiredness and anxiety while preventing cortisol deficiency and adrenal fatigue (>). It also prevented damage of mitochondria (cellular power stations) in rats with chronic fatigue (>).
Mumijo may reduce anxiety and the negative effects of stress. In animal studies, it has shown the ability to increase levels of a good mood hormone dopamine in limbic, emotional area of the brain (>).
It also significantly increased brain levels of calming neurotransmitter GABA in mice, thus reducing anxiety and tendency to panic. In addition, it also imposed anti-seizure effect (>).
ENERGY BOOSTER
Mumijo not only helps improve mitochondrial function on its own, but creates a powerful effect on mitochondrial oxygenation when combined with supplemented CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant naturally found in all human cells (especially heart and brain). (>)
SEIZURES
Mumijo was able to reduce seizures in rats. Higher doses had shown to be more effective in delaying attacks and complications (>).
NOOTROPIC PROPERTIES & BRAIN HEALTH
Mumijo has been known for centuries as an enhancer of memory, focus and learning. In one study on old rats, purified Mumijo greatly increased learning, focus and memory. On the other hand, the unpurified Mumijo resulted in worsening cognition including memory and slowing down brain functions (>).
According to animal studies, Mumijo has a potential to reduce damage to the brain and speed up recovery by increasing antioxidant levels, reducing high blood pressure, and improving blood flow and oxygenation in the brain (>, >).
Researchers found that Mumijo has positive effects on the three key elements following traumatic brain injury: blood-brain barrier permeability, brain oedema, and intracranial pressure. (>)
In a cell-based lab study, fulvic acid (the key active ingredient of Mumijo) significantly decreased the aggregation of tangles of altered proteins (tau fibrils) which cause Alzheimer’s. It managed to reduce the size of these pathogenic proteins and detangled them, showing great potential for fighting this form of dementia (>, >).
In one study, Mumijo helped significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improved the lipid profile in the diabetic animals. In addition, when Mumijo was administered together with metformin, it helped enhance its glucose-lowering ability thus reducing the demand for the medication.
According to a study results antioxidant properties of Mumijo protected insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas improving their function and helping prevent the development of both types of diabetes or reduce symptoms (>, >).
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Mumijo preparations have been successfully used for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Mumijo displays immune-stimulating and anti-allergic activity.
ADDICTIONS
Shilajit reduced the risk of developing tolerance to morphine in mice (>). Ina study on mice, it minimised the symptoms of withdrawal and helped control addictive behaviour by improving dopamine levels in the brain region that controls emotions (>). Reseachers have found that the combination of Mumijo with Ashwagandha > reversed alcohol withdrawal anxiety in mice (>).
GASTRO-INTESTINAL ULCERS
According to numerous testimonials, Mumijo is one of the best natural remedies for gastro-intestinal ulcers. Since it is high in antioxidants, it protects stomach lining from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Through fulvic acid it reduces stomach acid and pepsin secretion between meals in the stomach, thus lowering the risk of developing peptic ulcers (>, >). In addition, Mumijo also fights gastric ulcers through benzoic acid which has antibacterial properties and fights Helicobacter pylori, bacteria in the stomach which is known to contribute to ulcers (>).
Shilajit has antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory activity >
Mumijo is an excellent remedy for cellulite > and cellulitis > as it will nourish and tighten the skin. It will work even better if you combine it with few other ingredients. To make a cream or ointment mix about one teaspoon or 10 tablets of Mumijo (freeze it first and grind it in a coffee grinder to make powder) with 10 drops of any citrus essential oil (grapefruit, orange, lemon, etc.), 5 drops (not more) of tea tree essential oil and about 100ml of vegetable glycerine or vaseline or any baby cream (free from harmful additives) in a glass jar (don’t use plastic containers). Keep closed in the fridge. Rub into cellulite in the morning and before bed.
INFLAMMATION
Potassium humate, Humic and Fulvic Acid in Shilajit, reduce inflammation (>).
PAIN RELIEF
Traditional medicine recommends Mumijo as an analgesic or a painkiller in various body pains, bone fractures, wounds, arthritis, headaches, etc. It has been succesfully used to help sooth pain and other negative symptoms of inflammations and chronic problems including arthritis. In one animal study, Mumijo showed potential in chronic pain management, helping reduce the intensity of pain.
For pain in joints (arthritis), muscles and bones, apart from using Mumijo internally, you can mix some of the resin with warm oil (such as raw coconut oil, emu oil, etc.) and massage into effected area. In addition you can cover the place with a plastic film and tide it with a cloth after massage for better result.
Because of its influence on GABA levels in the brain, Mumijo has a significant effect on orofacial pain (pain of the face, mouth or jaws), and can act as a natural sedative agent. (>)
Regarding pain, Mumijo interacts positively with morphine, minimizing the build up of tolerance to this popular drug, thus reducing the demand for this pain killer one in serious pain would need. (>)
CHOLESTEROL & HEART HEALTH
Humic acid (in Mumijo) reduced total fat and blood cholesterol levels while increasing the beneficial HDL cholesterol in a rat study (>). Mumijo increases levels of the key antioxidant Glutathione and provides the body with some nutrients known to support heart health (>).
Research also indicates that Mumijo can help regulate heart rate. In smaller doses, it seems to lower heart rate, while in larger doses, it increases the heart rate (>). Therefore, if you have issues with irregular heartbeat or other heart-related problems, and think about trying this remedy you should first talk to your doctor, especially if you are on medication.
ANTIVIRAL & ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES
Shilajit may kill many different viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). (>)
Other studies have proved its effectiveness against various bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. (>)
CANDIDA ALBICANS
Mumijo has also ability to fight Candida albicans fungi. (>).
Together, the listed above pathogens are responsible for many digestive, respiratory or skin infections.
CANCER
Mumijo may be able to fight tumor growth and can be toxic to cancer cells including lung, breast, colon, ovarian and liver cancer. This effect is believed to be linked to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. (>)
Shilajit can be helpful in fighting certain types of cancer including liver (>). It also stopped cancer cells from multiplying.
In an animal study, it also helped prevent cell damage caused by harmful radiation. It is therefore thought, Mumijo may also offer protection against radiation-induced damage during treatment for cancer.
URINARY SYSTEM
Mumijo seems to have diuretic properties and helps flush out excess fluid and sodium from the body. It is therefore recommended for urinary problems. Taken along with lots of filtered or distilled water, as a diuretic Shilajit helps flush out stones from kidneys and the urinary tract. It also improve bladder function and due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties it is effective in dealing with cystitis and thrush.
IRON ABSORPTION
Fulvic acid from Mumijo may improve absorption of iron by bone marrow cells, thus eventually increasing iron levels in red blood cells.
PROTECTS AGAINST HARMFUL RADIATION
Mumijo greatly increased the health and survival rate of ovarian cells after exposure to radiation (>).
DETOX
Fulvic acid acts as a carrier molecule in the body, helping to transport nutrients into the deep tissues and remove toxins (>).
OSTEOPOROSIS
There is some evidence that Mumijo helps bones regenerate, slowing the process of osteoporosis >. (>)
MUSCLES
Genuine and pure Shilajit produces sustained and immense energy, which has been proven in several major studies in Russian universities. It also reduces muscle recovery time by almost 50%.
In a study with obese subjects published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, supplementation with Mumijo greatly improved the function and regeneration of skeletal muscles. (>)
REDUCES HIGH-ALTITUDE PROBLEMS
Traveling to high altitude regions can sometimes affect the body adversely, causing insomnia, headaches and lethargy. According to one study, “Shilajit improves the ability to handle high altitudinal stresses and stimulates the immune system. Thus, Shilajit can be given as a supplement to people ascending to high-altitude areas so that it can act as a health rejuvenator and help to overcome high-altitude related problems”. (>)
Mumijo can also increase the ability of blood to carry more oxygen to the brain and muscle cells and improve blood circulation, thus reducing symptoms of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency).
ENHANCES BENEFITS OF NUTRIENTS & HERBS
One of the most surprising properties of Mumijo is its ability to enhance health benefits of other natural remedies such as nutrients and various herbs.
EXTERNAL USE
I always keep a small container with good quality purified Mumijo at home as it is and excellent and quick natural remedy not only for digestive and listed above problems but also for external use for cuts, wounds, burns, sinusitis (rinsing), nose congestion (drops), skin inflammation, fungal infections, hemorrhoids (mixed with good oil or bee propolis cream), hair loss, etc.
DOSAGE
The recommended amount for general use and to maintain optimal health is around 150-250mg 1-3 times a day with warm milk, warm water or a herbal tea. Dissolve a pea-sized portion of shilajit in liquid and drink it up to three times a day, depending on the instructions on the package.
Higher dosages of half a gram (500mg) twice daily are typically given for treating various conditions.
There is approximately a 6-8 week period for the therapeutic effects to be noticed.
The most convinient for internal use are tablets (purified 100% and without other ingredients nor additives) 0.2g (200mg) Mumijo per tablet. You can use 2 tablets 2-3 times a day during meals for about 4 weeks.
QUALITY
If you decide to give Shilajit a try, make sure to use only purified one and is free from contaminants. Raw Mumijo may be contaminated with fungus, heavy metals or free radicals. If it is not purified it may sometimes cause some side effects including dizziness, tiredness, constipation, or a burning sensation.
A study which highlighted the brain-function improving potential of Mumijo warns against the dangers of low-quality, unpurified products as they may produce the opposite effect. Therefore, make sure you buy only purified Shilajit from a reliable seller.
There was a story circulating in the news and internet claiming that Mumijo has dangerously high levels of mercury and lead. The news, however, proved to be false and based on an unauthorized retailer of the product.
Authentic Shilajit always has a distinct, strong tar-like odor. If the product you have does not have such intense smell, then it is likely old or diluted.
Buying Mumijo take into consideration the following:
Ingridients: Purified Shilajit 100%
0.2 gr (200mg) per tablets
Seller’s feedback and product reviews (if available)
Source: Altai Mountains (Russian Federation) or pure Himalayan Shilajit
Quality certificate (see example below)
As with regards to other remedies, herbs and supplements, stop taking Mumijo for one day after every 6 days, for one week after every one month and for one month after 3 months of taking it, to avoid any overdose and possible harmful effect. You can also use it alternatively with other excellent natural remedies.
STORAGE
Store below 25 °C or in the fridge.
INTERACTIONS
If you are on medication (such as high blood pressure, etc.) do not use Mumijo without first consulting your doctor as it may increase or possibly alter the effectiveness of drugs as well as supplements and herbal remedies.
Mumijo is not recommended for people with abnormally low blood pressure and those with urolithiasis. Urolithiasis refers to stones that form the urinary tract. It involves the formation of calcifications in the urinary system, usually in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
One source suggests (without explanation) to not use Mumijo with antibiotics.
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SOURCES
– http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/shilajit
– https://selfhacked.com/blog/shilajit/
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© 2016 Slawomir Gromadzki – All Rights Reserved
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