Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Fulvic acid, Humic acid, organic minerals, Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, trace elements
- Also Known As
- English: Shilajit, Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum
Sanskrit: शिलाजतु, शिलाजित्, गिरिज, शिलाधातु, गैरेय
Hindi: शिलाजीत
What is Silica/Silicate — Shilajatu Properties (शिलाजतु)?
Shilajatu (Shilajit) is a mineral exudate found oozing from rocks in the Himalayas during summer. Four types are described based on the rock source: Gold (Suvarna Shilajatu — reddish), Silver (Rajata — whitish), Copper (Tamra — bluish), and Iron (Loha — blackish/brownish). The iron type is the most commonly available and widely used. Shilajit is a supreme Rasayana and Yogavahi (enhances the action of other drugs). It is used in diabetes, urinary stones, urinary disorders, obesity, anemia, tuberculosis, and as a general rejuvenative. It is said that there is no curable disease in the universe that cannot be controlled or cured with Shilajit when administered at the proper time with suitable drugs. Dose: 1 Gunja to 1 Karsha. Verses: 101-110.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Yogavahi (catalytic/enhancer)
- Pramehaghna (anti-diabetic)
- Ashmarihari (dissolves urinary stones)
- Chhedi (excisant/cutting)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.