The Charaka Samhita, one of the oldest and most influential texts of Ayurveda written by Maharshi Charak, describes Shilajit as a potent and rejuvenating substance with a range of therapeutic properties. Shilajit is referred to in Charaka Samhita as "Shilajatu" or "Shilajeet".
Here's what Ayurveda says about Shilajit, as translated by the Materia Medica of the Hindus - published in 1877.
DESCRIPTION OF SHILAJIT AS IN AYURVEDA
Silájatu literally means stone and lac. The term is applied to certain bituminous substances said to exude from rocks during the hot weather. It is said to be produced in the Vindhya (a region in India) and other mountains where iron abounds. It is a dark sticky unctuous substance resembling bdellium in appearance. It has a bitter taste and a strong smell resembling stale cow's urine. Over platinum foil it burns with a little inflammable smoke and leaves a large quantity of ashes consisting chiefly of lime, magnesia, silica, and iron in a mixed state of proto and peroxide.
PREPARATION OF SHILAJIT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
According to Ayurvedic text Charak Samhita, Silájatu is prepared for use by being washed with cold water and then rubbed into an emulsion with bulk of hot water or milk in an iron pot. This emulsion is then exposed to the sun. When a black cream-like substance collects on its surface, it is removed and referred to as Shilajit. The process is continued as long as any cream rises. If the mixture becomes too thick, hot water is added from time to time as required, but too much water should not be added at once, for then the cream will not rise to the surface. The silájatu thus collected is dried in the sun and preserved for use.
[If Shilajit is not already purified prior to being sun-dried] The extract of silájatu thus obtained is purified by being soaked in a decoction of the following plants, namely Shorea robusta (sála), Buchanania latifolia (piála), Terminalia tomentosa (asana) and Acacia catechu (khadira).
BENEFITS OF SHILAJIT ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA, IN ITS OWN WORDS
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Here are some of the key descriptions and attributes of Shilajit as mentioned in Charaka Samhita:
1. Rasayana
Shilajit is categorized as rejuvenator or "Rasayana" in Ayurveda, meaning it is considered as an adaptogen that may promote vitality and overall well-being*.
2. Aphrodisiac
Ayurveda describes Shilajit as a powerful and natural Aphrodisiac. Ayurveda recommends its use for both men and women for boosting libido and sexual stamina*.
3. Dosha balancing
Ayurveda classifies individuals into three Dosas: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. In addition, each Dosha dominates during a time of day and season of the year. Ayurveda recommends consuming and avoiding certain types of foods depending on one's Doshas. Shilajit has balancing effects on all three Doshas and can be consumed by anyone to balance their Doshas.
We at The Whole Reason™ take pride in preparing our Shilajit according to centuries old Ayurvedic traditions, with only finest and purest form of Shilajit. Our Shilajit is never exposed to high heat or chemicals for processing. Learn how to test authenticity of Shilajit at home in our blog here.
References:
Materia Medica of the Hindus, by Udoy Chand Dutt - Courtesy of https://www.rarebooksocietyofindia.org/
For referring to Shilajit section in this ebook, search for term SILAJATU.
