English
Polski
Deutsch
Українська
Shilajit Mumijo – Asphaltum punjabinum
Common Names: Shilajit, Silajit, Mumijo, Mumio, Moomiyo, Salajeet, Shargai, Tears of the Mountains, Tears of the Rocks, Mountain Resin, Asphaltum, Asphaltum punjabinum, Black Bitumen, Mineral Pitch, Himalayan Shilajit, Mumie, Asphalt, Girija
Latin Name: Asphaltum punjabinum
Origin: Asia, Europe
Short Introduction
Even with today’s modern technology, the exact biological origin of Mumijo remains unclear. There are debates as to whether it is of animal, geological, or plant origin. Shilajit contains a broad spectrum of amino acids and vitamins, suggesting animal and plant sources, but its high mineral content points to a geological origin. Some theories claim it’s a mixture of ancient organic remains from plants and animals that combined with inorganic materials over thousands of years; other sources suggest it may be the excrement of now-extinct high-mountain mammals.
Mumijo is sold only after purification. Raw Mumijo must be properly cleaned before storage and distribution, as this is what gives Mumijo its therapeutic efficacy. The most suitable purification method uses pure spring water and mechanical force, rather than organic solvents that can damage or destroy the raw material.
Shilajit Mumijo has been mentioned in historical records by Aristotle and Avicenna. Abu Ali ibn Sina described Shilajit Mumijo as an antiseptic used by the people of the Caucasus. Even older Sanskrit texts, as old as 3,000 years, reference Shilajit as a mysterious substance reputed to eliminate weakness and disease. Additional ancient Ayurvedic records recount the discovery by villagers who observed that tired monkeys or wounded animals would chew or lick a special rock—now understood to be Shilajit Mumijo.
Detailed Description
Short Introduction
Shilajit Mumijo is a mysterious, tar-like substance highly valued for its adaptogenic and revitalizing properties. Purified Mumijo is thick, sticky, and elastic, resembling tar or asphalt, with a color that ranges from white to deep brown, and an unmistakable aroma. It has a long-standing history of traditional use across Eurasia and is recognized for its broad range of wellness benefits.
Botanical Information
Purified Mumijo is a homogeneous, glossy mass with an elasticity similar to resin or tar. Its color can range from pale to dark brown. The specific gravity is between 2 and 2.5, and the pH of a 0.05% solution is about 6.7–7.0 (tending to become slightly more alkaline and harder during storage as moisture evaporates). The melting point is approximately 80 °C. Shilajit dissolves easily in water, but is only minimally soluble in 95% alcohol or ether.
Origin and Distribution
The precise organic or inorganic origin of Shilajit Mumijo remains unknown, but all sources agree that it forms from deposits in mountain caves. Historically, the substance has been used for centuries by people in the Caucasus, the Altai Mountains, and Tibet. Some sources suggest a primary origin in Pakistan, but the highest quality material is imported from Kyrgyzstan. Shilajit is found in high-altitude regions of China, Russia, India, and Tibet.
Usage / Dosage
It is thought that hunters first discovered Mumijo when they observed injured or stressed animals recovering more quickly after licking or chewing it. Since then, Mumijo has become the focus of willful curiosity and research. In contemporary studies, Shilajit Mumijo is being explored for its potential in supporting healthy bones and joints, especially in post-menopausal women, as well as its ability to stabilize mood swings, alleviate stress, and reduce fatigue. Animal and human studies have found beneficial effects in speeding up the healing process in minor fractures under optimal conditions, and it is also recommended for maintaining normal mental and cognitive functions.
Traditional Kyrgyz medicine recommends Shilajit Mumijo for many ailments, including supporting digestion and metabolic harmony during carbohydrate and fat processing. Healers praise Mumijo as a potent antioxidant, helping to eradicate free radicals and thus relieving immune system stress from external and internal threats.
Uzbek medicine suggests using Shilajit Mumijo to strengthen the whole body (especially the cardiovascular system), support liver or stomach health, respiratory conditions like asthma, tuberculosis, and various inflammations, headaches, migraines, paralysis, or diabetes. Local physicians and healers recommend Mumijo for supporting functions in multiple sclerosis, meningitis, neurasthenia, psychopathy, epilepsy, concussions, and hysteria. In tradition, Shilajit Mumijo normalizes organ function, acts as a general tonic, dispels ailments, and functions as a restorative. It also supports reproductive health, accelerates the healing of bone fractures and wounds, and is said to balance energy and regenerate the body where needed.
Its active compounds appear to soothe and balance metabolism, replenish electrolytes in plasma and nerve fibers, which may contribute to reduced pain perception, a calming effect, improved appetite, better bone healing, reduced time to fall asleep, and accelerated wound and burn healing. As an adaptogen, Shilajit Mumijo helps the body achieve a state of homeostasis and restores balance and vitality where needed.
Ayurveda regards Shilajit Mumijo as an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antistress remedy that increases resilience, strength, and stamina. It is said to enhance memory, cognitive abilities, soothe digestive troubles, boost sexual potency and rejuvenate sexual health. Folk medicine describes improved urinary tract function, with recent laboratory tests showing positive effects of Shilajit’s compounds on the elasticity of the urinary tract endothelium.
The European Food Safety Agency confirms that regular consumption of Mumijo may benefit digestive health, weight management, reproductive function, menstrual comfort, joint and bone health, immune system, mental health, and cognitive function. Studies have shown that regular use may modestly lower plasma glucose levels in cases of diabetes-related hyperglycemia. Shilajit Mumijo is recognized as a food that helps maintain bone strength and joint health.
Since the 1950s, scientific research in Russia and India has observed that regular consumption of Mumijo’s active ingredients may mildly combat inflammatory conditions (arthritis, rheumatism), diffuse pain, ulcerative diseases, anxiety, fear, stress, aging, and act as a nootropic (a substance enhancing brain function and capacity) in optimal doses and durations.
Due to a lack of information, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old. Mumijo is non-addictive and is considered safe for all ages. However, as it can increase uric acid levels, it is not recommended for patients with gout or rheumatism. Patients taking antidiabetic medications (metformin or glibenclamide) should consult a doctor before use.
Active Compounds
Shilajit Mumijo contains many bioactive substances. As an adaptogen, it stands out after 100% purification as a natural blend containing 17 amino acids (including arginine, asparagine, valine, glycine, histidine, alpha-alanine, proline, tyrosine, phenylalanine, serine, lysine, threonine, leucine, glutamine, isoleucine, methionine, and cystine), nearly the complete B-vitamin complex, provitamin D, macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus), trace minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, manganese, etc.), and organic acids (benzoic, hippuric, fatty acids, ichthyol, triterpenes, fulvic acids, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and humic acids).
Traditional Dosage
Shilajit is available in various packaging and forms. The classic form is powdered, and a calibrated scoop should be included for accurate measurement. For adults using Shilajit Mumijo preventively, start with 200 mg of powder mixed in 200 ml of water twice daily at least 30 minutes before meals. After one week (or more), the dose may be increased to 400 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 500 mg twice daily. Children aged 3–4 may take one-quarter the adult dose, and those aged 4–10 may take half the adult dose.
Continuous use should last no more than 3 weeks (10–30 days is adequate, followed by a rest period at least as long as the treatment cycle). Courses may be repeated 3–4 times per year as needed. Shilajit Mumijo can be dissolved in water, fruit juice, tea with honey, or milk. Externally, it is applied as a solution in water or alcohol and used on the skin.
There are several recipes for solo or combined use, both internally and externally. For fractures, contusions, or burns, 0.2–0.5 g Mumijo is recommended for 25 days, followed by a 10-day break. It is advisable to regularly apply Shilajit Mumijo tincture topically. For chest trauma, drink Shilajit Mumijo with a 0.2 g cumin decoction. For diabetes, use 0.2 g twice daily for at least 10 days, followed by a 5-day break. For allergies, inflammation, or rhinitis, take 0.2–0.3 g for 25 days; the same solution can also be used as a gargle or nasal rinse.
