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Published on December 2, 2019

What is Shilajit or Mumijo?

By Nila

What is Shilajit or Mumijo?

Shilajit (Mumijo) is tar-like mineral substance with extremely high mineral content. It is mainly found in the Himalayas, Altai and Caucasus mountains. 

Persistence Market Research estimates that the global natural and organic personal care market should be worth just under $22bn by 2024. North American consumers are now interested in natural, traditional, time – tested health solutions, such as Ayurveda. 

Traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani offer a holistic approach to physical and mental health. There have been a number of clinical trials that suggest that Ayurvedic approaches can be quite effective 1

We would like to introduce one of its super ingredients. Shilajit or Mumijo, both terms are used interchangeably, has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems as a rejuvenation and anti-inflammatory remedy. It is currently used as such by South Asian population. Shilajit/Mumijo is used extensively in health and skin care products in the Eastern European countries, Germany and the UK.Yet it is virtually unknown in North American.

The origins:

Shilajit is an exudate from rock layers in high altitude zones of mountain ranges. It is formed from organic and plant compounds that have been compressed by layers of rock. After being subjected to high temperature, pressure, and time, the compounds morph into shilajit. When layers of the material resurface, the sun’s heat on mountain slopes can cause the material to seep out of rock cracks. It can then be collected. In other cases, the material is actively mined, leading to rapid depletion of the resource. Shilajit has a wide colour range, from pale brown to blackish-brown and therefore differs in its mineral composition.

 

Benefits:

Shilajit has been touted for millennia as the best herbal carrier of energy and nutrition into the human body. Modern science has supported that premise by identifying fulvic and humic acids, which are found in abundance in shilajit.

Fulvic and humic acids are responsible for energy production within the cell.  Science is just beginning to unravel the full potential of fulvic acid-rich substances like shilajit. 

Fulvic acid, active component of Shilajit ( Mumijo) is a strong antioxidant. It promotes skin rejuvenation and regeneration. Fulvic acid can penetrate our cells to promote better absorption of electrolytes. This process subsequently slows the aging process. 

Humic substances are a natural resource of potent antioxidants. Study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology concluded that fulvic acid supplementation significantly improved symptoms associated with eczema. 

Shilajit has high content of minerals, such as Manganese, Copper, Zinc. They are necessary in the body’s natural wound healing process. When they are combined with Fulvic Acid, inflammation is reduced and the formation of new tissue is improved.

 

Composition:

ORGANIC AND INORGANIC ELEMENTS IN SHILAJIT/ MUMIJO

Fulvic, Folic and Humic acids; Iron; Zinc; Magnesium; Copper; Nickel; Potassium; Manganese; Silicon; Silver; Sodium; Sulfur; Iodine; Strontium; Rubidium; Cesium; Barium; Phosphorus; Chromium; Antimony; Vanadium; Molybdenum; Carotenoids retinol, Terpenoids; B, C, E vitamins; Melanoidin; Benzoic acid; Polyphenol complexes; Dibenzo-alpha pyrones; Phospholipids Triterpenes and Phenolic acids; Albuminoids; Bioflavonoids; Hippuric and Oxalic acid; Tannic acid; Glycosides

Humins and Humic Acids, including Fulvic acid, have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Those acids sometimes replace standard antibiotics in animal agriculture. With respect to skin conditions, you may apply it directly to the problem to speed up the skin regeneration.

Manganese slows down the aging of the skin and the development of wrinkles. It also improves the tensile strength and elasticity of the skin.

Copper makes skin healthier by promoting collagen. It is a protein produced by the cells to ‘hold’ the skin together, promoting skin regeneration and reducing wrinkles. Deficiency of copper is also linked to depigmentation of the skin.

Silicon is another important component of collagen formation as well as one of the most abundant trace minerals in Shilajit. Without collagen, your skin would perpetually sag!

Organic selenium and zinc have a general role in normal skin development and function. They protect skin from UV radiation, providing a safe and effective means to reduce UVR exposure. People with low content of these elements often have skin abnormalities.

Retinol, Vitamin B and Copper are necessary for each step in the healing process. When they are combined with Fulvic Acid and Silicon, inflammation is reduced, and the formation of new skin cells is enhanced.

Vitamin E and C work closely together to repair and protect damaged skin tissues as well as retain moisture.

 

So what can we expect

Shilajit  improves skin strength and elasticity, reduces inflammation and provides a boost of antioxidants. Its minerals and organic compounds play an essential role in slowing skin degeneration processes and minimizing the development of wrinkles. It is a great acne treatment. With its soothing, cleansing, smoothing properties Mumijo perfect for irritated skin

You can now understand why we choose this ingredient as one of the actives in our skin care line. Products likes 3 in 1 Ultra hydration or 3 in 1 Intense nutrition, or Aqua harmony all have Shilajit as one of the primary active ingredients. 

You can check other blogs and DYI skin care recipes. Links are below

Unveiling hidden wonders of Shilajit for skincare

Shilajit DYI skin care recipes

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/