Latest news with #Shilajit
Mint
17 hours ago
- Health
- Mint
Why everyone is chasing the Shilajit high
At 44, Harpreet Vir Singh doesn't just run a wellness company, he lives its philosophy. The founder of Your Happy Life (YHL), Singh is a longevity evangelist with a clear-eyed vision of what ageing well should look like. 'I want to be able to go on treks, travel, discover new places and experiences, even when I am old," he says. His goals are precise: lean muscle mass, deep sleep, biological metrics that track healthy ageing, and a supplement stack that includes NMN (said to mitigate ageing-related disorders) and Shilajit. Not because they're trendy, but because they work for him. Singh, with such a clear blueprint for his 70s, 80s and 90s, is still cautious. 'I don't believe Shilajit is a cure-all, but I do feel the benefits when I am on it. Better mental clarity, steady energy levels through the day, and better recovery from and resilience for my workouts," Singh says. He dislikes the reductive branding of Shilajit as a testosterone booster or 'natural viagra". 'It's limiting its benefits," Singh says. 'It has over 80 trace minerals, and if used the right way, its benefits can go beyond gender." At 48, Mumbai-based film director Abhishek Agnihotri hit a health crisis. He experienced bouts of dizziness and blurred vision that baffled multiple specialists—cardiologists, internists, even psychiatrists. Despite numerous tests, no one could offer a clear diagnosis. His vitals were mostly normal, barring high blood pressure, which stabilised with medication — yet the symptoms persisted. 'At one point, I decided to start my own research. Doctors gave me pills and more pills. But why was I feeling so out of whack?" Agnihotri says. He turned to Instagram. Doctor influencers, in particular, Gary Brecka and Eric Berg, gave him clues for further testing. Agnihotri decided to navigate the rabbit hole of nutrient deficiencies, metabolism and the integrative axis of midlife biology, environment and mental and emotional stress. Tests revealed several atypical markers, including low testosterone. A year and many consultations later, he found a protocol that helped him feel like himself again. Besides regular exercise, a diet and lifestyle overhaul, and a set of supplements to address mineral deficiencies, which included Shilajit. 'After about six months, my blood markers were at a normal range. Testosterone came back up to a 300-plus. I can't say for sure it was just because of Shilajit. But it has its role to play in the entire protocol. Everything worked together," Agnihotri says. He takes a pea-sized dose of Kapiva Shilajit resin at night, along with Ashwagandha and Moringa. So what really is this sticky pale-brown to blackish-brown herbal biomass from the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges that people the world over are spending their money on? Why is Shilajit now a TikTok favourite and a wellness influencer's go-to content for vitality? The myth of the rejuvenator It is a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites occurring in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat. In Ayurvedic texts, it is categorised as a rasayana—a rejuvenator that enhances the quality of plasma and, in turn, tissues, and prolongs life by healing and preventing disease. Its literal Sanskrit meaning: conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness. 'Joh mritak ko zinda kar de, woh Shilajit hai (what brings the dead to life is Shilajit)," says Ajay Sharma, a 67-year-old Ayurvedic physician from Lucknow. Disproportionate to the hype around it, scientific studies on Shilajit are limited. Also Read: Move over K-Beauty. Ayurveda beauty is here Ancient pedigree, modern problems A handful of studies, mostly done in the US, extol its benefits. But many come with the caveat that, being an exudate of various mountainous plants and rock surfaces, unpurified Shilajit could contain lead and toxic heavy metals. In general, many Ayurvedic and herbal medicines contain such toxic elements. And like most Ayurvedic supplements, there's no way to know for sure which one is authentic enough for you to take. Ashwin Bhadri, founder and CEO of Equinox Labs, one of the largest food, water and air testing laboratory in India says, 'Shilajit may be ancient in origin, but verifying its safety requires modern science. Unfortunately, many Shilajit products today are contaminated with toxic metals like lead and mercury, posing serious health risks." If you're consuming Shilajit, here's what you must check: an FSSAI license number, NABL-accredited lab test reports – especially for heavy metals, a batch-wise certificate of analysis (COA), and a clear ingredient list with no vague or exaggerated claims, Bhadri said. In India, Ayurvedic supplements must comply with both Ayush and FSSAI guidelines, but very few brands follow this rigorously. 'As consumers, we need to stop trusting trends blindly and start asking better questions. Look beyond the label. Ask for the report. Your health depends on it," says Bhadri. Tapas Biswas, owner of Kolkata-based Actizeet, says Shilajit is not safe for human consumption unless it is purified according to the process outlined in Ayurvedic texts and then lab-tested for traces of lead or other heavy metals. 'The distillation process has to be thorough," Biswas says. His brand of Shilajit has had the same pricing for several years now. He says he sustains it because of loyal customers who have trusted it over the years. 'I have not felt any new surge in sales in the last two years; it has remained constant," he adds. Actizeet sells one of the most expensive Shilajit in resin form in India: ₹6,450 for a 40-gram bottle. Biswas claims that the market also has chemically formulated fake Shilajit—make a formulation with 65 %+ fulvic acid, the main ingredient in the resin, add other trace minerals, and add an edible dark brown colour to the mix, and you have an Instagram-ready Shilajit mock-up to keep a business going. That hasn't stopped demand. According to a 2024 study by the US- and India-based market research company Grand View Research, the global market for Shilajit is estimated at $175.6 million. The Indian market for Shilajit generated $18.7 million in 2024, it said. Several health and wellness companies in India and abroad have introduced their brand of Shilajit. Brands like Baidyanath and its new-age label Kapiva, Dabur and others, sell their products, marketed largely through wellness influencers. Many of these brands refused to be interviewed for this story. Omkar Kulkarni, an Ayurvedic doctor and chief formulator at Panchamrit Ayurveda, says their signature product, an effervescent Shilajit composite, infused with other herbs like Ashwagandha and Gokshura, is priced at ₹600 for 15 units (tablets). Shilajit prices vary in India from ₹999 to ₹6,500 for a 15-40 gm pack. Also Read: Confused by wellness trends? Some common sense advice to cut through the noise From the Himalayas to the studios In the West, Shilajit has found its way into elite wellness regimens. One of the first wellness coaches to discuss its properties in the Western world was the founder of the California-based company Cymbiotika Chervin Jafarieh. 'In addition to sustained energy, Shilajit has wide-ranging benefits from building resilience to stress, sleep normalization, digestion, mood balancing, and joint wellness, which is why it's an essential product in many of our bundles," Jafarieh has said. Cymbiotika charges $67 for 15 grams of its resin, and its website asks customers to join the waitlist for its forthcoming liquid formulation. Jafarieh once coached tennis champion Novak Djokovic, known for his unconventional health choices. In Hollywood, actors Robert Downey Jr. and Ashton Kutcher have openly endorsed Shilajit. In India, actor Sonu Sood and cricketer Hardik Pandya have also promoted its benefits. The Nugenix Shilajit capsules, also an American brand, are marketed for 'total testosterone boost" and cost $53 for 120 capsules. Also Read: Magnesium mania: Startups get to ride a new wellness craze. But is it all hype? No one-size-fits-all Priyanka Oka, 34, a Pune-based Ayurvedic practitioner and consultant with the Healing Hands integrative health clinic, says Shilajit is one of the most potent medicines of Ayurveda with a high concentration of fulvic acid and humic acid. 'We mostly use Shilajit as a catalyst… It enhances the properties of other medicines while also doing its bit," she says. Dosage depends on every patient's unique biology. 'Shilajit creates a lot of heat in the body, and for some people, like those with an active kidney disease, it can have adverse effects," Oka says. 'I wouldn't recommend more than 1 gram of Shilajit per day from a trusted brand." Though a Western medicine doctor is unlikely to prescribe Shilajit, some see value in a complementary approach. Delhi-based cardiologist and functional medicine specialist Alok Chopra says, 'Ayurveda is a part of our Indian culture and is a powerful tool. Having said that, it has its own limitations. It may be a somewhat limited science, but I often work with Ayurvedic doctors to help my patients with specific needs." "Faith is an important part of any treatment, and if one accepts this without doubt, it would help." Long-time users like Annie Kohli, 73, a Mumbai-based agriculture and plant medicine entrepreneur, swear by its benefits. She began taking Shilajit in her late 60s after feeling a dip in stamina. 'I take Shilajit, the resin form, dissolved in warm water every morning. I take it for a month, then stop for two months, and then take for another month, according to my Ayurvedic doctor's prescription. I am as energetic as I was in my 50s," Kohli says. Deepa Kannan, an ayurveda and functional medicine expert based in Tamil Nadu, cites Ayurvedic texts to list its benefits: rejuvenative, improves sexual potency, helps boost intellect, alleviates painful urination, scrapes toxins from tissues, heals bones. It all depends on the individual on whom it is used. The next time your gym trainer suggests you start Shilajit as a precursor to your workout, consider a deep dive into your own biology. A sensible lesson from the blistering hype around this ancient elixir is this: Whether you are a man, a woman, or any other combination of genders, Shilajit only works when you know your singular requirement for it. Ayurveda is not an exact science; prescriptions are not based on large-scale clinical trials. An Ayurvedic approach is more complex and holistic, and its enduring quality is that it treats an individual, not symptoms. Take Harpreet Vir Singh of YHL, for instance. He doesn't position Shilajit as a miracle cure, just one part of a longer journey. He tracks how his body feels with and without it. He knows what he's trying to achieve. His grandmother lived to 98, and he wants to aim for that. "But with more mobility and exuberance than my grandmother could imagine in her 90s." Sanjukta Sharma is a Mumbai-based journalist, and founder of the wellness and health IP, @the_slow_fix.
Evening Standard
11-06-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
Obsessed with Ashwagandha? Try Shilajit, the Ayurvedic adaptogen to know
Whilst Ashwagandha has been lauded as the ultimate stress-reliever, Shilajit is likened as a 'do-all' adaptogen. 'Comparing the two is one of my favourite parallels. If Ashwagandha is the herb that helps the nervous system ''adapt and rest'', Shilajit is the mineral matrix that helps the body ''fuel and rebuild.'' In Ayurveda, both are classified as Rasayanas, but their Rasa (essence) and tissues they target differ,' explains Dr Murthy. Whilst they are often pitted against one another, when used together their benefits are in fact magnified. 'Together they create a synergistic foundation for resilience: calm strength, deep recovery and emotional balance, he continues. Since Shilajit is rich in minerals, it's thought that it delivers nutrients deep into tissues to enable detoxification and cellular renewal.
Time Business News
02-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Barbara O'Neill's Shilajit Secrets: The Shocking Benefits Big Pharma Doesn't Want You to Know!
Introduction: A Mysterious Black Resin With Ancient Roots What if the secret to vitality, mental clarity, and youthful energy has been hidden in the rocks of the Himalayas for thousands of years? For centuries, a sticky black substance known as Shilajit has oozed from mountain crevices and into the hands of ancient healers. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit was once reserved for kings, sages, and warriors. But today, it's making a powerful comeback—and Big Pharma isn't happy about it. Why? Because this natural remedy does what synthetic pills can't—revive your body on a cellular level without side effects. And now, one voice is louder than ever in bringing Shilajit back to the spotlight… Who Is Barbara O'Neill—and Why Does She Recommend Shilajit? Barbara O'Neill is a renowned Australian health educator, author, and naturopath. With over 30 years in the field of natural healing, she has helped thousands worldwide reclaim their health—without relying on pharmaceuticals. Barbara speaks openly about the healing power of nature, and Shilajit is one of her top-recommended remedies. She believes that Shilajit replenishes what modern life strips away—minerals, vitality, and inner balance. Many of her followers are now calling Shilajit the 'black gold of health', and Barbara O'Neill products featuring this resin are becoming highly sought-after. What Is Shilajit? Ancient Medicine With Modern Power, Barbara o'neill prosepctive The Origin Story of Shilajit Shilajit forms over centuries as plants decompose under extreme pressure in mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus. This rare substance seeps out of the rocks during hot seasons and is collected carefully by hand. Ayurveda's Crown Jewel In Ayurveda, Shilajit is referred to as 'conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.' It's classified as a Rasayana—a rejuvenating substance that promotes youth, longevity, and strength. Practitioners have used it for: Energy Brain function Fertility Healing wounds Detoxification 🧬 What's Inside Shilajit? The Hidden Power of Nature Chemical Composition That Works Like Magic Shilajit is not just dirt from the mountains—it's a concentrated powerhouse of over 85 ionic minerals, fulvic acid, humic acid, and dibenzopyrones. Here's what they do: Fulvic Acid: Improves nutrient absorption and detoxifies heavy metals. Humic Acid: Fights inflammation and boosts the immune system. Minerals: Restores what modern diets lack—magnesium, zinc, iron, and more. Dibenzopyrones: Powerful antioxidants that help cells repair. In other words: Shilajit fuels your cells from the inside out. 🔥 Proven Shilajit Benefits That Big Pharma Doesn't Want You to Know 1. Boosts Energy at the Cellular Level According to studies, Shilajit enhances mitochondrial function, which means your body creates more energy from the food you eat. 📚 Study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2009): Shilajit improves ATP production, the energy currency of your body. 2. Enhances Brain Function & Memory Shilajit's fulvic acid supports the nervous system and reduces tau protein buildup—linked to Alzheimer's. 🧠 Barbara O'Neill highlights Shilajit as a natural brain tonic that fights mental fatigue and supports clarity. 3. Balances Hormones Naturally Men and women both report improved libido, better moods, and balanced cortisol levels—without drugs. 4. Anti-Aging Power Thanks to its antioxidant profile, Shilajit fights cell damage, wrinkles, and muscle loss. Dr. Sebi also recommended similar mineral-rich compounds like Irish Sea Moss, but Shilajit is even more potent. 5. Immune System Support By detoxing heavy metals and boosting red blood cell production, Shilajit strengthens your defense system. 📊 Backed by Modern Science and Experts Even though Big Pharma tries to bury it, scientific evidence is growing: National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports Shilajit as a potential anti-inflammatory and cognitive enhancer. A 2012 study in Andrologia shows Shilajit increases testosterone levels in healthy men. Barbara O'Neill and Dr. Sebi both emphasize natural mineral therapy over synthetic drugs—and Shilajit fits this philosophy perfectly. ⚠️ Are There Side Effects or Precautions? Raw or unprocessed Shilajit can be dangerous. It may contain heavy metals or fungi if sourced poorly. Always choose purified Shilajit from trusted brands. Possible side effects include: Allergic reactions (rare) Lower blood pressure (monitor if you're on BP meds) Not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women 🛑 If you're on medication, consult a natural health practitioner like Barbara O'Neill before using Shilajit. Conclusion: Is It Time to Rediscover What Nature Gave Us? Shilajit isn't just hype. It's real, ancient, and now backed by science. With experts like Barbara O'Neill boldly promoting it, people around the world are finally waking up to its miraculous benefits. Big Pharma won't promote it—because they can't patent it. But that doesn't mean you should miss out. Don't wait. Rediscover what your body truly needs ✅ Ready to Experience the Real Power of Shilajit? If you're tired of synthetic pills, low energy, and brain fog, it's time to try Barbara O'Neill's Shilajit secret. 👉 Buy Shilajit — 100% pure, trusted, and ethically sourced TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
What makes Al Amerat's Al Mumiyan Cave intriguing as a geological formation
Imagine standing at the edge of a rugged cliff or deep within a dense woodland, heart pounding with anticipation. In front of you, a faint opening in the rocks or undergrowth hints at a secret beneath the surface. You draw closer, feeling a chill in the air that carries the scent of earth and moss. The dark entrance seems to beckon you, whispering promises of mystery and adventure. As you step forward, a surge of excitement builds—what could be hidden just beyond? An ancient chamber, a forgotten passage, or a treasure waiting to be discovered? Completely immersed in curiosity, you feel a sense of wonder that only uncovers when exploring nature's underground worlds. This thrill—the experience of entering a cave for the very first time—is simply unlike anything else. Caves are nature's silent archives, holding stories etched in stone about Earth's geological evolution, biological history, and rare mineral deposits. For adventure seekers, spelunking provides a unique opportunity not just for excitement but to connect with one of nature's most mysterious environments. And nowhere is this more evident than in Oman, a country renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse subterranean terrain, making it a prime destination for explorers and nature enthusiasts. Oman boasts an impressive and varied cave system, scattered across its landscape—from lush areas around Al Amerat to the rugged mountains of Dhofar and the expansive, rocky plains of Ibri. Its caves come in many forms, featuring intricate tunnel networks, vast underground chambers, and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Each cave is a world of its own, offering a glimpse into the country's geological history. Deep within the mountains of Al Amerat lies Al Mumiyan Cave, a site of both natural beauty and scientific significance. Inside, a fascinating substance called Mumiyan is found—a dark, sticky organic material that has intrigued healers and scientists for generations. This natural deposit seeps from cracks in high-altitude rocks, forming from the slow decomposition of plant matter and biological material over thousands of years under rare environmental conditions like specific humidity, pressure, and temperature ranges. What sets Oman's Mumiyan apart is its remarkable purity. Because the substance remains in a secluded part of the cave, it remains free from environmental pollutants and impurities, unlike other sources worldwide. For centuries, Mumiyan has been a vital part of traditional healing practices in Oman. It is believed to accelerate bone healing, reduce joint pain, and serve as a natural anti-inflammatory. When applied topically, it is used to treat wounds and bolster the immune response, with some healers recommending dissolving small amounts in warm water to assist with digestive issues and boost overall vitality. Although scientific research into Oman's Mumiyan is limited, studies on Shilajit in the Himalayas and across Central Asia suggest that the substance contains fulvic acids and a broad spectrum of organic minerals. These elements are thought to underlie its reputed health benefits. The similarities between the environments of Oman's Al Amerat mountains and Asia's Shilajit-producing regions strengthen the hypothesis that they share comparable properties and therapeutic potential. Despite its fascinating qualities, the Al Mumiyan Cave remains relatively unknown beyond local circles due to its difficult accessibility and limited infrastructure. Nonetheless, growing interest from explorers and conservationists is shining a light on this geological treasure. Many hope that increased scientific attention and eco-tourism will help protect the site, fostering further research into the properties and potential applications of Mumiyan—unlocking even more of the cave's secrets. For those seeking adventure during the warmer months, exploring Oman's caves offers a blend of thrill, natural beauty, and the chance to uncover the country's hidden treasures. The country's diverse environment offers numerous caves in cooler mountain regions and shaded gorges, providing perfect escape routes from the daytime heat. Oman's extensive limestone formations create natural passages, underground halls, and subterranean wonders that beckon explorers.
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Dabur to drop underperforming tea, diapers; focus on Qcommerce for growth
Dabur is going for "rationalisation of underperforming products and SKUS in order to release capital for bigger bets", CEO Mohit Malhotra said Press Trust of India New Delhi Homegrown FMCG major Dabur India will exit categories such as tea, adult and baby diapers, and sanitising products as part of rationalisation of its underperforming products, said CEO Mohit Malhotra. The company, aiming "to achieve sustainable double-digit CAGR by FY28 in both topline and bottomline" has renewed its strategy focus, building on its core strengths, he added. Dabur is going for "rationalisation of underperforming products and SKUS in order to release capital for bigger bets. A few examples of these are Vedic tea, adult & baby diapers and Dabur Vita," said Malhotra during the investors' call. These segments contribute less than 1 per cent to Dabur's revenue, which stood at Rs 13,113.19 crore in FY25. "So we will get out of these categories and focus on big, bold equities which we have identified, and the core portfolio is where we will invest," said Malhotra. Dabur, as per its new vision strategy, would continue to invest in core brands, would focus on premiumisation and contemporisation across categories, take "bold bets" across health & wellness spaces and also aggressively pursue M&A opportunities for creating a future-fit portfolio. Dabur also plans to expand to double down on emerging channels like e-commerce, quick commerce and modern trade, besides effective expansion across urban and rural India. "We will double down on emerging channels like e-commerce, quick commerce and modern trade. We will also focus on consolidation of stockists for better ROI (Return on Investment), reducing cost to serve in the urban GT channel and enhanced use of digital tools to boost extraction," he said. This renewed strategy of Dabur builds on its core strengths while pivoting towards future-ready levers of value creation. As per the strategy, the company will scale up seven brands with annual sales exceeding Rs 500 crore -- Dabur Red, Real, Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Hajmola, Dabur Amla, Odonil and Vatika, which contribute over 70 per cent of its portfolio. "We will continue to add scale to these brands through disproportionate investments, thereby increasing penetration and driving market share gains," said Malhotra. It will go for premiumisation and contemporisation across categories such as serums, conditioners, and masks in hair care; benefit-led toothpastes in oral care; the activ range in beverages; gummies, powders, and effervescents in healthcare. It will also become aggressive across health & wellness spaces. "We will focus on ramping up the Hajmola franchise, health juices and Shilajit, to name a few. We will also target emerging need gaps such as gut health, heart health, stress and lifestyle management through existing and new products," said Malhotra. It will also "aggressively" pursue M&A opportunities for creating a future fit portfolio, particularly focused on new age healthcare, wellness foods and premium personal care.
