The Story of Shilajit
Sourced from the heights of the Himalayas after centuries of mineral-enriching pressing, shilajit’s tale is one that dates back millennia.
Shilajit used in our products is gathered straight from the Himalayan peaks and has its origins rooted in ayurvedic medicine.
The oldest records of shilajit go back more than 3000 years, with the ancient system of medicine believing it helps form the basis of most remedies. They even said it could cure any curable ailment known to man.
Our shilajit is in fact taken from high altitudes in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges.
It can primarily be found seeping from crevices and caverns at around 10,000 to 19,000 feet. These high-altitude conditions, as well as microbial action, are what helps it take its form.
History of Hunza
Situated at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Hunza Valley – or heaven on earth as its commonly known – is a place famed for its idyllic scenery and warm inhabitants.
It is a region like no other. Surrounded by several high peaks, including Rakaposhi and Hunza Peak, it is isolated from the rest of the world, boasting a fertile, breath-taking year-round backdrop to some fascinating communities.
The Hunza people are known to be some of the healthiest, with their pure water and natural diets ensuring they have one of the longest lifespans in the world.
They also have a literacy rate of 95 per cent. Vastly exceeding those of Pakistan and India, which are around 57 per cent and 74 per cent respectively.
Many cultural activities are associated with this valley and the people of Hunza are fond of celebrating such events, partaking in religious festivals such as Eid-Ul-Azha and Shab-e-Miraj.
Formation of Shilajit
According to professionals, the process of shilajit begins with particular resin-making organic matter of some mountainous species of plants, such as Euphorbia royleana and Trifolium repens.
It is said that once these decompose and are pressed out by layers of rock, a process which occurs over the course of hundreds of years, it gradually transforms into a rich, organic mass. It is viscous, rich in minerals – boasting more than 84 – and fulvic acid.
Benefits include for those with Alzheimer’s, low testosterone, chronic fatigue syndrome, high-altitude sickness, iron-deficiency, heart health and infertility.
Spread of shilajit
As trading improved between the East and the West, so did the demand for shilajit. The product became one that was used by the wealthiest European classes, with many emperors, kings and sultans valuing shilajit highly.
It experienced somewhat of a rejuvenation in more modern times, with the British explorer, Sir Martin Edward Stanley, discovering in 1870 that the secret to a population of Himalayan monkey’s health in old age was in fact, shilajit.
Now, as the list of benefits continues to lengthen, the story of shilajit appears to have many chapters left to be written.
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