Medicinal properties and uses of mumiyo
Mumiyo is a natural substance found mainly in the Himalayas. It has been formed over the centuries, by the gradual decomposition of plants, under the influence of microorganisms. It is a powerful and safe nutritional supplement that restores human energy balance and has the potential to prevent certain diseases.
Mumiyo, also known in northern India as salajit, shilajatu, mimie or mummiyo, has been called the "ancient panacea" and "miraculous gift of God." And like most of the supposed panacea, he was prescribed a rejuvenating effect, and traditional healers used it as a fortifying, adaptogenic and anti-stress remedy.
Mumiyo is a sticky substance, has a bitter taste and smell, reminiscent of cow urine. The substance is processed by various supplement manufacturers and sold in capsule or powder form.
It should be remembered that dietary supplements, as a rule, do not require serious clinical studies. They meet certain manufacturing standards, but do not guarantee that they are safe or effective.
The FDA has not approved shilajit supplements for medical use. Please consult your healthcare professional.
* FDA - Food and Drug Administration - Food and Drug Administration.
Content:
- Types and origin of mumiyo
- Mumiyo composition
12 proven medicinal properties of mumiyo
- Protects against Alzheimer's
- Treats male infertility and increases testosterone
- Reduces fatigue
- Acts as an antioxidant
- Helps with Alpine Sickness
- Increases hemoglobin
- Strengthens the heart
- Promotes weight loss
- Anti-cancer effect
- Destroys herpes viruses
- Helps get rid of addiction
- Supports intestinal health
- How to take mumiyo?
- Mumiyo for children
The alleged beauty benefits of mumiyo
- Mumiyo from stretch marks
- Mumiyo for face
- Mumiyo for hair
- Mumiyo side effects
Types and origin of mumiyo
The main source of mumiyo mining is the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal. It was also found in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and recently in northern Chile. The health benefits have been proven to differ from region to region, depending on where it was extracted.
The exact composition of the mumiyo depends on factors such as:
- plant variety;
- soil quality;
- the geographical origin of the breed;
- local temperatures;
- humidity;
- height above sea level.
For example, shilajit from North India has more fulvic acids (~ 21%) than shilajit from Nepal (~ 15%), Pakistan (~ 15%) and Russia (~ 19%). However, mumiyo from Nepal has more other biologically active compounds.
Today, four varieties of mumiyo are known:
- Golden mumiyo, which, in fact, is reddish in color (Savrana);
- Silver mumiyo, white (Rajat);
- Copper mumiyo, blue (Tamra);
- Iron-containing mumiyo of brown-black color (Lauha).
The rarest grades are gold and copper.
Despite scientific research and traditional use, the exact origin of the mumiyo is still a mystery. Given that maturation takes a long time and occurs spontaneously, current theories are the best guess scientists can make. The mumiyo manufacturing process has never been scientifically reproduced or confirmed.
Mumiyo composition
Mumiyo consists mainly of humic substances, including fulvic acids, which account for 60 to 80% of the total nutraceutical compound, plus some oligoelements, including selenium, which has anti-aging properties.
Humic substances are the result of the degradation of organic matter, mainly plant matter, which is the result of the action of many microorganisms.
Mumiyo contains:
- 30 microelements;
- 28 chemical elements;
- 10 metal oxides;
- 6 amino acids;
- an impressive range of different vitamins, especially a lot of B vitamins;
- essential oils;
- bee venom;
- fulvic acid, the main active ingredient;
- humic acid (and uronic acids);
- other plant and microbial metabolites (such as dibenzo-alpha-pyrones);
- small peptides and amino acids;
- some lipids;
- phenolic glycosides.
Scientists hypothesize that fulvic acid acts as a carrier molecule in the body, helping to transport nutrients into deep tissues and eliminate deep-seated toxins. According to this theory, the bioactive compounds in mumiyo enhance the benefits and bioavailability of other herbs. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this concept.
Thanks to modern research, it became known that the composition of mumiyo contains fungi that are very similar in their properties to penicillin, thanks to these fungi, the mumiyo can act as a reliable bactericidal agent in the treatment of a large number of infectious diseases, for example, such as dysentery, tuberculosis and any diseases that are associated with inflammatory processes.
12 proven medicinal properties of mumiyo
The complex composition of the mumiyo determines its healing properties, the composition of the mumiyo contains such biologically active substances that dilate blood vessels well, and this is extremely important in the treatment of hypertension, sclerosis, headaches, heart attacks, as well as some diseases that are directly related to metabolic disorders …
Let's take a closer look at this:
Protects against Alzheimer's
The main component of mumiyo is an antioxidant known as fulvic acid. This powerful antioxidant promotes cognitive health by preventing tau protein build-up. Tau proteins are an important part of our nervous system, but its accumulation can cause damage to brain cells.
Scientists believe the fulvic acid in shilajit can stop abnormal tau protein build-up and reduce inflammation, potentially improving symptoms of Alzheimer's. [1]
However, more research and clinical trials are needed.
Treats male infertility and increases testosterone
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, but some men have lower levels than others.
Signs of low testosterone levels include:
- Low sex drive;
- Hair loss;
- Loss of muscle mass;
- Fatigue;
- Increased body fat.
Mumiyo has also been studied to enhance male fertility. In one study, 60 infertile men took mumiyo twice a day for 90 days.
After the testing period, nearly half of the men who completed treatment experienced an increase in total sperm count and sperm motility, as well as in how much and how well sperm move to the egg, both of which are factors in male fertility. [2]
Another study examined the ability of mumiyo to increase testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Men aged 45 - 55 years received mumiyo for 90 days. At the end of this period, the researchers noted a significant increase in testosterone levels. [3], [4]
On the subject: How to raise testosterone levels in men?
Reduces fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease characterized by prolonged physical and mental fatigue that does not go away after rest or sleep, accompanied by numerous joint, muscle, infectious and neuropsychological symptoms. Researchers believe that shilajit supplements may reduce CFS symptoms and restore energy.
CFS has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This is when the cells are not producing enough energy.
In a 2012 study, researchers fed laboratory rats with mumiyo for 21 days and then induced CFS by making the rats swim for 15 minutes for 21 consecutive days. The results showed that mumiyo helped reduce the effects of CFS. [five]
The researchers noted that mumiyo can help improve cell function in the body, which means that fatigue can be reduced and energy levels can be increased naturally.
Acts as an antioxidant
Because shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, it can also protect against free radicals and cell damage. As a result, regular use of Shilajit can promote longevity, slow the aging process and improve overall health. [6]
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Helps with Alpine Sickness
Signs of this condition:
- Pulmonary edema.
- Lethargy or feeling tired.
- Hypoxia.
Altitude sickness can be caused by low air pressure, cold temperatures, or high wind speeds. Researchers believe that shilajit can help overcome height problems. It can function as an antioxidant to improve immunity and memory, as an anti-inflammatory agent, as an energy booster, and as a diuretic to remove excess fluid from the body. Because of these benefits, mumiyo is believed to help counteract many of the symptoms associated with height. [7]
Increases hemoglobin
Iron deficiency anemia can result from a low iron diet, blood loss, or an inability to absorb iron.
Symptoms include:
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Headache.
- Arrhythmia.
However, mumiyo supplements can gradually increase iron levels.
A study was conducted in rats. The 18 rats were divided into three groups. The researchers caused anemia in the second and third groups. On the 11th day of the study, the rats in the third group received 500 mg of mumiyo. On day 21, blood samples were collected from all groups. The results showed that the rats in the third group had higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocytes compared to the rats in the second group. These are all vital blood components.
Shilajit contains high levels of humic acid and iron, which may be helpful in treating iron deficiency anemia.
On the subject: How to quickly increase hemoglobin in the blood?
Strengthens the heart
Shilajit can also protect the heart, and improve heart health. A recent study using rats has shown that shilajit has a protective effect on the heart.
After pretreatment with mumiyo, some rats were injected with isoproterenol to cause heart damage. The study found that rats that received mumiyo prior to heart injury had less heart damage. [eight]
It is important to note that in some cases shilajit can lower blood pressure and should not be taken by anyone with active heart disease.
On the subject: 15 most useful foods for the heart and blood vessels
Promotes weight loss
Excess weight fatigues muscles and puts stress on bones. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that obese people who took oral refined mumiyo supplements responded better to exercise than those who did not.
The high content of essential trace elements in the resin, stimulates metabolism, which also contributes to effective weight loss. The course of treatment should not be less than 20 days. You should take 0.2 grams of mumiyo twice a day. Regular consumption will help normalize electrolyte metabolism, and will also help the body get rid of the bulk of unnecessary fat reserves.
Mumiyo is able in a short time to compensate for the deficiency of important substances at the cellular level, due to which the retention of harmful substances and toxins in the body occurs.
For the period of the three-week course, give up alcoholic beverages and very fatty foods, preferring fruits.
It should be noted that such weight loss is contraindicated during pregnancy, and also cannot be prescribed to a child under 12 years old.
On the subject: Herbs for weight loss
Anti-cancer effect
Liver cancer. Mumiyo also shows promise in the fight against certain types of cancer. One study found that shilajit helped boost the destruction of cancer cells in the liver.
It also stopped these cancer cells from multiplying. The researchers noted that their findings show that shilajit has anti-cancer effects, but more research is needed. [nine]
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Destroys herpes viruses
The wide range of minerals and compounds contained in shilajit can also help fight viruses. One study noted that Shilajit can fight and destroy several different viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes viruses.
The researchers noted that while it does seem to be effective, more human studies are needed to confirm these claims. [ten]
Helps get rid of addiction
Some researchers hope that the mixture of active substances in shilajit can help people overcome addiction, but much more research is needed. There are no clinical studies to support the use of mumiyo in people with addiction, and its interaction with psychotropic drugs is also unknown.
In one mouse study, mumiyo reduced withdrawal symptoms while helping to curb addiction. The resin worked by altering dopamine levels in the limbic system (cortico-hippocampal), the region of the brain that controls emotions. [eleven]
Another group of researchers wondered if mumiyo might play a role in opioid addiction. It is common knowledge that opioids such as morphine quickly induce tolerance, which leads people to demand more and more doses. Shilajit reduces the risk of morphine tolerance in mice, but its effect on pain and drug tolerance in humans is unknown. [12]
Supports intestinal health
As an antioxidant, mumiyo is being researched to protect the body from stomach damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
The fulvic acid contained in this biomass reduces the secretion of stomach acid and pepsin in rat stomachs, which reduces the risk of developing ulcers. Its effect on the intestines and indigestion in humans is also not known. [13]
On the other hand, the benzoic acid found in mumiyo has antibacterial properties. Scientists believe it can fight bacteria in the stomach and intestines that could potentially help with intestinal infections.
On the subject: Herbs for the intestines
How to take mumiyo?
Mumiyo is available in liquid and powder forms. Always take supplements as directed. If you buy the supplement in liquid form, dissolve the liquid in a grain size of rice or peas and drink one to three times daily (depending on the instructions). Or you can take mumiyo powder twice a day with milk. The recommended dose of mumiyo is 300 to 500 mg per day.
Mumiyo can be used to dissolve in water, tea, milk, juices and honey, you can also use it externally in the form of lubricating sore spots and instillation, as well as if you mix the mumiyo with juice, alcohol, honey, or add mumiyo to an ointment.
In the process of treating mumiyo, in no case should you use any alcoholic beverages and medicines. It is worth recalling that mumiyo, if taken in large doses, becomes toxic, for this reason it is imperative to strictly follow the instructions.
Mumiyo in traditional medicine is used to treat diseases such as various diseases of the stomach, gastrointestinal tract, digestive organs and bladder. It is best to use mumiyo on an empty stomach, in the morning and in the evening, more precisely, before going to bed, in other words, 2 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is 25–28 days.
If the disease that is being treated by mumiyo was severely neglected, the course should be repeated 10 days after the first course of treatment. The required amount of mumiyo for a single dose is 0.2-0.5 g, it depends on the body weight of a person: up to 70 kg - 0.2 g, 80 kg - 0.3 g, up to 90 kg - 0.3-0, 4 g, more than 90 kg - 0.4-0.5 g. It is best to dilute the mumiyo with milk (1:20) or water, honey can be added to the drink to taste, and the mumiyo can also be diluted in various juices, such as grape, cucumber, or in infusions of herbs such as blueberries, cumin, parsley. Mumiyo is also bred in egg yolks.
When the mumiyo is undergoing treatment, it is very important to follow a diet and consume food in moderation. During this period, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited!
Much research has been done in animals or cells and should help further research in humans. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as unconditional benefits for human health.
Mumiyo for children
The natural remedy mumiyo is a storehouse of useful microelements. If the prescribed dosage is not exceeded, then such an incomparable resin will not bring absolutely any harm to the child. The following norms should be strictly adhered to: from 3 months to one year - no more than 0.02 grams; from 1 to 9 years old - 0.05 grams; from 9 to 14 years old - 0.1 grams.
For oral administration, mumiyo should be diluted in water at the rate of 5 grams per 1 gram per 4 tablespoons of water. One teaspoon of the solution contains 0.1 gram of mumiyo. The resulting composition must be stored in the refrigerator and used no longer than 10 days from the moment of preparation.
For children, it is indicated for dislocations, fractures, muscle sprains, as well as for severe bruises. In case of toothache, you should knead 0.1 gram of mumiyo and apply the mixture to the affected tooth. With dermatoses, you can use a concentrated solution of mumiyo - 20 grams of mumiyo per half liter of water. It is recommended to wipe the affected skin with this tool.
The alleged beauty benefits of mumiyo
In cosmetology, mumiyo has been valued for many years. Even in ancient times, it was used to treat skin and hair. The result will not be long in coming, since mumiyo has anti-aging, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Mountain resin activates the production of collagen and elastin fibers, relieves acne and age spots, and also heals scars and scars.
Mumiyo from stretch marks
Delightful mumiyo is able to restore elasticity to the skin, help to get rid of stretch marks, and also helps to prevent them. The powerful regenerating effect that such a substance has on cells has received its recognition from many modern women. The use of mumiyo is safe during pregnancy and during long periods of breastfeeding. To prepare such a remedy at home, you need to take any baby cream and 4 grams of mumiyo, which must first be diluted in 1 teaspoon of water. Mix the resulting mixture well until smooth and store in the refrigerator.
To obtain results, it is recommended to apply such a cream to problem areas of the body for at least four months. It can also be rubbed prophylactically on the thighs, buttocks and chest. Within one month, a significant increase in skin elasticity can be replaced, and after a full course of treatment, any woman will be able to almost completely get rid of ugly stretch marks on her body.
Read more: Stretch marks (striae): causes and treatment
Mumiyo for face
From the healing mumiyo, you can make great face masks that are striking in their effectiveness. Such an unusual resin has unique minerals and biologically active components. Mumiyo perfectly fights skin aging and the first wrinkles. This amazing blend of organic and inorganic substances has powerful anti-aging effects. To prepare a universal cream based on such a resin, you need to take 1 tablespoon of face cream and 14 grams of mumiyo. Mix the ingredients. The healing mask is ready. It should be applied at bedtime, leaving it on the skin for about 15 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water. When used regularly, it will make your skin glow with health.
To make a soothing mask, we need 1 teaspoon of mumiyo, 2 tablespoons of field chamomile and 100 ml of water. Pour boiling water over the chamomile and keep it on fire for at least three minutes, after which we filter the broth and mix it with resin. The consistency will be in the form of sour cream. You can apply this mask at any time of the day, leaving it on your face for 15–20 minutes. It will help relieve skin inflammation and fatigue.
Read more: Facial cleansing at home
Mumiyo for hair
Regardless of the causes of hair loss, the use of mumiyo gives good results. Regular use of mumiyo-based products has a positive effect, improving the saturation of hair color and restoring brittle ends. Such a unique remedy is usually applied externally in combination with ordinary shampoos.
We take a small amount of shampoo, 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 grams of mumiyo. Apply the composition to the skin and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with regular shampoo. This nourishing agent has a powerful tonic effect on hair growth.
It should be noted that mumiyo has an excellent intracellular effect on the roots, nourishing the upper layer of the epidermis, where the hair follicles are located. This leads to a powerful stimulation of dormant follicles, as well as to a noticeable strengthening of the hair that is already in the growth phase.
On the subject: 5 effective folk remedies for hair
Mumiyo side effects
Research suggests shilajit is safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement. However, there are some potential side effects. [fourteen]
Shilajit can lower blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people taking medications for high blood pressure. People with active heart disease or hypotension should also avoid taking mumiyo to prevent a drop in blood pressure.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not control dietary supplements, so it is important to obtain additional information from a reputable source. Low-quality mumiyo can be tainted by heavy metals, free radicals and even arsenic.
For example, in 2005, the government of Canada warned consumers not to use shilajit because Indian Ayurvedic products were found to contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and arsenic). Steps were taken to remove most of these products from the market.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
