SHILAJIT: THE HISTORY

In our previous posts we have established the fact that Shilajit is a mineral-
rich resin that has long been used as a supplement for its healing properties.
But let us see historically how long it has actually been that Shilajit is
providing benefits to the humankind. In this post we will discuss the history
and origin of Shilajit.

What’s in the name?
Shilajit is a Sanskrit word meaning “Winner of rock” and “Conqueror of
mountains and destroyer of weakness” .It is also spelt as Shilajeet, Salajeet
and is known by various other names like Shilajita Mumiyo, mimie,
or mummiy; Mineral pitch, Mineral wax or Ozokerite in English; Black
Asphaltum; and Asphaltum punjabianum in Latin.

How it was discovered?
Historically there are many versions as to how was Shilajit first discovered.
Some of them dating back to pre-writing eras. Initially it is told that that the
hunters and food-gatherers were the first to discover it. The humans observed
wounded and ill animals licking on a black substance stuck between rock
crevices. They found these animals healed better and sooner after doing so.
That was when they began to associate their speedy recovery with shilajit.
Those who witnessed these happenings took their cue from animals’ instincts.
They used the same black material to help themselves heal from wounds and
high-altitude sickness. Eventually they started harvesting these rocks
containing Shilajit. After bringing it back home they processed these rocks to
extract the resin. Few made sure to free the resin of its impurities including
dirt, stones etc. using different methods; others used it in their raw forms.