Guest guest Report post Posted February 5, 2006 Dear Vaidyas, Some advice on Kidney problems. I have had a few patients who I have wanted to prescribe Shilajit, but because their childhood history showing that they have had kidney problems such as glomerular problems etc I have prescribed Punarnava instead, as the kidneys would not have the problems of dealing with the mineral pitch. Am I correct in this approach? Also as there is often Shilajit in Chavanaprash - is it okay to still prescribe it for patients who have kidney problems. Many thanks Ray Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 5, 2006 ayurveda, "raynoronha" <raynoronha wrote: I have had a few patients who I have > wanted to prescribe Shilajit, but because their childhood history > showing that they have had kidney problems such as glomerular problems > etc I have prescribed Punarnava instead, as the kidneys would not have > the problems of dealing with the mineral pitch. > Am I correct in this approach? > Also as there is often Shilajit in Chavanaprash - is it okay to still > prescribe it for patients who have kidney problems. Instead of Shilajit alone, Shilajit Rasayana or Shilajitwadi Vati or Chandraprabha Vati (all three contain Shilajit) have been used by this author for patients with nephritis, renal failure, but along with Panch Gavya medicine Punarnavadi Arka. and sometimes with Punarnavadi Guggulu. Goxuradi guggulu also useful. When shilajit is taken with other herbs, as described in http://health.ayurveda/1038 no problems whatsoever were encountered. The approach, along with PanchGavya meds, corrects renal failure to the extent that per day urine out put increases from 250 ml to nearly 1200 ml in a matter of about 9 months. Shilajit Rasayana, along with Prostate enlargement or BPH, also useful in Kidney stones, but in that case it should be given with herbs especially useful for stones. Since so many varieties of Chyvan Prash are available these days with so many additions, difficult to comment on Chyvanprash. Dr Bhate Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 6, 2006 the term "mineral pitch" is a misnomer - shilajit (in hindi, or "shilajatu" in sanskrit) has nothing to do with oil or coal - recent research suggests that it is a complex of organic compound derived from the humification of latex containing plants - this means its a renewable resource that is constantly being produced, although we don't know how long it takes for this process to happen - certainly its not over night, but its not 200 million years old that's for sure i think shilajatu is perfectly indicated in kidney/urinary issues, including glomerular nephropathies, but of course such pathologies usually owe their origin to some kind of immunological cross tolerance, e.g. glomerular IgA deposits concurrent with a gliadin (gluten) allergy - with no disrespect intended to dr. bhate, the evidence for this kind of pathology is overwhelming, with certain racial/genetic groups having a greater susceptibility (e.g. northern europeans, first nations/aboriginals) the thing to note about shilajit is that it may toxic prior to processing, containing all kinds of impurities like carcinogenic mycotoxins and thus needs to be properly processed, usually involving maceration in herbal decoctions such as triphala, and then separated out and dried in the sun - research has also validated the tradition in ayurveda of classifying the kind of shilajatu based on color (e.g. lauha, tamra, rajata) or where it was harvested from (e.g. himalayas, caucus, urals, pamir etc), to distinguish the properties and qualities of shilajatu i am not sure about the quality of shilajit in india, but i have contacted the most high profile ayurvedic company in the US and asked them several times about where they get their shilajit, what kind it is, and how they purify it - so far i haven't been able to talk to anyone in the company that appears to understand what i'm asking for, which is kind of worrisome considering the level of expertise that this company is supposed to represent in the US as a result, i am very cautious about recommending shilajit i encourage folks to write in with their responses on this issue, and if they know, list the companies that observe these important criteria best... todd caldecott > I have had a few patients who I have wanted to prescribe Shilajit, > but because their childhood history showing that they have had > kidney problems such as glomerular problems etc I have prescribed > Punarnava instead, as the kidneys would not have the problems of > dealing with the mineral pitch. Am I correct in this approach? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 6, 2006 In india, most all of the Shilajit comes from the Himalayas. Places like Haridwar/etc have small local tribals and cottage industries that have known these arts for centuries and still pursue the cleansing process of raw shilajit in its true form. Even now, some may consider these products expensive, though allopathy medicine tends to be a lot more pricey. So you may find some qualities not as great as others, but for the right price you will get what you want easily even today. My mother usually brings several small-bottles of shilajit for use in maintenance and preventive health maint, destressing etc.. and uses them in very minor quantities that some of her small 6-8 gram bottles will last a few years. Caldecott <todd wrote: the term "mineral pitch" is a misnomer - shilajit (in hindi, or "shilajatu" in sanskrit) has nothing to do with oil or coal - recent research suggests that it is a complex of organic compound derived from the humification of latex containing plants - this means its a renewable resource that is constantly being produced, although we don't know how long it takes for this process to happen - certainly its not over night, but its not 200 million years old that's for sure Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 6, 2006 hi ray as i mentioned in my previous post, an elimination diet to remove antigenic foods is an important strategy in the immune-mediated glomerular nephropathies, apart from a thorough review of the drug history (e.g. NSAIDs, heroin) here are some studies to review: 1: Am J Nephrol. 1999;19(4):453-8. IgA-antigliadin antibodies in patients with IgA nephropathy: the secondary phenomenon? Ots M, Uibo O, Metskula K, Uibo R, Salupere V. Department of Internal Medicine, Renal Division, University of Tartu, Estonia. maio Circulating IgA-antigliadin antibodies (IgA-AGA) are often found in patients with IgA nephropathy (NP). IgA-AGA are sensitive markers of an abnormal immune system reaction to gluten, seen particularly in patients with celiac disease. However, a lack of IgA-antireticulin and IgA-antiendomysium antibodies and often jejunal mucosal atrophy of patients with IgA NP suggest that most patients do not have latent celiac disease. To examine the relationship between IgA-AGA and clinical data, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IgA-AGA were performed in 28 patients with IgA NP and in 50 healthy persons. The results were calculated in arbitrary units (AU). The cutoff level for a negative or a positive test was found to be 60 AU, calculated according to the AGA test result (mean + 3 SD) in 50 healthy persons. The following clinical data were assessed: age, gender, disease duration, daily proteinuria, blood pressure, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance. Control sera were negative for IgA-AGA. Positive IgA-AGA tests were observed in 14 of the 28 patients (p < 0.0001 vs. controls) and high levels of IgA-AGA (AU >90) in 6 of the 28 patients (p < 0.001 vs. controls). The mean duration of the disease of the patients with positive IgA-AGA was significantly longer as compared with the patients who had a negative antibody test. IgA-AGA correlated with age (p < 0.05, r = 0. 56), disease duration (p < 0.05, r = 0.40), and blood pressure (p < 0.05, r = 0.48). Antireticulin and antiendomysium antibody tests were negative in all patient and control sera. We conclude that IgA-AGA are associated with the progression of IgA NP. Our findings support the current concept about the pathogenesis of IgA NP, where the defective IgA production itself may be the primary and intestinal lesions as well as the production of IgA-AGA the secondary phenomenon. 2: World J Gastroenterol. 2003 Jun;9(6):1377-80. Multiple immune disorders in unrecognized celiac disease: a case report. La Villa G, Pantaleo P, Tarquini R, Cirami L, Perfetto F, Mancuso F, Laffi G. Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Universita degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze, Italy. We reported a female patient with unrecognized celiac disease and multiple extra intestinal manifestations, mainly related to a deranged immune function, including macroamilasemia, macrolipasemia, IgA nephropathy, thyroiditis, and anti-b2-glicoprotein-1 antibodies, that disappeared or improved after the implementation of a gluten- free diet. 3: Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1993;8(12):1382-3. A case of IgA nephropathy with coeliac disease responding to a gluten- free diet. Woodrow G, Innes A, Boyd SM, Burden RP. Department of Renal Medicine, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK. 4: Am J Gastroenterol. 2002 Oct;97(10):2572-6. Comment in: Am J Gastroenterol. 2002 Oct;97(10):2486-8. Celiac disease and HLA DQ in patients with IgA nephropathy. Collin P, Syrjanen J, Partanen J, Pasternack A, Kaukinen K, Mustonen J. OBJECTIVES: Despite some reports on an association between celiac disease and IgA nephropathy, the evidence is still sparse. Celiac disease is strongly associated with the HLA DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes, which might explain the potential risk of patients to contract various autoimmune conditions. In this study, we sought to establish how common celiac disease is in patients with IgA nephropathy, and whether the possible association can be explained by similar HLA DQ status. METHODS: A total of 223 consecutive adult patients with IgA nephropathy were studied; 95 cadaver organ transplant donors served as controls for HLA DQ analysis. The diagnosis of celiac disease was based on small bowel mucosal biopsy. All known celiac cases were recorded, and eligible patients (n 168) underwent serological screening for celiac disease as well as HLA DQ2 and DQ8 analysis. Screening methods were serum endomysium and tissue transglutaminase antibodies; patients who tested positive underwent mucosal biopsy. RESULTS: Eight patients (3.6%, 95% CI = 1.6-7.0%) with IgA nephropathy were found to have celiac disease; three of them were identified by serological screening. All celiac cases had the HLA DQ2 or DQ8 haplotype, but these were not more common in patients with IgA nephropathy than in controls. As many as 14% of HLA DQ2 positive patients with IgA nephropathy had celiac disease. Gluten-free diet had no apparent influence on the course of nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no increase in celiac-type HLA DQ, patients with IgA nephropathy carry a risk of contracting celiac disease. It can be hypothesized that the increased intestinal permeability in IgA nephropathy may predispose genetically susceptible patients to celiac disease. 5: Am J Kidney Dis. 1992 Sep;20(3):255-60. The occurrence of IgA-nephropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus may not be coincidental: a report of five cases. Gans RO, Ueda Y, Ito S, Kohli R, Min I, Shafi M, Brentjens JR. Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214. We describe five patients with IgA-nephropathy complicating diabetes mellitus. In four cases, diabetic glomerulosclerosis was present at the same time. One patient suffered from dermatitis herpetiformis. The observation of the present five cases together with the notion of an increased prevalence in diabetes mellitus of celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis suggests that the occurrence of IgA- nephropathy in diabetic patients is not mere coincidence. On 6-Feb-06, at 7:53 AM, ayurveda wrote: > Message: 8 > Mon, 06 Feb 2006 06:19:39 -0000 > "raynoronha" <raynoronha > Shilajit > > Dear Vaidyas, > Some advice on Kidney problems. I have had a few patients who I have > wanted to prescribe Shilajit, but because their childhood history > showing that they have had kidney problems such as glomerular problems Caldecott todd www.toddcaldecott.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 7, 2006 I have never seen shilajit but as I understand it is a substance that ooozes out of rocks in the mountains in and around India. If this is so then how can the substance be renewable and plant based? Thanks, GB Khalsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 9, 2006 Four blind men wanted to experience the elephant by touch, one touched the leg and told it is pillar like. one touched the tail and told snake like , third touched the ear and told big leaf like finally touched the body told big barrel like ,It is impossible to teach the Blind. R.vidhyasagar --- greatyoga <greatyoga wrote: > > > I have never seen shilajit but as I understand it is > a substance that > ooozes out of rocks in the mountains in and around > India. If this is > so then how can the substance be renewable and plant > based? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 9, 2006 Hi GB here are some passages from my upcoming book ("Ayurveda: the Divine Science of Life"), on the origin of Shilajatu: (please that i had to modify the below by removing the diacritical marks that indicates proper Sanskrit pronunciation - I don't think 's interface is unicode compatible...) "Shilajatu is a curious resin that can be found exuding from certain steep rock faces in the Himalayan mountain range at altitudes between 1000 and 5000 meters. Similar exudates have also been found in other mountain ranges in what is called the Tethyan mountain system, including the Caucasus, Urals, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Karakoram, Tian Shan and Kunlun Shan ranges, and has also been identified as far away as Norway. Shilajatu is typically found in the summer when the hot sun beats down upon the rocks causing the resin to liquefy and exude, and then harden again upon cooling. As its older common name of bitumen suggests, Shilajatu was once thought to be the ancient fossilized organic material from what was once the coastline of the tropical Tethys Sea region that existed between the subcontinent of India and Eurasia some 200 million years ago. More recent research however has indicated that Shilajatu is composed primarily of humus with other organic constituents, and is thus likely to be of relatively recent origin. Researchers have found the degraded components of several different medicinal plants in samples of Shilajatu including Euphorbia royleana and Trifolium repens, leading to the idea that Shilajatu is in large part derived from the humification of a variety of resin or latex containing plants. The BhÄvaprakÄÅ›a states that there are four types of Shilajatu , classified according to their respective colors, each with a different medicinal activity: sauvarna is reddish; rajata is yellowish; tamra is bluish; and lauha is blackish. The Caraka samhita also classifies Shilajatu based on the morphological features of the rock from which it exudes. Modern research supports these time-honored perspectives, as it appears that the composition of Shilajatu is influenced by a variety of factors, including the particular humified plant species involved, the geological nature of the rock, local temperature, humidity and altitude." "The complex chemistry of Shilajatu is highly variable depending upon the where it was collected and processing methods. The early chemical research on crude Shilajatu indicated a variety of constituents, including a mixture of organic constituents (e.g. benzoic acid, hippuric acid, fatty acids, resins, waxes, gums, albuminoids and vegetable matter) and inorganic constituents (e.g. calcium, potassium, nitrogen, silica, aluminum, magnesium and sodium). Further work concluded that crude Shilajatu is composed upwards of 80% humus, decaying plant material acted upon by bacteria and fungi, and most notably, fulvic and humic acids. Recent analysis has yielded the presence of biphenyl metabolites including a benzocoumarin and low molecular weight oxygenated dibenzo-a-pyrones in Shilajatu , as well as triterpenes, phenolic lipids, and additional trace minerals including antimony, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, manganese , molybdenum, phosphorous, strontium and zinc." "Tradition states that humans first became aware of the benefits of Shilajatu by watching wild animals such as monkeys utilize it as a food source. Shilajatu is generally regarded as being quite safe, but crude unprocessed Shilajatu may contain mycotoxins from contaminating fungi such as Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceous and Trichothecium roseum. Unprocessed Shilajatu may also contain free radicals in the humic constituents that increase in concentration with an increasing pH, and thus certain sources of Shilajatu that tends to have a higher pH, such as that obtained from Russia, may be a less desirable source." best... todd caldecott PS: provided for the erudition of ayurveda members, but please observe copyright laws - the above may not be reproduced under any circumstance) thanking you... todd On 8-Feb-06, at 7:46 AM, ayurveda wrote: > Re: Shilajit > I have never seen shilajit but as I understand it is a substance that > ooozes out of rocks in the mountains in and around India. If this is > so then how can the substance be renewable and plant based? > > Thanks, > GB Khalsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 11, 2006 Thanks Todd. I'll look forward to seeing the book when it's finished. Re: Shilajit > here are some passages from my upcoming book ("Ayurveda: the Divine Science of Life"), on the origin of Shilajatu: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted February 11, 2006 Hi These were fascinating research articles and confirms your view on immune-mediated nephropathies. So is removing antigenic foods only a gluetin free diet or more than this. With treating folk in the west there seems to be an abundance of autoimmune disorders - is this a diet thing or genetic. I have my doubts about the genetic pre-dispostion in the majority of cases. Also would you carry out the same approach of removing antigenic foods and also which vitamin/minerals would you use to battle autoimmunity or does that depend specifically on the disease. Regarding autoimmune disease - in Nadi Vigyan we never treat the Thymus - just wondered if Dr Bhate or other vaidyas had a comment on this aspect. Thanks again Ray > > as i mentioned in my previous post, an elimination diet to remove > antigenic foods is an important strategy in the immune-mediated > glomerular nephropathies, apart from a thorough review of the drug > history (e.g. NSAIDs, heroin) > > Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 15, 2006 Hi I was re-reading this thread and was wondering if you can recommend any brands of Shilajit which you know are from an authentic high quality source and processed correctly and tested to be free of inorganic heavy metal contamination? The Dabur brand was recently targetted as being contaminated. I am wondering how Dabur purify theirs, it seems to be some modern extraction not in line with Charaka, isnt the classic purification done with cows milk and triphala juice and the finished shijalit should have strong smell of cow's urine? I read that nowadays cheating is even going on with simulating the urine smell! What is the advised purification according to Charaka? A related link: http://www.botanical.com/site/column_poudhia/211_shilajit.html Thanks, Ole ayurveda, Todd Caldecott <todd wrote: > Hi GB > > here are some passages from my upcoming book ("Ayurveda: the Divine > Science of Life"), on the origin of Shilajatu: Full message at: http://health.ayurveda/message/5705 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 18, 2006 shilajat that contains natural ammonia is called komoothra silajat one particular variety. It is a natural product and may contain minerals found in it's region. for me those who search very pure form are ignorant persons. one should not measure this system with an allopathic scale. R.vidhyasagar. alstrup <alstrup wrote: Hi I was re-reading this thread and was wondering if you can recommend any brands of Shilajit which you know are from an authentic high quality source and processed correctly and tested to be free of inorganic heavy metal contamination? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest guest Report post Posted April 21, 2006 How do you define very pure form shilajit? I am not measuring ths system with allopathic eyes, my point was actually that modern forms of shilajit sold by commercal companies like Dabur is not authentic shilajit, as it was not processed according to the proper purification stages given in the ayurvedic texts. It is made through some modern extraction process. Who knows even the source of this? Proper purification is essential to guarantee a consistent high level of active ingredients, remove inactive substances, remove harmful free radicals and mycotoxin producing fungi and fungal toxins. If any members here have knowledge of authentic shilajit ie. from Nepal, please let me know. Thanks, Ole > for me those who search very pure form are ignorant persons. > one should not measure this system with an allopathic scale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
patka 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 Hello, Ole above was asking about a good source of Shilajit, which comes from the right area and right elevation, properly purified through traditional methods and free from heavy metals. I know the post is from last year, but I was wondering if anyone has found a good source yet. Please let us know if you know of a good quality / heavy metal free shilajit source. Thanks, Patka Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AshuSood 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2011 I have used with great success purified Shilajit that originates from Altai mountains (it is called Mumijo locally, Russian name for Shilajit) and is sold in small bricks of 25 - 50 grams. It is pure black, and has the specific smell of bitumen mixed with very dark chocolate. The taste is very bitter. It gets soft in the hand and hardens when temperature drops below 20ºC. When softened one can draw a very long thread from it, it will not break. The seller recommends not to warm it more than 38ºC as it will lose a lot of its qualities. It should not be processed with metal tools or in metal plates/bowls and the like. It is sold together with a 5 page recipe folder listing many remedies to be fought with Shilajit / Mumijo. The proof of the pudding is in the eating has been said, and having tried this Shilajit I can confirm it does what is told about it. I first experienced a detoxing process, which made me doubt the quality as I felt not too good, but once I realized what was going on I relaxed and after a few days I could feel vitality as I never felt before! I have the habit of working out in the gym and I had stopped doing so for two months. When I started my exercises again, I was surprised: no muscle ache which one expects to feel after two idle months, and more endurance than ever before ! I can only contribute this to the Shilajit! I took half a gram daily with water (the seller gives the traditional water solution method of 30% shilajit and 70% distilled water, the shelf life is unlimited and it is easy to consume, but I like to experiment). The seller is active at this website for those interested. I can recommend this source full heartedly ! I had tried tablets and capsules before but they were disappointing. My assumption is that the processing involved in tablet-making or producing powders destroys many powerful components in the Shilajit (assuming it really is Shilajit they are using). I do not like Dabur, i.p. since they started broadcasting the commercials emphasizing the aphrodisiac powers of Shilajit with half naked ladies and such - I find this to be in very poor taste. The addition of lead to Shilajit tablets had them banned in Canada, recently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy24061990 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2012 Shilajit | shilajeet | shilajitu | pure and effective shilajit Shilajit is useful for the proper kidney functions. It is effective burning sensation during micturation, incontinence of urine resulted from enlarged prostate or stone in the bladder or kidney. Shilajit is an excellent natural remedy for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pranelin 0 Report post Posted February 27, 2012 I just signed up tonight at Indiadivine and notice your post from a year ago. I am very interested in finding out how to order some of the shilajit that you describe it sounds like the real deal! I too have been disappointed in ordering "watered down versions" and I would really like to experience the real thing for a change . Thanks, Phil Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Guest Report post Posted October 18, 2012 Hi Ashu, is it possible to post the website link for shilajit you have tried?? I have used with great success purified Shilajit that originates from Altai mountains (it is called Mumijo locally, Russian name for Shilajit) and is sold in small bricks of 25 - 50 grams. It is pure black, and has the specific smell of bitumen mixed with very dark chocolate. The taste is very bitter. It gets soft in the hand and hardens when temperature drops below 20ºC. When softened one can draw a very long thread from it, it will not break. The seller recommends not to warm it more than 38ºC as it will lose a lot of its qualities. It should not be processed with metal tools or in metal plates/bowls and the like. It is sold together with a 5 page recipe folder listing many remedies to be fought with Shilajit / Mumijo. The proof of the pudding is in the eating has been said, and having tried this Shilajit I can confirm it does what is told about it. I first experienced a detoxing process, which made me doubt the quality as I felt not too good, but once I realized what was going on I relaxed and after a few days I could feel vitality as I never felt before! I have the habit of working out in the gym and I had stopped doing so for two months. When I started my exercises again, I was surprised: no muscle ache which one expects to feel after two idle months, and more endurance than ever before ! I can only contribute this to the Shilajit! I took half a gram daily with water (the seller gives the traditional water solution method of 30% shilajit and 70% distilled water, the shelf life is unlimited and it is easy to consume, but I like to experiment). The seller is active at this website for those interested. I can recommend this source full heartedly ! I had tried tablets and capsules before but they were disappointing. My assumption is that the processing involved in tablet-making or producing powders destroys many powerful components in the Shilajit (assuming it really is Shilajit they are using). I do not like Dabur, i.p. since they started broadcasting the commercials emphasizing the aphrodisiac powers of Shilajit with half naked ladies and such - I find this to be in very poor taste. The addition of lead to Shilajit tablets had them banned in Canada, recently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites