Shilajit for Anxiety

by Vorst Canada January 16, 2023

Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.

While anxiety is a normal emotion that occasionally occurs in everyone to alert for the potential danger ahead or any stressful situations, excessive and constant anxiety may be a concern that leads to various symptoms ranging from rapid breathing to nervousness to feelings of dread and also increases risks of other health conditions. There is a traditional trend in using shilajit for anxiety and its associated symptoms. But does it really work? Keep reading to learn the fact.

In this article, we’ll explore whether there is any benefit of using shilajit for anxiety and its associated symptoms according to scientific research. But before we get into how shilajit can help with anxiety symptoms, it’s worth knowing the basics of anxiety a little bit more. So, let’s get started.

What is anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety
Health complications involved with anxiety
What is shilajit?
Benefits of taking shilajit for anxiety
How to use shilajit
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that is the brain’s normal way of reacting to fearful situations and alerting a person of potential setbacks ahead. Feeling anxious now and then is normal, but overwhelming and constant anxiety may cause mental illnesses called anxiety disorders that affect both physical as well as mental health. Too much anxiety may trigger various symptoms that can make a person avoid family get-togethers, school, work, and other social events.

Symptoms of anxiety

Everyone is unique and the feeling of anxiety is different for everyone. Anxiety affects both the mind and body. Let’s take a look at some of the most prevalent effects of anxiety on the mind and body one by one:

Effects of anxiety on the mind

Having a sense of panic, dread, danger, and fearing the worst
Feeling nervous, restless, tense, and unable to relax
Difficulty focusing or thinking about anything clearly
Low mood and depression
Overthinking bad experiences
A feeling of dissociation from the actual world

Effects of anxiety on the body

A feeling of churning in the abdomen
Dizziness and light-headedness
Different aches and pains including backaches and headaches
An irregular, fast, and thumping heartbeat
Faster or rapid breathing (shortness of breath)
Sleep issues
Having panic attacks
Nausea or dry mouth
Hot flushes or sweating
Changes in sex drive

Health complications involved with anxiety

Excess anxiety may increase the risk of developing various serious and chronic health problems such as heart problems, stomach ulcers, and diabetes. But it’s difficult to say what groups of people have the tendency to be affected more likely.

What is shilajit

Shilajit is an organic biomass that is produced by the mountains. It’s densely loaded with natural nutrients and minerals. Due to the eclectic and complex nature of the biologically active compounds found in shilajit, it’s classified as a herbomineral.

This gummy-like mass of plant remains and minerals pour out of layers of high-altitude rocks in various mountainous regions throughout the world, but most abundantly in the rocks of the Himalayas.

The health benefits of shilajit have been recognized since the ancient ages and have historically been valued amongst folk and traditional healers. It’s why it is often called “an ancient panacea” and is widely used as an adaptogen, general tonic, and anxiety-reducing remedy in several systems of traditional medicine including Ayurveda, Unani, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and more.

Benefits of taking shilajit for anxiety

Shilajit and the active compounds it contains have been shown to possess numerous medicinal properties with tremendous anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and anti-stress effects that can hugely help with anxiety and stress no matter whether it's mental or physical.

Multiple studies have shown that shilajit has noticeable anxiolytic activity. It can help keep serotonin levels in check and thereby, can help reduce diverse symptoms of anxiety including restlessness and hot flushes.

Studies also suggest that shilajit has anti-depressant and anti-stress effects. It might help increase dopamine levels in the brain that can help prevent and manage the detrimental effects of stress including anxiety, panic, and fear.

A 1992 study in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology investigated the putative potential of shilajit on anxiety and memory and researchers have shown that shilajit can increase dopamine levels and it has significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.

How to use shilajit

The actual doses of shilajit for anxiety are individual and might differ from one person to another depending on the severity of symptoms and current health condition. However, in most studies, shilajit is used in a dose range of 250 mg to 500 mg per day. However, the exact recommended doses might be higher in certain situations. Consider working with a professional natural healthcare provider to determine your best dose.

Precautions and side effects

Shilajit appears to be safe and well-tolerable in recommended doses. Excess intake of shilajit may cause side effects such as increased heart rate, dizziness, hives, and itchiness among others.

Unprocessed raw shilajit may contain various contaminations and toxins such as fungus organisms and heavy metals. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of choosing shilajit which is only purified.

Besides, shilajit may affect how certain herbs and medications work on the body and may interrupt their mechanisms of action. This is why it’s highly important to talk with a professional natural healthcare provider prior to using shilajit, especially if you’re on other herbs or medications for any underlying condition.

Final words

The use of shilajit for anxiety and its associated symptoms has been found to have positive effects in multiple studies. It can help increase dopamine levels and keep serotonin levels in check, all of which in turn may result in a significant reduction in anxiety and stress. But it’s always essential to talk with a professional natural healthcare provider to understand whether it is right for your specific conditions.

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