Mumio or Shilajit: the secret of the mountains that nourishes the body and mind

Imagine a substance that has been created by the combined forces of nature, time and pressure, has accumulated the power of mountains and the vitality of plants, and has carried these values from generation to generation. Such is Mumio, or Shilajit – a dark, resinous mass rich in minerals and bioactive compounds that has been considered one of the most valuable natural sources of health for millennia.

What is Mumio or Shilajit?

Shilajit (from the Latin name Asphaltum) is a natural resin that is formed by the decomposition and compaction of organic matter – plants, mosses, algae and microorganisms – in the cracks of rocks in the mountains. Over the years, it forms a dark, often black or brownish resin-like substance, which is mined mainly from the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus and Tibet. In Sanskrit, “Shilajit” means *conqueror of mountains, which refers to its ability to support endurance and vitality even in extreme conditions.

 

History and mysticism – Mumio’s journey through time

Mumio has been part of human healing traditions for more than 3,000 years. It is mentioned in Indian Ayurveda as well as in Tibetan and Persian traditional medicine. Ancient Persian doctors believed that mumio was the “sweat of the mountains” with extraordinary restorative properties. Among the peoples of Central Asia, mumio has been a legendary remedy for many ailments – from healing wounds to increasing vitality.

Although mumiyo’s use has been largely the preserve of folk medicine for centuries, interest in it has recently grown in scientific circles. Research is beginning to confirm what traditional wisdom has long known – mumiyo is indeed a unique natural compound.

Ingredients – why is Mumio so special?

The composition of mumiyo is rich and diverse – it contains over 85 minerals, bioactive acids, vitamins and natural antioxidants. Of particular value is the fulvic acid contained in it, which helps improve the absorption of nutrients and has a strong antioxidant effect ([WebMD, Fulvic Acid: Overview, Uses, Side Effects](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1162/fulvic-acid)).

The most important components:

* Fulvic and humic acids – improve cell metabolism, help transport nutrients, and detoxify the body.
* Minerals – iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, selenium, etc., which are important for the health of bones, muscles, and the nervous system.
* Antioxidants – protect cells from oxidative stress.
* Dibenzo-α-pyrones – support energy production at the cellular level.

Health benefits – what does the science say?

Providing energy and reducing fatigue

Mumio helps support the work of mitochondria, the “energy plants” of the cell, which in turn increases energy levels and reduces fatigue. 2020. A 2011 study showed that consuming shilajit helped alleviate exercise-induced muscle fatigue and improved muscle strength and endurance ([The effects of shilajit supplementation…](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917847/)).

Supporting bone and joint health

Shilajit helps maintain bone strength and reduce bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women. One placebo-controlled study found that shilajit reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn helped maintain bone health ([Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress…](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33887746/)).

Hormone balance and fertility support

Shilajit is known for its positive effects on male fertility and hormonal balance. Several studies have shown that regular consumption of shilajit helps increase sperm count, improve sperm motility, and increase testosterone levels ([Clinical evaluation of processed shilajit…](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476648/), [Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit…](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476647/)).

Support for brain activity and cognitive functions

Shilajit also acts as a natural “brain food,” helping to improve memory function and reduce the risk of neurodegeneration. Studies suggest that shilajit has potential procognitive effects ([Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30633814/)).

️Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect

Shilajit’s rich content of fulvic acids and antioxidants helps reduce oxidative stress, a factor linked to the risk of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease ([Shilajit: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More](https://www.health.com/condition/supplements/shilajit)).

Supporting blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that shilajit helps regulate blood sugar and improve lipid profiles, which in turn supports cardiovascular health ([Effect of shilajit on blood glucose and lipid profile…](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324153129)).

️Protection in high altitude conditions

Shilajit is traditionally known as a source of high-altitude vitality, helping the body adapt to an oxygen-poor environment and improving oxygen transport in the blood ([Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28082789/)).

Mumio and general well-being

Additionally, shilajit has been studied in the following areas:
* Improving sexual function ([Effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function…](https://www.tmrjournals.com/article/id/6034))
* Supporting muscle recovery and protein synthesis ([The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663786/))
* Anti-aging effect ([Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464013/)).

Safety and use

Mumio is generally safe when consumed in recommended doses and when choosing a high-quality, purified product. As with any natural supplement, it is a good idea to consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking medication.

Summary – why does Mumio deserve a place in your health routine?

Shilajit, or mumijo, is a gift from nature – a true superfood that supports the body in many ways:
✅ Increases energy
✅ Supports muscle and bone health
✅ Improves hormonal balance and fertility
✅ Protects cells from oxidative stress
✅ Supports brain function and overall well-being

If you want to support your health in a natural way and draw strength from ancient mountains, mumiyo is just what you need.

Sources used:
Shilajit: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More
https://www.health.com/condition/supplements/shilajit

FULVIC ACID: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1162/fulvic-acid

Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30633814/

The effects of shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31917847/

Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33887746/

Effects of 8 weeks of shilajit supplementation on serum pro-c1α1, a biomarker of Type 1 collagen synthesis: A randomized control trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33116565/

Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28082789/

Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed shilajit in oligospermia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476648/

Clinical evaluation of purified shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23476647/

The Human Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome in Response to Oral Shilajit Supplementation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663786/

Evaluation of safety profile of black shilajit after 91 days repeated administration in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32084900/

Antiepileptic and antipsychotic activities of standardized Śilājatu (Shilajit) in experimental animals
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22486331/

Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340779998

Botanical dietary supplements—background information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/

Effect of Shilajit on Testosterone Induced Benign Prostrate Hyperplasia in Rats
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effect-of-Shilajit-on-Testosterone-Induced-Benign-in-Rats/515d358acfcfa6ff4f42228764ad836c4fda1ffb

Effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among reproductive-aged women: a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
https://www.tmrjournals.com/article/id/6034

Effect of shilajit on blood glucose and lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324153129

Shilajit for Weight Loss: What Does Shilajit Do for the Body
https://www.buywow.in/blogs/nutrition/shilajit-for-weight-loss

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464013/

Shilajit – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shilajit