Abstract

USE OF SHILAJATU IN ANCIENT AND PRE-MEDIEVAL AYURVEDIC LITERATURES

Dr. Naveen Kumar Shakya*, S. Mohapatra

ABSTRACT

Shilajatu, a herbomineral drug has been used since Samhita period for different therapeutic purposes. It is not only considered as the best therapeutic agent but also used as a potent rasayan [rejuvenating] drug, which makes the body strong, free from all the diseases and grant longevity to the human body. After different ancient pharmaceutical treatment, shodhita shilajatu, can cure many asadhya/yapya diseases [chronic and significantly serious diseases]. In the present time, considering the potential medicinal effect of shilajatu many research works are being carried out/going on to explore it‟s scientific explanation. It is an important medicament being studied in different medical system such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine with details i.e. regarding it‟s pharmaceutical processings as well as therapeutic utility. Shilajatu is prescribed to treat diseases like vitiation of mutravaha-shrotas [urinary track diseases], kamala [jaundice], swash [bronchial tree disease], kasa [coughing], medo-roga [obesity], Prameha [diabetic syndrome] and Madhumeha [diabetes mellitus] etc. The current article is the critical review of shilajatu, particularly in different samhita literatures, presented in a systematic way.

Keywords: Samhitas, Ayurvda, Shilajatu, Rasa Shastra.