Role of Shilajatu in Ayurveda

Ayurveda has expounded and established various rational, fundamental concepts regarding the knowledge of life process, health and diseases. Use of single plant as well as groups of plants has been mentioned in our classics. Shilajatu is an exudation from rock during hot sunny days. Though it may be occurring in many parts of the world, but India was the first to highlight its tremendous therapeutic value for many centuries. Ayurveda mentions it as wonderful medicine. In this book Shilajatu was described as Ayurvedic medicine in Samhitas, Nighantus and different classic texts. According to these classical texts Shilajatu used for several diseases by the help of several of formulation. Shilajatu was used as single medicine or used as a formulation. Shilajatu have different types and different properties. According to charak - Suvaran, Rajat, Tamra, Lauha. According to sushrut - Svarna, Rajat, Tamra, Lauha, Vanga, Naga. According to gandh - Gomutragandhi (black bitumen), Karpuragandhi (potassium nitrate). It posses Katu, Tikta, Kashaya, Rasa and Kaphavatanashaka Ka