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Shilajit, a Sanskrit word, if translated, refers to the conqueror of the mountains and the destroyer of weakness. It is a sticky, tar-like, rocky exudate, a natural byproduct of humus and decomposed plant remains found at high altitudes in the Himalayas, reaching up to 10,000 feet. Some experts also refer to it as a plant fossil—an intriguing aspect of bio-science. 

Shilajit, a dietary supplement with a rich historical background dating back to the Bronze Age, has been a trusted part of traditional medicine for centuries. This natural, rocky exudate, known as Shilajit, is also referred to as Mimi or Mummiyo. It is called asphaltum, black bitumen, or mineral pitch in the West. The unique mountain resin is a safe and potent source of 84 minerals, including copper, silver, zinc, iron, and lead. Its active compound, fulvic acid, has been associated with numerous health benefits, carrying forward the legacy of our ancestors. 

Shilajit has played a significant role in myriad medications, including stress and anxiety, piles, anemia, kidney stones, urinary disorders, epilepsy, skin diseases, and thyroid glands. According to the Ayurvedic scripture, shilajit is a ‘Rasayana’, a term that refers to a rejuvenating substance that fights diseases and promotes overall wellness and longevity. 

Shilajit, a natural multi-mineral originating in India, is also used in Siddha, Ayurveda, and Tibetan medicine regimen. It is extracted from high mountain rocks, primarily found in the Himalayas, as well as in Russia, Tibet, Norway, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan. When purchasing Shilajit, it’s essential to ensure it comes from a reputable source to guarantee its authenticity and quality. 

Shilajit supplements are widely available from various sources, including online shops, Ayurveda pharmacies, drugstores, and health food stores. They may come in different forms, such as powder, extract, resin, or capsules, offering you a variety of options to suit your preferences and needs. 

Each form has its own benefits and usage instructions. It’s essential to note that the quality and safety of Shilajit can vary depending on its source. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose products from reputable sources that adhere to strict quality control measures to ensure the purity and safety of their products. 

Some of the top picks include Pure Shilajit Organic Himalayan Resin, Essencraft Pure Himalayan Shilajit Supplement, Sennasi Organic Pure Himalayan Shilajit Supplement, Rasaynam, and Hima Pure Himalayan Shilajit Resin.  

Widely used today worldwide, Shilajit offers a range of potent health benefits worth exploring.

May enhance testosterone

A sex hormone, testosterone, takes a high seat in men's health.  Testosterone deficiency, besides low sex drive (libido), may lead to other symptoms like loss of muscle mass, hair loss, body fat gain, and fatigue. According to Healthline’s website, a clinical study on male volunteers found that Shilajit was effective. In a clinical study of male volunteers aged 45-55, half received a placebo and the other half a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice daily. The study conducted over three months deduced that participants taking purified shilajit had a remarkably higher testosterone level in contrast to those under placebo.

There is more. Rich in minerals, regular intake of the recommended dose of shilajit may also enhance vigor, agility, and endurance and work as a potent aphrodisiac.

May slow down Alzheimer’s disease

Some researchers suggest that owing to shilajit’s molecular composition it may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or even avert it—a type of age-related mental disorder or dementia that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and social abilities. Shilajit, rich in a potent antioxidant called fulvic acid, is purported to enhance cognitive health, potentially offering a ray of hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

In further studies, experts found the abnormal tau protein buildup as the main culprit behind brain cell damage, ultimately leading to Alzheimer’s. Shilajit, rich in fulvic acid, may help prevent the buildup of tau protein, reduce inflammation, and act as a retardant in the progression of brain cell damage.  

However, experts note that further research and clinical trials are necessary to assess the role of fulvic acid fully. 

Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidant properties

Researchers suggest that shilajit functions as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, strengthening the immune system through its fulvic acid content. It may help curb or allay chronic inflammatory disorders such as allergies, asthma, eczema, and even diabetes, as high sugar levels trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Due to its high mineral content, it also helps lower oxidative stress.

May strengthen bone and stamina

Collagen is the most abundant body protein, accounting for 30 percent of the body’s protein. It provides support, framework, and power to muscles, bones, tendons, and connective tissues and repairs and restores them. Regular intake of shilajit may promote collagen production, potentially benefiting athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Shilajit showed positive results in boosting physical performance and alleviating fatigue, as it helps produce enhanced adenosine triphosphate.

Good for the heart and diabetes

Rich in antioxidant properties and chock-full of minerals, including fulvic and humic acids, as well as adaptogenic compounds, shilajit enhances the health of body cells and reduces cholesterol levels; experts believe it may lower the risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy lipid profile. Furthermore, science-backed studies have shown that regular intake of the recommended dose of Shilajit helps boost insulin sensitivity and maintain glucose metabolism, the two primary factors that regulate and stabilize blood sugar levels. Owing to its high mineral content, Shilajit helps the body use insulin more effectively and regulate blood sugar levels. 

For being mineral-rich, containing over 80 essential minerals, and loaded with fulvic acid, humic acid, and other organic compounds, these components give shilajit abundant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties, making it a promising ingredient for managing diabetes and maintaining a stable glycemic level.

Dosage

Clinically, a dose of 300-500 mg once daily is considered safe and effective for healthy individuals. However, it’s essential to note that the appropriate dosage may vary depending on factors such as age, health condition, and the form of Shilajit used. Rest assured, following the instructions on the product bottle and purchasing Shilajit from a reputable source will ensure you get the most for your money and health.

While Shilajit is a natural dietary supplement with potential health benefits, it's essential to remember that it remains a supplement. To ensure your safety and the best possible health benefits of Shilajit, you should consult your healthcare provider or an Ayurved healthcare expert before starting it. Their guidance can help you navigate potential drug interactions and side effects, ensuring your journey with Shilajit is safe and beneficial.

Is Shilajit safe?

Today, Shilajit is making waves in the US due to its numerous purported health benefits. Research into the efficacy of these health claims is ongoing, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve Shilajit due to a lack of adequate research and studies.

Regarding safety, shilajit is usually considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. Some science-backed evidence suggests that shilajit is safe and well-sustained, and most people have benefitted from its intake, even when taken long-term, with hardly any adverse reactions.  

Suppose you plan to take shilajit as a supplement. In that case, it is wise to consult an Ayurveda healthcare professional or your healthcare provider who can advise you about potential drug interactions to get the best results. Don't take shilajit to treat a health condition or to replace a prescription drug without consulting a healthcare provider.

Caveat: Intake of shilajit is usually considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, some people may experience potential side effects, such as bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea, and allergic skin reactions, including rashes, hives, and itching. Further, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are advised not to take shilajit.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based and intended for informative and educational purposes only: the author solicits reader discretion and cross-references or consulting a healthcare practitioner before incorporating it as a supplement.

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Refugees are forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or threats to their lives and freedom. Unlike voluntary migrants, refugees leave not out of choice but out of sheer necessity, seeking safety and dignity elsewhere. As global displacement rises due to wars, political crises, and climate change, conversations around the rights, treatment, and responsibilities toward refugees have become increasingly urgent. ApEx spoke to three people to find out how they think Nepal and the world should handle the crisis. 

Nima Dorje Tamang, 22

I haven’t heard much about refugees in Nepal through news channels or any other form of media. So I’m assuming that not much has been done for them and that there is little to no awareness regarding refugees. I think that we can support refugees through small contributions, either monetary or by providing necessary supplies to the appropriate authorities who can make sure that our contributions are used effectively and responsibly. 

Whether countries should open their borders to refugees depends on determining whether a person’s life is actually being threatened or they are just trying to illegally immigrate to a certain country. Refugees just like any other human being must have the basic human rights where they are provided with access to clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare. I believe they must be protected from being returned to the country where they face serious threats. They should also be provided an opportunity to work legally, to support themselves financially, and contribute in the community.

Shakar Acharya, 38

Refugees often have no choice but to migrate in search of safety, stability, and a chance to live a dignified life. When their own country fails to protect them, it becomes the moral responsibility of other nations to step in and provide the security and support they need. Every country, including Nepal, has a humanitarian duty to ensure that refugees are treated with care and respect. Nepal, in particular, has previously offered refuge to people from Bhutan and Tibet. They have been given some level of recognition and respect. But more needs to be done. The government should actively work towards creating opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives, whether through education, employment, or integration programs. 

On a societal level, citizens must adopt a compassionate attitude toward refugees. Instead of seeing them as outsiders, we should be kind and help them in any way we can. I believe borders shouldn’t be closed off to people in distress. In times of crisis, the international community must unite to ensure that those fleeing danger aren’t turned away. Every border in the world should remain open for refugees who genuinely need help, and every country should contribute to the global responsibility of giving them a safe place to call home.

Ratna Kumari Khyaju, 82

The situation of refugees all over the world bothers me. I believe being away from home is never a good thing and that these people suffer a lot on a daily basis. But I also think many people are exploiting the situation and trying to migrate to other countries illegally. This is wrong and should be curbed however possible. In the case of Nepal, I think the government isn’t prepared to handle the refugee crisis. It can’t meet the needs of its own citizens, how will it look after those from other countries? 

In an ideal world, everybody should be treated equally. Refugees would be given the same status and respect as any citizen of the country they have fled to. But the world is far from ideal and that is not what happens. For a developing country like Nepal, it would be best to first ensure the right and dignity of its own citizens before looking into those of others. 

A few basic ingredients in the pantry, a high-speed blender, and a basic oven are all you need to have in order to whip up some wonderful desserts in your kitchen. The good thing is that most of the recipes we’re sharing today don’t take more than five minutes of preparation. All you have to do is assemble the ingredients, blend them all together, and bake them in the oven or refrigerate them. You don’t believe us? Try them out yourselves. You can thank us later.

Oats banana mug cake

This is a gluten-free, and sugar-free recipe. It’s healthy and hearty and you can actually have this dessert for breakfast or as a mid afternoon snack. Blend half a cup of oats, a medium sized ripe banana, one egg, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a high-speed blender. You can add a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup if you want some extra sweetness. Once the mixture is ready, pour it into a well greased oven, safe mug or baking dish. You can sprinkle some chocolate chips or raisins on top. Bake for 30 minutes on medium heat.

Mango cheesecake

There are many places in Kathmandu that serve really good cheesecakes. But if you, like us, are skeptical of ordering cheesecakes at places you haven’t tried them before but still can’t resist the temptation then this amazing recipe is for you. We can guarantee that you won’t be spending money on restaurant cheesecake anymore. Grind eight to 10 digestive biscuits and transfer it into a bowl. Add two to three tablespoons of melted butter and let it set. Blend one cup paneer with one cup of hung curd. You can also add a tablespoon or two of honey or any sweetener of your choice to this mixture. Lay this mixture over the digestive biscuit layer. The top most layer is simply mango puree. Refrigerate this for at least four hours before serving.

Healthy brownie 

The brownie recipe we are sharing today is a gluten-free and an eggless one. But don’t be fooled, it’s every bit delicious and moist as the best brownie you’ve ever had. For this, you will have to dry roast 1/4 cup of almonds, 1/4 cup of walnuts, and half a cup of pumpkin seeds. Once that is done, grind it into a smooth powder. Add half a cup of cocoa powder, half teaspoon baking soda, and one teaspoon baking powder and give it all a good mix. You can add one 4th cup of jaggery or half a cup of maple syrup according to your preference. Add 3/4 cup of milk and lightly mix the batter. Pour the batter into a dish lined with baking paper and bake in the oven at 160°C for 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, refrigerate for an hour before indulging in a thick slab of the delicious homemade brownie.

Easy chocolate bar

The hot weather demands ice cream. But ice cream is seldom a guilt free indulgence. What if we told you that you can make healthy ice cream at home and enjoy it without stressing about the calories? The recipe includes fiber rich fox nuts (makhana) and protein rich peanuts. Soak one cup of makhana and half cup of peanuts in a cup of hot milk for half an hour. Blend this with two tablespoons of milk powder, a few drops of vanilla essence, and four tablespoons of honey. Pour this in ice cream molds and freeze overnight. Melt 200 g of dark chocolate and add four tablespoons of coconut oil to it. Dip the ice lollies in it and you have made yourself a healthy and tasty treat.

Date bites

If you have found all the recipes we have shared till now to be easy, wait till you hear this one. It’s one of the easiest things you will ever make and it’s healthy, tasty, and filling as well. You only need four ingredients to make this and you don’t even have to bake it. It’s one of those things you can make when you don’t want to put in much effort, but want to indulge in some delicious dessert. Deseed some soft dates and line them in parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass, flatten them out and put a tablespoon of peanut butter on top of each. Top it with melted chocolate and garnish with roughly chopped pistachios. Freeze them overnight and your date bites are ready. You can enjoy this as a post meal treat or even as snacks.

June is recognized as the pride month—a time to celebrate the rights of the LGBTIQA+ community—and Nepal will be hosting a pride parade on June 14. The event will serve as a vibrant and powerful platform for LGBTIQA+ individuals to come together, raise awareness, and advocate for equality, acceptance, and inclusion. Participants from diverse backgrounds will participate in the parade, showcasing unity and pride, and demanding for equal rights for all. ApEx spoke to three people from the community to understand where things stand and what they think must be done to make the situation even better. 

Preti Petter

I came out as a transwoman when I was 25 years old. Looking back, I realize that I had had to keep my true self hidden for a long time. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many positive changes in Nepal, especially as the government has started to work on legal frameworks supporting the LGBTIQA+ community. But there is still much that needs to change. Women in Nepal have long been vocal about their rights but our community has grown stronger and more empowered compared to them in a short time. Yet, we continue to face challenges. For example, when applying for citizenship cards, we are required to disclose every detail about ourselves, which can feel invasive and discriminatory. 

Recently, Nepal marked a milestone with its first successful male-to-female gender-affirming surgery. We had the opportunity to meet the individual and the medical team involved, and we were welcomed with respect and positive hospitality. This was a meaningful step forward. Our school curriculum should include inclusive and accurate representation. We’ve heard that the government has allocated a budget for our community, but we don’t know how it will be used—whether for training, job creation, or other initiatives. Slowly but surely, we are also advocating for a seat at the table in policy making and leadership roles. 

Anu Shahi Thakuri

I knew that I was different from a very young age but I identified myself as a transgender when I was 16 years old. It changed everything in me. When I told my parents, they said that they always had a feeling but they took it as a phase that would fade soon. Being a transman, menstruation is my biggest challenge. There has been a campaign named ‘Men Bleed too’ where many showed their support and defended it too. But at the same time, it’s difficult to access public toilets. I didn’t go to the toilet even once in my college life because there was no washroom facility for us. 

I think students should be educated about gender and sexuality so that they can be aware of their identity from early on. I heard that grade 12 students do have a course on gender but they aren’t taught properly. Once, we were asked to take classes on gender and it was a really nice opportunity for us to share our experiences. Another thing that needs to change is that we should be allowed to participate in policy making, at both local and national level. We need representation if our voices are to be heard and we shouldn’t just be there to fulfill a quota. 

Sanket Bashyal

As someone who is gay, I’ve always felt judged. I’ve also been at the receiving end of mean and hurtful comments. I have been told that I’m not “man enough” or that my expression and behavior are feminine. Fortunately, my family is supportive and caring. They are learning things about me, with me. The good thing is that Nepal has seen some significant changes where the LGBTIQA+ community is concerned in recent years. One major milestone was the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in 2023, making Nepal the first South Asian country to do so. There’s also growing social awareness and legal support for gender and sexual minorities, reflecting a more inclusive society. But there are still areas of concern.

Government policies are generally supportive, but their implementation can be inconsistent, especially outside urban centers. In healthcare, while there’s growing awareness about issues like HIV and transgender health, discrimination persists in medical settings, and many LGBTIQA+ individuals still lack access to culturally competent care. Legal protections exist, but there are gaps, particularly in employment, housing, and family rights, which means many queer individuals remain vulnerable to discrimination. The government needs not to just pass progressive laws but make sure they’re actually being enforced—especially when it comes to things like workplace equality and healthcare access.

Society needs to step up too by fostering awareness and understanding, especially in rural areas, so that everyone feels safe and accepted. Media has such a powerful role here—by showing positive, real representations of LGBTIQA+ individuals, we can shift perceptions and break down stereotypes. And in schools, integrating LGBTIQA+ topics into the curriculum and training teachers to be more inclusive can make a huge difference in how the next generation views diversity.