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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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Eating out is something all of us enjoy and there is no dearth of restaurants in town. There are all kinds of places, catering to different types of tastes and moods. However, eating out can be an expensive affair and yet it’s something we do regularly because we need to grab lunch with colleagues, catch up with friends, or are too lazy to cook at home. To help with that, we have listed five places where the food is good and the bill won’t leave you feeling guilty about grabbing lunch or dinner out as often as you must.

Handi Biryani, Boudha

It’s a small eatery in Boudha, near the Boudhanath Stupa, that you might miss if you aren’t looking for it. It’s located on the first floor, approximately 200 meters before you reach the main entrance of the stupa on the other side of the road. The entrance to the eatery is located inside an alley but you can see the sign on the window from the main street. It has a select few items on the menu. There are some starters and the main highlight is definitely the biryani. The single portion is more than enough for one. You can also order a bunch of sides at additional costs which is as little as Rs 80. We highly recommend this place for the fast service and the delicious food. The chicken wings are worth a mention too. But tell the server how spicy you want it to be beforehand.

Monster Meal, Jhamsikhel

If you want to grab a quick lunch and you’re in Jhamsikhel, look no further than Monster Meal. Located near the famous Mantra Thakali, this place serves mouth-watering delights like wings, burgers, momos, lunch combos, and more. The food reaches your table real quick and tastes really good. It’s not a place to hang out for long, just somewhere to drop by to get a quick meal. Our favorite is their chicken wings which are smoking hot and delicious. You can’t just eat one. We challenge you. It’s flavorful, juicy, and spicy—just the way chicken wings are supposed to be. It tastes great when paired with their virgin mojito that is fresh and just the right amount of sweet. The burgers too are freshly prepared and great value for money.

Croissant Cafe, Thapathali

Located about 300 meters ahead of Prasuti Griha, in the road that connects Thapathali to Maitighar, Croissant Cafe might be inconspicuous to most people but it’s quite a popular joint among those who are familiar with the area. This is mostly because the space is nice and the food is even better. There are large enough tables and private spaces for meetings as well. They serve a variety of beverages, including alcoholic ones. They have a wide selection of items on the menu. They have pizzas, pastas, momos, biryani, curries, and more. It’s easily one of the places that serve everything you could want under one roof. The ambience is nice as well. We recommend their butter chicken and rice combo as well as their chicken chili. But you can’t go wrong with anything here. The chef really knows what he’s doing.

Mumbai Street Food, Basantapur

We chanced upon this small eatery in Basantapur when we were there recently. The name caught our eye and the open space looked neat and clean as did the tiny kitchen behind the counter. We stepped in, hesitant at first, but eager to try everything once we saw what was on the menu. The place quickly gets packed because there are only a few tables but if you are able to grab one, then we recommend you don’t leave without trying their delightful vada pav and rolls. Like most places on this list, this too only has a few items on its menu but everything tastes great. The nachos are crunchy with just the right amount of softness. The sandwich is simple and filling. Their vada pav and pav bhaji are the best we’ve had in town. They have a good range of drinks as well, from Turkish Coffee to Bubble Tea.

Shreeya Sweets, Jawalakhel

If you want some quick Indian food at reasonable prices, then Shreeya Sweets in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, is a great place. It serves rotis, parathas, dosas, chaats, and many other Indian delicacies at affordable prices. It’s a bit packed during lunch hours as many people stop by to grab a bite to eat here. The samosa and pani puri are also really good here. We recommend the samosa when it’s freshly made and ask them to make the pani puri a little on the spicier side. There are also many Indian sweet treats to choose from. Their speciality is the ‘besan ko laddu’ that they claim has the right amount of besan and sugar, and not more of the latter as most mithai shops tend to do. They also serve different kinds of teas. For those who don’t like tea, there’s coffee, juice, and lassi. 

After much delay and several twists and turns, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) finally got a new governor, Biswo Poudel, about a month ago. There was a 46-day gap between the retirement of the previous governor and the appointment of his successor. Although the appointment came late, the central bank has now secured a well-qualified leader. Poudel is a respected economist with deep knowledge of Nepal’s economic history and the foresight to prepare for the future, making him a fitting choice to lead the central bank of the country at this critical time.

Poudel possesses a deep understanding of Nepal’s geography, cultural dynamics, social structure and the foundations of national development. He is well-versed in national planning, business, economics and the broader financial and economic landscape. 

The governor brings with him a wealth of experience and experience, having already served as vice-chairperson of the National Planning Commission, senior economic advisor to the Ministry of Finance and chair of the Board of Governors at ICIMOD, adviser to the International Labour Organization (ILO), led regional forums under the Colombo Plan and UNESCAP, and published research articles in several international economic journals. At the time of appointment as the governor, Poudel was a visiting associate professor at the Kathmandu University School of Management.

His academic and professional expertise spans natural resource economics, labour markets and economic history—areas closely aligned with Nepal’s long-term development priorities.

Over the years, he has closely studied monetary policies and the functioning of banks and financial institutions (BFIs). The business community, economic stakeholders, the stock market and other financial sectors have welcomed his appointment.

A former Minister of State for Finance and economist, Udaya Shumsher Rana, remarked that since the appointment of the new governor, all eyes are on the central bank, with its new leadership appearing more influential than even the Ministry of Finance.

Widespread optimism following his appointment suggests a hopeful outlook for the country’s economic progress in the days to come.

If this momentum continues, Poudel’s five-year tenure is likely to have a positive and lasting impact on the national economy.

This is an important and encouraging development for the public, as key aspects of the economy—such as controlling inflation, ensuring stable and positive economic activity, generating employment, keeping industries running smoothly and fostering a harmonious relationship between banks and the business community—largely depend on the leadership of the NRB. With Poudel at the helm, there is a sense of optimism and satisfaction among all concerned, at a time when the private sector, BFIs and the broader economic landscape are facing numerous challenges.

Businesses and industries have been struggling to recover fully since 2019, when a Covid-19 pandemic hit the country and consigned its economy to sickbed. Against this backdrop, the NRB leadership must prioritize the revival of these sectors and focus on correcting structural economic imbalances. This is what the country needs—and what the people expect.

The country faces a multitude of economic challenges. The central bank had long been in need of a capable scholar, who could address these pressing issues with expertise and vision. Economic recovery cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone; it demands strong leadership, a positive mindset and dedicated effort. Governor Poudel is surely aware of this reality. With the support of NRB’s competent team, let’s hope, he manages to work diligently toward the nation’s economic development and progress.

The author, a member of the Supreme Court Bar, has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has confirmed that 16 Nepalis are currently in Iran, which is involved in a conflict with Israel. Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday, she stated that 11 Nepalis are staying in a location called Mashhad, while the other five are in prison for entering Iran illegally.

She said 11 of them are expected to arrive in India on Tuesday via an Indian flight, and Nepal had agreed to their evacuation after India offered to rescue Nepalis along with its own citizens. One of the evacuees lacks travel documents, and the process to issue them is underway, she added. Efforts are in progress to secure the release of the five jailed Nepalis. 

She also said that the government is working with priority for the safety of Nepalis in areas affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, while taking the potential impacts seriously. “The ministry issued travel-related information with detailed contact details on June 15, requesting Nepalis currently in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution from a safety perspective.” Minister Rana said that the Nepali ambassadors in the respective countries have been instructed to coordinate for the safety of Nepali citizens. Mentioning that an ‘online portal’ was launched on June 17 to collect details of Nepali citizens, she informed that 885 individuals have registered their information on the portal so far and the registration process is increasing.

The Foreign Affairs Minister stated, “On June 18, all Nepali missions in the Gulf have been instructed to facilitate the process of providing online visas and other assistance for Nepalis who wish to travel to safe locations or neighboring countries, in light of the current suspension of air routes in those countries.”

In this context, she mentioned that the Jordanian government documented, on June 19, the need to provide necessary assistance to foreign nationals coming from Israel to their borders. The minister also stated that the Nepali embassy has communicated with ILO and IOM regarding facilitation on this matter. She also mentioned that efforts are underway for a prompt rescue and repatriation from Israel and Iran through coordination with the relevant bodies and the formation of a rapid response group. Foreign Minister Deuba stated that the Nepal government has been continuously pursuing diplomatic efforts at both bilateral and multilateral levels for the release of Bipin Joshi, held hostage since the 7 Oct 2023 attack near Gaza.

She added that Nepal has been pursuing economic diplomacy as one of the major tools of its foreign policy and its missions abroad are being encouraged to get engaged in areas like trade, foreign investment, tourism and technology. Minister Deuba said efforts are underway through diplomatic missions to promote cultural and tourism diplomacy, adding that her ministry is also taking steps for the sustainability of Nepal’s graduation from the grouping of least developed countries to the club of middle-income developing countries. Nepal is scheduled to become a developing nation in 2026.

She made it clear before the session that the appointment of ambassadors is taking place as per the existing rules and in the deputation of labor attachés, the ministry follows the recommendations of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security. As the Minister said, the number of missions and human resources for foreign services has been increased following the ministry’s Organization and Management Survey. In addition to these, digital archiving and data management are among the priorities of the ministry.
On a different note, Minister Deuba said the ministry remains highly vigilant in preventing any issues that could affect national security and interests. In line with our foreign policy, the ministry is firmly committed to ensuring that Nepali territory is not used against any neighboring country, Deuba said.