“There is no curable disease in the universe which has cannot be effectively cured by śilājatu, [but only] when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and by adopting the prescribed protocol”.
~ Caraka Samhitā, authoritative classical Ayurveda text

I’m Dylan Smith, an Ayurveda practitioner and educator, and in case you have not heard of Shilajit, it is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbal substances.

This potent, mineral-rich resin sourced from rocky mountains is rapidly gaining popularity in Western supplement markets for its purported energising and rejuvenating effects. In this episode, we aim to disrupt the growing fad of shilajit as a dietary supplement in wellness communities.

We’ll challenge the notion that shilajit—prized in Ayurveda for its potent healing properties—can be casually consumed. Much of what’s sold is adulterated or harvested improperly, and often lacks proper purification. We’ll explore essential Ayurvedic principles like correct dosage, the right vehicle (anupāna), and a tailored diet (pathya) to balance shilajit’s intense qualities and ensure safety and efficacy. When these elements are neglected, shilajit’s benefits can be lost—or even become harmful—underscoring the need for proper guidance in its use.

My guests include Dr. Sumit Kesarkar, who has spent over two decades harvesting shilajit indigenously across Asia, and the renowned Raju family of Ayurvedic doctors: Vaidya J.R. Raju, Vaidya Pavani Raju, and Vaidya Harsha Raju. Together, we’ll offer practical insights on sourcing authenticity, safe usage, and time-tested ways to honour shilajit’s role as a powerful rasayana.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🏔️ Shilajit’s Geological Formations and Origin
🏔️ Understanding Shilajit as a Rasāyana (longevity elixir) In Ayurveda
🏔️ Shilajit's Health Benefits & Debunking the Overemphasis on Mineral Content
🏔️ Proper Purification of Shilajit (not common knowledge)
🏔️ Prevalence of Adulteration, Unsustainable & Improper Harvesting Methods
🏔️ Appropriate Dosage to Absorb the Benefits and Prevent Harm
🏔️ Diet & Protocol to Adhere to While Consuming Shilajit
🏔️ + more!

RESOURCES:

• Abhyanga Course w/ Vital Veda
• Training in External Basti Treatments w/ Vital Veda
• Marma & Pulse Retreat w/ the Raju Family
• Shilajit, Can It Keep Us Young Forever? – Dr. Kesarkar
• Book a Consultation with Dylan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Coffee, Whisky & Lord Shiva | Dr. Sumit Kesarkar #104
• Organic Herbal Revolution & Prana Potent Herbs | Bharat Mitra #057
• The Yoga of Time, Vedic Medicine & Veda Mandala (#059)

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

The menstrual cycle is more than a physical process—it's a profound opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and harmony.

For this episode we have a twist on our usual podcast format: Dylan is interviewed by guest host Sophia Pace as they explore the profound wisdom and misunderstood beauty of the menstrual cycle. Together, they delve into the rhythms of the menstrual cycle and discuss how aligning with these natural processes can foster understanding, empathy, and balance in relationships and communities.

This conversation highlights how men can be integral allies in supporting women through their cycles. Dylan and Sophia offer practical insights into honoring these natural rhythms, from Ayurvedic approaches to menstrual health to cultivating environments that respect and empower women. They explore the importance of including men in the conversation, breaking down stigmas, and reshaping societal norms to foster mutual respect and support.

Whether you're curious about the cultural significance of menstruation, interested in practical self-care tips, or eager to learn how men and women can collaborate to create a more harmonious world, this episode offers a refreshing perspective. It's a call to action to embrace cycles as opportunities for connection, growth, and empowerment.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🩸 The Menstrual Cycle: A Natural Rhythm for Growth and Harmony
🩸 Including Men in the Conversation
🩸 Challenging the Paradigm: Breaking the Stigma
🩸 Ayurvedic Wisdom for Menstrual Health
🩸 Building Bridges: Men and Women Collaborating for Harmony
🩸 Practical Self-Care and Rituals
🩸 Cycle Syncing and Cultural Perspectives
🩸 Practical Tools for Menstrual Harmony

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

In this episode, we delve into the ancient and sacred science of Shilpa Shastra, the Vedic art of sacred architecture and sculpture, with Drdha Vrata Gorrick, a master of this profound tradition. Drdha unravels the deep wisdom behind the intricate design principles that have shaped India’s temples and sacred spaces for millennia, exploring the divine proportions, symmetry, and ornamentation that elevate both the material and spiritual realms.

Learn how Shilpa Shastra integrates art and spirituality, guiding artists to create forms that not only reflect divine beauty but also awaken higher consciousness. From the precision of temple designs to the sacred art of visualization in Dhyanashloka, discover how these ancient techniques continue to inspire and connect us to the divine today.

This episode offers a rare and profound look at the intersection of Vedic wisdom, art, and spirituality - perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🖌️ Introduction to Shilpa Shastra: The Science of Sacred Art
🖌️ The Role of Divine Proportions and Symmetry in Sacred Art
🖌️ The Spiritual Significance of Vedic Temples and Iconography
🖌️ The Art of Visualisation: Dhyanashloka and Divine Form Creation
🖌️ Drdha's Journey to Mastering Shilpa Shastra
🖌️ Drdha's Mentorship and Teaching: Sharing the Wisdom of Shilpa Shastra

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Drdha Vrata Gorrik

Drdha Vrata Gorrick is an artist born and raised in the US and trained in the traditional arts in South India, bringing the best of both worlds to his creative practice. His work infuses new life into devotional art by combining religious styles from different parts of India while staying within a Vedic tradition.

Drdha believes that the skills we receive are gifts from god and that we can use to elevate our consciousness. He strives to create art that surpasses the mundane and is aided by his extensive training in iconometry, iconography, traditional painting and architectural design, as well as skills in lost-wax casting and clay modeling.

Drdha’s main source of inspiration is the timeless art and architecture that he experienced during his 15 years of travel and study in India. His commissions range from drawings, paintings and sculptures for homes and temples to managing temple construction projects.

In addition to his art projects, Drdha enjoys teaching art and sharing his knowledge with other enthusiasts through workshops, seminars and hands-on experimentation.

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website