Shilajit is collected in inaccessible mountain gorges, rock crevices, and caves, which usually coincide with the habitats of bats and rodents.
Harvesters prefer solid raw Shilajit, black conglomerates with a specific smell, where the natural resin is mixed with stones, grass, sand. They are crushed, soaked in water, and defended, waiting for the ballast to settle. Then the dark liquid is thoroughly stirred and filtered through gauze. Excess moisture is removed by evaporation. It turns out a purified Shilajit – a thick viscous mass of dark brown color, completely soluble in water.
Ancient traditions of collecting Shilajit of indigenous Siberian people.
The inhabitants of Siberia have for many centuries preferred to collect during the period from the feast of Ivan Kupala (July 7) to Ilyin's Day (July 20). Historians explain this by the ancient traditions of collecting herbs in this region. According to the beliefs of indigenous tribes of residents, it was from July 7 to July 20 that pagan spirits transmitted their power to herbs, stones, resins, and other natural elements.
Slightly different traditions were in Southern Siberia. So, the indigenous people began collecting Shilajit on the holidays of the heyday of Nature, the Orthodox Trinity, or the Slavic holiday Zelenets (Birch Day), when the onset of summer is celebrated for three days, that is, either in the very last days of May or in the first week of June. This is not surprising, since it is much milder in the south of Siberia than in its other regions.
Siberians believed that resin collected on Trinity Day, or better on its eve, was considered the most healing and was used by healers and shamans to treat the most complex diseases and ailments. They were gathered in clean light clothes by the younger members of the family (clan) – young men and women.
Hawthorn from Siberia is a shrub with white flowers and small red or black berries. Both components can be used for medicinal purposes, however, berries are still used more often than inflorescences. The plant contains many compounds that provide tremendous benefits for the heart. At the same time, blood pressure is also affected to normalize it.
Among the useful components of hawthorn we can find:
Siberian hawthorn is rightfully considered a record holder for the content of useful minerals and vitamins. Per 100 g of berry there is:
Hawthorn berries are enriched with flavonoids, which in themselves are antioxidants capable of blocking the destructive effects of free radicals on all cells in the human body. It has been scientifically proven that these elements in the composition of hawthorn berries have the following positive effects:
The use of hawthorn berries also helps to improve the work of the heart muscle and increase physical endurance.
Sea buckthorn is a unique berry. It is loved or hated, but anyone who has tried her at least once will not be indifferent to her. It has a reputation for being unimaginably useful, with a piercingly sour taste of berries, about the "joys" of harvesting which many know firsthand.
But the most memorable feature of sea buckthorn is a complex, very specific, difficult-to-explain aroma, fruity, with a very characteristic oily and even slightly rancid aspect.
What is the secret of the unique aroma of sea buckthorn?
Oddly enough, there are quite a large number of scientific papers that tell about the research of the aroma of sea buckthorn. One of the first is an article by German scientists dated 1984. They have identified about 60 key components that determine the aroma of sea buckthorn.
Among the key odorants, several esters are noted, primarily ethylcaproate, which makes the main contribution to the formation of odor. In its pure form, this ester has a smell reminiscent of pineapple and green banana, which partly explains the common nickname of sea buckthorn "Siberian pineapple".
They also noted some strangeness - isoamyl acetate, the most common ester of isoamyl alcohol in nature, is completely absent in the aroma of sea buckthorn, although other esters of isoamyl spirit, as they say, are in the assortment. Esters of leaf alcohol, cis-3-hexenol are mentioned, they give the fragrance a green tint and herbiness.
In addition, they found a certain amount of terpenes (limonene, ocimene), free lower alcohols and phenols, carbonyl compounds, and carboxylic acids, which, apparently, give the smell of sea buckthorn a characteristic sourness and oiliness.
There is a popular opinion that hawthorn is useful for the heart and blood vessels in any form. In ancient times, the juice was squeezed out of it, decoctions and teas were prepared.
All parts of this plant are useful for the human heart, however, berries bring the maximum benefit. This is ensured by the presence of elements such as hyperoside and vitexin. These are flavonoids that can accelerate the process of glucose oxidation and ensure the release of energy from carbohydrates. The result is an increase in the level of oxygen in the blood and vasodilation.
Hawthorn from Siberia is a shrub with white flowers and small red or black berries. Both components can be used for medicinal purposes, however, berries are still used more often than inflorescences. The plant contains many compounds that provide tremendous benefits for the heart. At the same time, blood pressure is also affected to normalize it.
Among the useful components of hawthorn we can find:
Siberia is rich in ancient mysteries of nature that may never be known to man. The more valuable are the secrets that are already known and serve us today. One of these secrets is the ancient art of brewing coniferous tea, inherited from the shamans of the indigenous Siberian tribes.
Coniferous tea is a traditional drink of the inhabitants of the Siberian taiga, who are famous all over the world for their good health and longevity. Pine, spruce, fir needles contain vitamins and trace elements that strengthen the immune system in winter. In this article, you will learn about why white pine needle tea is considered one of the healthiest drinks in the world.
Siberian cedar is the oldest representative of the pine family. The tree is famous for its beauty and slimness. The love of this coniferous plant for sunlight is known. Being a long-lived pine, White Pine can reach the age of 400 years, although on average this figure is 200 - 250 years. Pinus sibirica begins to bear fruit only from the age of 15 - 40 with a sufficient amount of sunlight.
The healing properties of White Pine have been known for a long time. Due to the presence of biologically active substances in its composition, it is possible to successfully use this plant in the complex treatment of many diseases. Speaking of medicinal raw materials, it is worth noting that pine needles, resin (oleoresin), nuts, and their shells possess them. White Pine needles also have medicinal properties, and they bring the greatest benefit in the form of tea prepared according to old Siberian traditions.
Eleutherococcus is a plant widespread in South East Asia, from Siberia to Vietnam, China, and Japan and it has received the greatest practical application. Eleutherococcus produces small black fruits similar to berries, but its main strength is not in the fruits, but the roots. Phytochemical compounds responsible for beneficial effects on the human body can be found in them.
In this article, we will look at where the name "Eleutherococcus" came from and why this plant is often called "Siberian ginseng".
What are the health benefits of «Siberian Ginseng»?
Eleutherococcus has a multidirectional beneficial effect on the human body: it helps to get rid of muscle fatigue, activates the immune system, and increases concentration during training and work.
All the beneficial properties of Eleutherococcus are based on the influence of eleutherosides, which consist of chemicals of various natures (tannins, triterpenes, lignans). Polysaccharides and polyphenols contained in Siberian Eleuthero extract can activate the endocrine glands, stimulate organs and biological processes at several levels.
Cherry flour is one of the bases intended for the preparation of coffee, jelly, compotes, pastries, etc. This product is characterized by low calorie content. It is able to give drinks and products a delicate aroma and spicy bitterness.
For the first time, this flour began to be made by the indigenous inhabitants of Western Siberia several centuries ago. Local cooks used it for the purpose of making sweet dough. To date, baking based on it is still popular, and recipes are passed down from generation to generation.
However, along with the development of technology, new types of drinks are also emerging. For example, today you can make coffee from cherry flour in a coffee machine. It will turn out a delicious and healthy drink. It is recommended to mix with classic coffee in proportions of 50-50. This will provide not only an exquisite taste, but also a taste of rum, which will make the drink truly unusual.
Tea made from pine needles in combination with Shilajit is an excellent prevention of colds. Since coniferous components are a real storehouse of vitamin C, a drink made from needles and bark helps strengthen teeth and gums.
Coniferous tea is especially useful during colds and flu. Pine needles contain shikimic acid, combined with Shilajit, which has a powerful antiviral effect on the immune system and the human body as a whole. Coniferous tea and Shilajit, taken before bedtime, may prevent the formation of cholesterol.
A classic recipe of pine needle tea to drink with Shilajit.
For brewing coniferous tea, it is recommended to use the needles of a pine tree, member of white pine family. It will also make the taste of the drink much richer.
Next, you need to cut the pine needles into small pieces. Pour a tablespoon of fragrant pine tea into the cup, pour boiling water for 20 minutes. After the decoction, you need to strain, add a spoonful of honey, taking the necessary dose of Shilajit (no more than 0.25 g. 2 times a day) and ... enjoy the delicious taste of godlike tea!
There is also a ready-made tea from Altai pine needles in powder form. All you need is just dilute it in boiled water, stir thoroughly and let it brew a little.
Despite the amazing healing properties of Shilajit, not everyone likes the specific taste of this natural resin. The pine needle tea prepared according to this recipe will allow you to "drown out" the bitter taste of Shilajit and enjoy the power of Siberia!
Omega-3 reduces the level of triglycerides in the human body - if you increase their concentration, the risk of heart attack increases. Omega-3 also helps to maintain weight.
Omega-6 enters the body only with food or with supplements, vitamin complexes. This acid is necessary for the full growth and development of children. It also supports the balance of cholesterol, the health of nails, skin, and hair, helps the body restore the menstrual cycle, alleviates the symptoms of PMS, and also has a good effect on the work of the reproductive system as a whole.
Pine nut flour is a natural product obtained from pure pine nut kernels as a result of crushing the whole pine nuts into a powder form at special pine nut mills. The product obtained is called pine nut flour.
Useful properties of pine nut flour.
This Siberian pine nut flour is tasty, delicious but it can even help to absorb and gently remove slags and toxins from your body. Healthy protein in pine nut flour can help athletes strengthen their body and stimulate the growth of muscle mass.
Flour from this environmentally friendly product is widely used in home cooking – it adds to the usual pies, cupcakes, and casseroles a delicate aroma and soft taste of Siberian nuts. Pine nut flour promises a fascinating journey into the tasty delights of the mysterious Siberian region!
Below we will take a look at 3 unusual baking recipes from Siberian chefs:
Probiotics are non-pathogenic and non-toxin-producing living microorganisms that provide a beneficial effect on the human body when systematically consumed.
Our intestines contain microorganisms that populated them at birth and further in the process of colonization. Many of these bacteria are considered beneficial or "friendly", their other name is non–pathogenic. The functions of such bacteria include the conversion of fiber into short-chain fatty acids, the synthesis of certain vitamins, and the support of the body's immune system. Using probiotics can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria.
In essence, probiotics are microorganisms that provide a variety of beneficial effects for our health when consumed in the right amount.
The ancient doctrine of herbal medicine of Siberian shamans.
Decoction of some plants is drunk instead of tea, as people say: "If the body requires it". Herbs that are in the house are used everywhere for this purpose: shilajit (mumijo), birch leaves, goatweed, chamomile, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), rosehip, raspberry leaves, currant, etc. Usually, they are folded dry into a pillowcase, a bag, birch bark tuesques and brewed, drunk as tea or instead of water. The decoction is usually consumed only during the day.
Some plants are used in the treatment of specific diseases. In Taimyr (northern Siberia), indigenous tribes use dwarf birch leaves as an anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agent for mosquito bites. The bitten places are rubbed with freshly picked green leaves.
In the places of residence of the Evenk tribes (related to the Inuit), bath brooms are made from birch branches with leaves, a decoction of leaves in the form of tea is drunk with sore throat and cough; dry leaves are put in the bath and lie in them "if a cold wind blows through".
The tribes of the Nenets (Yamal Peninsula) with rheumatism (pain in the bones) burned a piece of birch growth (Chaga) on the patient's body. It was believed that the resulting easily healing wound, distracting bad juices from the diseased part of the body, bring relief to the patient.
Moss is especially popular among Siberian indigenous peoples. "Nyada" is what the Nenets call it. It is taken out from under the snow, steamed, and applied as a compress to sore joints, and in case of a cold - to the back and chest. The Nenets of the Taimyr Peninsula suggests using a decoction of deer moss (lichen, Icelandic moss) as a tonic, astringent and anti-inflammatory agent, since, in their opinion, a gelatinous decoction of lichens regulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates appetite, enhances the secretion of gastric juice. The Finno-Ugric Khanty tribe brews it as tea and drinks it as an expectorant for coughing and pneumonia.
