What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural, mineral-based substance that is found in the rocks of the Himalayan mountains. It appears as a thick, sticky material and ranges in color from pale brown to blackish-brown. Shilajit forms over hundreds of years from the slow decomposition of plant matter mixed with minerals. It contains humus, fulvic acid, and over 84 minerals, including copper, silver, zinc, iron, and lead.
Health Benefits of Shilajit
Shilajit is widely known as a natural health booster and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It helps increase energy levels and is effective in managing chronic fatigue, tiredness, and weakness. People with diabetes-related fatigue may also benefit from it. Shilajit is known to support better brain function and may help improve memory and focus. It is useful in managing anemia by increasing iron levels in the blood. Shilajit is also popular for improving male fertility and increasing testosterone levels. In general, it acts as a rejuvenator for overall strength and stamina.
Synonyms of Shilajit
Shilajit is known by several names in different systems of medicine and languages. Some of these include Asphaltum punjabinum, Mineral pitch, Black bitumen, Silajat, Shilajatu, Shiladhatuja, Kanmandam, Memiya, Girija, Adrija, Gaireya, Asmaja, Asmajatuka, Shilasweda, and Shilaniryasa.
Source of Shilajit
Shilajit comes from metal and mineral-based sources. It is mainly extracted from mountain rocks that are rich in organic material and natural minerals.
Benefits of Shilajit: Easy Explanation with Science and Ayurveda
Shilajit is a natural substance found in the Himalayan rocks, known for its powerful healing and energy-boosting properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is now being studied by modern science too.
Below is a table summarizing how Shilajit helps with various health conditions, along with tips on how to use it.
Benefits of Shilajit for Fatigue
| Perspective | Explanation |
|---|
| Modern Science View | Fatigue happens when your body doesn’t produce enough energy. Shilajit contains fulvic and humic acid, which help cells produce more energy. |
| Ayurvedic View | In Ayurveda, fatigue is called Klama and is linked to an imbalance in Kapha dosha. Shilajit helps reduce tiredness due to its strength-building (Balya) and rejuvenating (Rasayana) properties. |
| Tip | Take 1 Shilajit capsule with lukewarm milk after meals once a day for 2-3 months. |
Benefits of Shilajit for Alzheimer’s Disease
| Perspective | Explanation |
| Modern Science View | Alzheimer’s disease is linked to protein build-up (amyloid plaques) in the brain. Fulvic acid in Shilajit may reduce these plaques and improve brain health. |
| Ayurvedic View | Alzheimer’s is seen as a disorder caused by Vata imbalance. Shilajit helps reduce symptoms by rejuvenating the nervous system. |
| Tip | Take 2–4 pinches of Shilajit powder with honey or lukewarm milk twice a day after meals. |
Benefits of Shilajit for Respiratory Tract Infection
| Perspective | Explanation |
| Modern Science View | Shilajit has antiviral properties that can help fight respiratory infections, especially in children. |
| Ayurvedic View | It clears blockages caused by Vata-Kapha imbalance in the lungs and boosts immunity. |
| Tip | Mix 2–4 pinches of Shilajit powder with honey. Take it twice a day after meals. |
Benefits of Shilajit for Cancer Support
| Perspective | Explanation |
| Modern Science View | Shilajit reduces pain during chemotherapy by fighting harmful free radicals with its antioxidant properties. |
| Ayurvedic View | Cancer in Ayurveda is caused by imbalance in all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Shilajit helps maintain cell balance and protects tissues. |
Benefits of Shilajit for Heavy Metal Toxicity
| Perspective | Explanation |
| Modern Science View | Fulvic and humic acids in Shilajit help remove harmful metals like lead and mercury from the body due to their detoxifying nature. |
Benefits of Shilajit for Hypoxia (Low Oxygen in Tissues)
| Perspective | Explanation |
| Modern Science View | Shilajit supports red blood cell production and improves oxygen delivery in the body, preventing hypoxia. |
| Ayurvedic View | Shilajit acts as Yogavahi, meaning it enhances nutrient absorption (like iron) and helps blood carry more oxygen. |
| Tip | Take 1 Shilajit capsule with lukewarm milk after meals, twice a day. |
How Effective is Shilajit?
There is insufficient scientific evidence to fully confirm all benefits, but it shows promise in managing:
- Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer support, Fatigue, Respiratory tract infections, Heavy metal detox, Hypoxia (low oxygen levels)
However, many users and Ayurvedic practitioners report positive results when used consistently and correctly.
Precautions When Using Shilajit: Easy Guide
While Shilajit offers many health benefits, it’s important to follow proper precautions to avoid side effects. Both modern science and Ayurveda suggest careful usage in certain conditions.
Expert Advice: When to Be Cautious
| Condition | Perspective | Advice |
|---|
| Immune System Disorders | 🧬 Modern Science | Shilajit might boost the immune system. Avoid if you have autoimmune conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Always consult a doctor. |
| Tip | | You can take Shilajit with black pepper and ghee to reduce potential side effects. |
Breastfeeding
| Perspective | Advice |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Avoid using Shilajit during breastfeeding as there is not enough scientific research to confirm its safety. |
Pregnancy
| Perspective | Advice |
| 🧬 Modern Science | It is best to avoid Shilajit during pregnancy due to limited scientific evidence. |
Patients with Diabetes
| Perspective | Advice |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Shilajit may reduce blood sugar levels. If you are on anti-diabetic medication, monitor your blood glucose regularly when using Shilajit. |
Uric Acid Monitoring
| Perspective | Advice |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | Shilajit might raise uric acid levels. If you’re taking it along with uric acid-lowering drugs, regular monitoring is advised. |
Side Effects and Warnings
| Issue | Perspective | Explanation |
| Burning Sensation | 🌿 Ayurveda | Due to its hot potency, a high dose of Shilajit may cause a burning feeling or aggravate Pitta dosha. Use in moderation. |
Note: Shilajit is powerful, but it’s not for everyone. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting it, especially if you are on medication or have health conditions.
Recommended Dosage and How to Use Shilajit
Shilajit is available in different forms like powder, capsules, tablets, and even tea. Here’s how much to take and how to use it safely.
Recommended Dosage of Shilajit
| Form | Dosage |
|---|
| Shilajit Powder | 2–4 pinches once a day or as advised by your doctor. |
| Shilajit Capsule | 1 capsule twice a day or as advised by your doctor. |
| Shilajit Tablet | 1 tablet twice a day or as advised by your doctor. |
How to Use Shilajit
1. Shilajit Powder
- Take 2–4 pinches of Shilajit powder.
- Mix it with honey or lukewarm milk.
- Take it twice a day after meals.
2. Shilajit Capsule
- Take 1 Shilajit capsule.
- Swallow it with lukewarm milk after meals.
- Take it twice a day.
3. Shilajit Tablet
- Take 1 Shilajit tablet.
- Swallow it with lukewarm milk after meals.
- Take it twice a day.
4. Shilajit Black Tea
- Add 1.5 cups of water to a pan.
- Add ½ teaspoon of regular tea and boil for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add 2 pinches of Shilajit powder.
- Mix well and drink it in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shilajit (FAQs)
Here are some common questions people have about Shilajit, answered simply using both modern science and Ayurvedic views.
Q. How should I store Shilajit?
| Perspective | Answer |
|---|
| 🧬 Modern Science | Store Shilajit in a cool, dry place at room temperature. |
Q. Can I take Shilajit with Ashwagandha?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | Yes, but consult a doctor first. Both are body-strengthening herbs and may have a strong combined effect. It also depends on your body type and digestive strength. |
Q. Can women take Shilajit Gold capsules?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | Yes, women can take it. It helps reduce joint pain and weakness due to its Vata-balancing and rejuvenating effects. |
Q. Can Shilajit be taken in summers?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Yes, Shilajit can be taken in all seasons, including summer. Consult your doctor before use. |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | It can be taken in all seasons. Though it has hot potency, it is light to digest if used in proper amounts. |
Q. Can Shilajit help with High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Yes. Its diuretic property helps reduce swelling in the brain caused by low oxygen at high altitudes. This may relieve symptoms like confusion or loss of coordination. |
Q. Can Shilajit help treat anemia?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Yes. Fulvic acid in Shilajit helps your body absorb iron better, which helps make more red blood cells and improves anemia. |
Q. What are the benefits of Shilajit Gold for men?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | It may increase sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels. |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | It boosts energy and sexual strength due to its tonic (Balya) and rejuvenating (Rasayana) nature. |
Q. Can Shilajit slow down aging?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Yes. Antioxidants in fulvic acid fight free radicals that cause aging signs like wrinkles. |
| 🌿 Ayurveda | It controls cell damage and aging by strengthening the body and slowing down degeneration. |
Q. What are some popular Shilajit brands?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Popular brands in India include: |
- Dabur Shilajit Gold
- Patanjali Shilajit |
Q. Is Shilajit Gold safe to use?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | Yes, it is generally safe. But consult your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition. |
Q. Can Shilajit cause constipation?
| Perspective | Answer |
| 🧬 Modern Science | No, it usually doesn’t cause constipation. Its antioxidant properties help detox the body. However, individual reactions may vary. Always consult your doctor before use. |
References for Shilajit Information
Below are the research sources and references used to provide scientific and Ayurvedic insights on Shilajit:
- Dr. Reddy PS, ed. “Shilajatu”. A Textbook of Rasashastra. 2017.
- Meena H, Pandey HK, Arya MC, et al. Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. Int J Ayurveda Res. 2010;1(1):37–40.
- Khaksari M, Mahmmodi R, Shahrokhi N, et al. The effects of shilajit on brain edema, intracranial pressure and neurologic outcomes following traumatic brain injury in rats. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(7):858–864.
- WebMD: Fulvic Acid – Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage. Atlanta. Last updated 2016.
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570–575.
- C Velmurugan, B VIvek, E Wilson, et al. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(3):210–214.
- Gallardo CC, Guzman L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2012.
- Bansal P, Banerjee S. Effect of Withania somnifera and shilajit on alcohol addiction in mice. Pharmacogn Mag. 2016;12(2):S121–S128.
- Patel DV, Chandola H, Baghel MS, et al. Clinical efficacy of Shankhapushpi and a herbo-mineral compound in type-II diabetes. Ayu. 2012;33(2):230–237.
- Cornejo A, Jiménez JM, Caballero L, et al. Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer’s disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;27(1):143-53.
- Cagno V, Donalisio M, Civra A, et al. In vitro evaluation of the antiviral properties of Shilajit and investigation of its mechanisms of action. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;166:129-134.
- Pant K, Singh B, Thakur N. Shilajit: A humic matter panacea for cancer. Int J Toxicol Pharmacol Res. 2012;4(2):17-25.
- Surapaneni DK, Adapa SR, Preeti K, et al. Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;143(1):91-99.
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142
