Insightful Overview on Shilajit: Its Basics and Essentials
Shilajit: The Conqueror of Mountains and Destroyer of Weakness syupanated
In the vast tapestry of botanical remedies, one that's gained a formidable reputation is Shilajit, a dark, viscous substance hailing from the craggy crannies of the Himalayas. Over centuries, it's seeped into the crevices of rocks and boulders, with the ability to be found in mountainous regions worldwide. But you can also score some at your local drugstore, tucked away on shelves as supplements.
Clever advertising, eh? We're not endorsing Shilajit products here, just presenting the facts. This sticky stuff has been whispered about since the days of traditional Ayurvedic medicine – dating back thousands of years. And lately, it's found itself thrust into the limelight in the West, marveled at for its purported abilities to slow aging, boost fertility, and even vanquish cancer.
Robert Saper, MD, MPH, Chair of the Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and holder of the Nancy J. & Michael F. Roizen Chair in Wellness, lets us in on the real deal.
11 Shilajit Benefits Unveiled
Much like its name in Sanskrit, Shilajit is known as a substance that conquers mountains and destroys weakness. Early Ayurvedic texts had Shilajit classified as a rasayana, a substance that improves the quality of plasma and, as a result, all of the tissues in your body. In essence, Ayurvedic texts proclaim that Shilajit extends life by healing and preventing illness.
What have Shilajit manufacturers latched onto? That supposed health-boosting power. Shilajit's sold in various forms, like liquids, powders, gummies, pills, and tablets, sometimes fortified with adaptogens, herbs, or minerals. But as with many supplements, different batches can vary in composition, quality, and taste.
Does it actually work wonders?
Well, Dr. Saper says that modern scientific research on Shilajit suggests it may have healing properties. However, the available data is scant, and what does exist isn't all that credible.
"There are only a few studies that assess Shilajit's impact on different medical conditions. And almost all of those studies are small and have methodologic problems," he plainly states. "They alone don't warrant or justify the use of Shilajit in a clinical setting."
So, what d'we know, buckaroo, about Shilajit's health benefits? Is it safe to give it a shot? Dr. Saper breaks it down.
1. Fulvic Acid Abundance
Shilajit is swimming with fulvic acid, a chemical product of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms as they decompose dead plant and animal matter. Fulvic acid's demonstrated attributes in test tubes include various health benefits. But whether those healthy effects would do anything for our corporeal selves is anyone's guess.
2. Aging Gracefully?
Shilajit is widely marketed as an anti-aging supplement. According to Dr. Saper, you can chalk it up to fulvic acid's antioxidant properties, which protect our cells from oxidative stress. But don't get too excited – fulvic acid has also got oxidative properties, especially when consumed in large doses. That's not a good thang, buddy boy.
Small studies found that Shilajit might "enhance collagen production," reduce fatigue, and improve muscle strength and recovery. However, much more research is needed to confirm these findings.
3. Ward Off Cognitive Decline
Shilajit is also peddled as an anti-aging supplement because of promising evidence that it may forestall cognitive decline. A 2023 laboratory study unearthed that Shilajit harvested from the mountains of northern Chile might help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
4. Boosting Fertility
Ayurvedic medicine brands Shilajit as an aphrodisiac, and it's been long used to combat male infertility. Some preliminary studies hint that taking Shilajit supplements might "increase testosterone levels" and boost sperm count. But these findings are dated and based on experiments with small sample sizes. More research is needed to pinpoint Shilajit's impact on male sex hormones and fertility.
5. Embrace Inflammation (Wait, What?)
Shilajit has been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to battle a wide spectrum of inflammatory woes, from eczema to diabetes. According to Dr. Saper, it's hypothesized that Shilajit blocks the release of immune system chemicals like histamine when exposed to allergens. But there's a snag, matee – a 2018 review suggests that research into fulvic acid paints a picture of it can be both pro- and anti-inflammatory.
6. Immune System Support
Scientific studies dating back to the 1980s and 1990s claim that Shilajit has immunomodulatory properties, meaning it can either bolster or suppress the immune system as needed.
7. Antiviral Powers?
2015 and 2020 studies suggest that Shilajit might harbor modest antiviral properties. But remember, these effects were observed in test tubes – not people.
8. Cancer-fighting Potential
Research indicates Shilajit might enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and help inhibit or kill cancer cells. Dr. Saper notes that while it's too early to say that Shilajit possesses anti-cancer properties, these early studies are encouraging.
9. Prevent Iron-deficiency Anemia?
Laboratory studies suggest fulvic acid is chock-full of iron, and several Ayurvedic texts claim that the fulvic acid in Shilajit enhances iron absorption. But thus far, the benefits have only been observed in plants, not humans.
10. Vitamin Magnesium (and Stress Relief)
Shilajit is larded with magnesium, and some research suggests that it may help alleviate anxiety by reducing stress hormone levels and providing some zen-like relaxation to the nervous system. Bear in mind that showering the body with too much magnesium can lead to ill effects, and you can't be entirely sure of your magnesium intake with Shilajit supplements.
11. Shilajit for Stress Relief?
There's a chance that Shilajit may claim a role in your self-care routine, but if you're wrestling with anxiety, don't cruise the supplement aisle to find solutions. A healthcare provider can help you chart a course to stress relief that's more on-target.
Is Shilajit Safe?
It's uncertain if Shilajit can positively impact your health, but could it lend a hand in causing harm? Dr. Saper opines that its safety depends on its preparation.
"Raw Shilajit has a plethora of impurities like heavy metals and microbial organisms not fit for human consumption," he explains.
A 2024 review of current research found that raw Shilajit often contains the following toxic or potentially toxic materials:
- Aluminum
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Mercury
- Thallium
- Lead
- Fungus
Manufacturers claim that Shilajit products undergo a purification process to weed out harmful contaminants, but remember: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't regulate supplements. That means you can't be 100% sure about what you're ingesting. And that's dangerous – a 2025 study unearthed that some Shilajit supplements actually contained elevated levels of the toxic heavy metal thallium compared to raw Shilajit.
Dr. Saper advises only purchasing supplements from brands recommended by a healthcare provider and choosing ones that have been tested independently. These products will bear a seal and a certificate of analysis (COA). Independent testing isn't foolproof, but it's your best bet to ensure your Shilajit supplement doesn't contain significant levels of heavy metal or microbial contamination.
Side Effects
There's sparse information regarding side effects associated with Shilajit use, says Dr. Saper. "It's rare to conduct post-marketing surveillance of supplements and their side effects," he notes. "So, all we have to go on are the very few clinical trials that have been done. Those trials suggest that Shilajit is relatively safe when taken as directed."
Fulvic acid and Shilajit occasionally generate sore throat, headaches, and dizziness. Other reported side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues: Some people have reported experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking Shilajit or supplements containing it.
- Hormonal Imbalances: There's some evidence suggesting that Shilajit can elevate testosterone levels in women, potentially bringing about acne, irregular periods, hair loss, and more.
- Pseudohyperaldosteronism: This severe condition arises in a single case study and brings about hypertension, low potassium levels, and metabolic alkalosis.
- Allergic Reactions: Any supplement can ignite allergic reactions, matey.
Stop taking Shilajit pronto if it yields unpleasant side effects!
Who Shouldn't Take Shilajit
While the health claims surrounding Shilajit are tantalizing, they could lead to unintended problems. If Shilajit genuinely does lower blood pressure, taking it could be harmful if you already grapple with low blood pressure.
If you're considering giving Shilajit a whirl, consult your doc first. Your physician will scrutinize your medical history, meds, and other factors to determine if the risks outweigh the potential benefits.
Your provider may suggest steering clear of Shilajit if you:
- Are pregnant, nursing, or hoping to become pregnant
- Have heart disease or blood pressure glitches, are taking a blood thinner, or have bleeding or clotting disorders
- Have diabetes or another condition, like liver or kidney trouble, that affects your blood sugar
- Have an overactive immune system condition, like mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or lupus
- Suffer from hemochromatosis, a condition causing your body to absorb too much iron
Children shouldn't partake in Shilajit consumption because there's been scant research on its safety for children.
- Shilajit's primary active ingredient, fulvic acid, is a chemical product of decomposition of dead plant and animal matter, found abundant in Shilajit.
- In laboratory tests, fulvic acid has demonstrated various health benefits, but the effects on human bodies are still uncertain.
- Shilajit is promoted as an anti-aging supplement due to its fulvic acid's suspected antioxidant properties that could protect cells from oxidative stress, although it may also have oxidative properties with large doses.
- Some preliminary studies suggest that Shilajit might enhance collagen production, reduce fatigue, and improve muscle strength and recovery, but further research is needed to confirm these claims.
