What Does Shilajit Do for the Body?

Shilajit contains high levels of fulvic acid and over 84 minerals.

Shilajit is a sticky pale brown to blackish brown resin found mostly in rocks of the Himalayan mountains of India, Nepal, and Tibet. It is formed from the slow decomposition of plants and develops over centuries.

Shilajit is a Sanskrit word that means "conqueror of mountain," or "winner of rock." Other names for it include Salajit, Shilajatu, Mimie, Moomiyo, and Mummiyo. It is found in the mountains in Russia and Afghanistan, and more recently it has been found in the mountains north of Chile (known as Andean Shilajit). It is mostly made up of organic decomposed matter known as humus, has a bitter taste, and has an unpleasant smell like cow's urine. (Humus is not the same as hummus, the Mediterranean dip made from chickpeas.)

There are multiple theories on its origin. Some scientists believe it has a plant and animal mixed origin, while others say it is entirely plant origin. Ancient Indian literature says it is the secretions of plant latex resin that ooze out of rock cracks under the intense heat of summer. Researchers believe it is produced by the decomposition of plants such as Euphorbia royleana, Trifolium repens, some mold species, and other plant organisms.

Shilajit is primarily composed of humic substances such as humin, humic acid, and fulvic acid. It is likely the therapeutic effects are from the anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and antioxidant properties of fulvic acid. Shilajit also contains many minerals such as iron, selenium, copper, and zinc in ionic form, and several other substances including amino acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and dibenzo-alphapyrones.

Shilajit has many medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda, an Indian traditional medicine. It is found to be beneficial against some diseases, to improve overall health, and to produce positive effects on the body. Do not take Shilajit or other herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor, particularly if you have any health conditions and are taking regular medications.

Shilajit is used as an herbal supplement to improve symptoms of many ailments. Shilajit resin is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial metals that can help prevent and protect from diseases, improving the overall health of the body. However, despite what Ayurveda may say, most of Shilajit's benefits do not have enough scientific evidence for their efficacy and safety.

Shilajit is available over the counter and it is marketed as a supplement. Consult your healthcare provider before using it for any therapeutic purposes. Avoid using it for prolonged periods, and report to your doctor if you notice side effects.

Nineteen Shilajit benefits may include:

1. Brain function: The powerful antioxidant fulvic acid in Shilajit reduces inflammation, slows down the aging process, and prevents or slows down the progression of brain cell damage.
2. Cognitive function: Fulvic acid in Shilajit is a strong antioxidant that improves cognitive functions because it prevents the accumulation of tau protein, a buildup of which may damage the brain cells, reducing cognitive functions, such as thinking, learning, understanding, justifying, listening, questioning, and paying attention to details.
3. Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder where a person has problems with thinking, memory, and behavior. The antioxidant effect of fulvic acid blocks the buildup of tau proteins that damage nerve cells and slows down aging of brain cells, improving cognitive functions, which in turn prevents or improves symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
4. Aging: Shilajit contains high concentrations of fulvic and humic acids that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing free radicals, and lowering cellular damage in the body, thus improving the overall health and functionality of the cells, and slowing the aging process, as well as improving longevity.
5. High cholesterol: A study reported a group given Shilajit showed a significant decrease in cholesterol and triglycerides compared with another group given a placebo.
6. Heart health: Shilajit has cardioprotective properties since it relieves symptoms of palpitations and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It reduces the risk of heart disease because of its antioxidant properties that improve the health of cells, slow the aging process, and reduce cholesterol.
7. Maintains healthy blood sugar levels in people with diabetes: Shilajit has hypoglycemic (glucose-lowering) properties. It increases the production of insulin by the pancreas and reduces the breakdown of starch into glucose.
8. Anemia: It is a good source of iron that can help treat anemia (iron deficiency).
9. Antiviral: Shilajit has a wide range of minerals and compounds that are believed to fight off viruses and boost the immune system. A study suggested that it may fight and kill viruses including the herpes virus.
10. Chronic fatigue syndrome: A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2012 reported Shilajit reduced symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome because it reduces physical and mental stress. It improves cellular function and increases energy.
11. Liver cancer: A study suggested Shilajit helped with the destruction of cancerous cells in the liver by preventing the cells from multiplying.
12. Intestinal troubles: Shilajit's anti-inflammatory and purifying properties suppress the growth of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori in the gut, prevent constipation, maintain healthy bowel movements, keep the colon healthy, and prevent stomach discomfort, flatulence, and pain.
13. Male infertility: Studies have reported that intake of Shilajit showed a significant increase in total sperm count and improved production of male sex hormones, thus improving the health and motility of sperm and stamina in men. It's also said to boost testosterone in men.
14. Regulates periods: Shilajit balances female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone to help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce menstrual cramps and pain by relaxing the muscles.
15. Pain and inflammation: Shilajit has abundant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, so it helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It was found to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis.
16. Treats wounds and ulcers: Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer characteristics of Shilajit help treat ulcers such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, canker sores, and mouth ulcers. It increases the regeneration of new cells and aids in wound healing.
17. Relieves stress and anxiety: Shilajit has antidepressant properties that help calm the mind, and reduce anxiety symptoms, physical and mental stress, and irritability.
18. Bone health: Shilajit may strengthen bones, increase bone density, and protect against osteoporosis. Post-menopausal women have estrogen deficiency that reduces bone density. By increasing estrogen levels, it can help relieve some symptoms of menopause.
19. High-altitude sickness: Shilajit stimulates blood formation, enhances blood oxygen-carrying capability, and improves nutrient absorption. These properties can mitigate high-altitude symptoms such as low oxygen saturation (hypoxia), insomnia, appetite loss, headache, fatigue, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema.

Ayurveda claims most of the above-mentioned benefits of Shilajit. However, despite Ayurvedic philosophy, extensive study is necessary to confirm all the potential health benefits.

Shilajit is marketed as an herbal product and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements stringently the way it regulates drugs. Its contents may not match what is mentioned on the label, and some products may be contaminated. Make sure you obtain Shilajit supplements from a trustworthy and reputed supplier who produces or sells contaminant-free good quality supplements.

There are certain downsides to the use of Shilajit such as a decrease in blood pressure. Because Shilajit is an herbal product, it may be contaminated with dirt and many other heavy metals. Therefore, it should be processed well to remove all contaminants before consumption because they may cause harm to the body.

Shilajit side effects include:

• Stomach upset, especially in people with sensitive stomachs
• Headaches and migraines
• Allergic reaction
• Skin reactions from topical application of Shilajit oil
• Interaction with certain medications may reduce your blood sugar drastically if you are taking anti-diabetic medicine
• Poisoning from heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic if contaminated
• Iron toxicity because it is a rich source of iron

Shilajit is available in many forms such as powder, liquid, resin, tablet, capsule, and oil. There are no scientifically established recommended dosages because it is an herbal supplement and not well-regulated. Most manufacturers recommend an oral Shilajit dosage of 200-500 mg per day, going up to 1 or 2 gm if tolerated, for 8 to 48 weeks. Concentrations and formulations vary; follow the manufacturer's label.

General suggested ways of using Shilajit include:

• Shilajit resin: Place the recommended amount under your tongue and let it dissolve, or dissolve it in warm water, milk, tea, juices, smoothies, or other beverages. You could also mix it with honey, nut butter, and yogurt, or use it in other dishes.
• Shilajit tablet or capsule: Take one a day, or as per manufacturer's directions. It is considered to be best taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a beverage.
• Shilajit liquid or powder: Dissolve the recommended amount in a beverage and drink it.
• Shilajit oil: Purported use is to improve male sexual performance. Take a few drops of oil and gently massage on the penis in the morning and at night.

What is Shilajit used for?

Shilajit is used as an herbal supplement for multiple health benefits it is believed to offer.

• It is used to improve general health, strength and stamina, cognitive function, bone health, cardiac health, appetite and digestion, and the health of the nervous system.
• It is used as a nutraceutical in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and to treat genitourinary disorders, digestive disorders, osteoporosis, bronchitis, kidney stones, and hemorrhoids.
• It is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations; the traditional uses are endless.

Although studies show Shilajit contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, there is no scientific evidence to back any of its purported beneficial effects. Consult your doctor before use.

What is the use of Shilajit for males?

Shilajit is believed to increase sperm count and motility, and the production of testosterone in men, thus improving male fertility. It is also used to enhance sexual performance and treat erectile dysfunction in men. Once again, there is scant evidence for its efficacy in these uses.

Shilajit benefits for females may include maintenance of hormonal balance, relief from menstrual cramps, and libido enhancement.

What happens if we take Shilajit daily?

Daily intake of Shilajit is possibly safe for most adults in recommended doses for short periods. There are no studies on the safety of taking Shilajit daily for prolonged periods. Neither is there enough scientific evidence backing the benefits of daily Shilajit intake. It may not harm to take it occasionally if you wish to try it, but it may be better not to incorporate it into your daily diet.

Who should not take Shilajit?

There are no well-controlled clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of Shilajit. While taking it for short periods may not harm most healthy adults, do not take it if you fall into any of the following categories:

• Children
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with blood disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, or iron overload (hemochromatosis)
• Diabetics taking anti-diabetic medications, as may cause a steep drop in blood sugar
• People with a history of low blood pressure (hypotension) or heart disease, or people with high blood pressure who take medications to lower blood pressure; may cause the BP to drop dangerously low
• Individuals scheduled to have surgery – do not take for at least 2 weeks prior because it can interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery

Does Shilajit expire?

Some manufacturers claim Shilajit never expires, but its efficacy may wane over time. It is a product of the decomposition of organic matter over centuries. But it goes through human hands and various processes during extraction and purification. Improper handling and storage can cause the growth of microbes or fungi, reducing their shelf life. Manufacturers give varying dates of expiry, from months to years, so there is no reliable information on the expiry of Shilajit.

Here are a few tips to make sure you don't ingest Shilajit that has expired, contaminated, or is unsafe in any other way:

• Look at the label for "best before" or "use before" dates before you buy or consume Shilajit.
• Check the product visually for any changes in color, texture, or consistency, and presence of mold. Fresh Shilajit is pale brown to dark brownish-black and sticky. Don't consume it if it has any odd blotches of discoloration.
• Store it in a dark, cool, and dry place away from direct sunlight, in airtight containers.
• When taking it out for use, handle it carefully to avoid contamination.