Shilajit: what it is, its properties, traditional uses and how to take it

What shilajit is and what its properties are

Shilajit is a dark natural resin that forms slowly in rock crevices high in the mountains, especially in the Himalayas. It originates from plant matter and minerals that have broken down over a very long time.

Besides the Himalayas, it is found in other mountain ranges such as the Caucasus, the Altai and parts of Central Asia. It has a sticky texture and an intense, slightly bitter taste. It has held a prominent place in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is now sold as a food supplement.

In this article we explain what it is made of, how it has traditionally been used, what research is exploring and how to take it sensibly.

Shilajit composition

Shilajit mainly contains fulvic acid, humic acids and minerals naturally present in the resin. This combination gives it its colour, its characteristic taste and its interest as an ingredient.

The exact composition varies depending on the area of origin, the altitude and the purification process. That is why two shilajit products can be quite different from each other. Fulvic acid is the most studied compound and the one usually mentioned when talking about quality.

Be wary of striking figures about the number of minerals or the concentration of compounds if the manufacturer does not provide analyses to back them up.

Traditional uses of shilajit in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, shilajit has traditionally been considered a rasayana, a substance linked to vitality and overall balance. It has been used for generations as part of self-care routines.

It was traditionally taken dissolved in hot water, milk or with honey, often combined with other plants from the same tradition. One of the most common pairings is with ashwagandha, another plant highly valued in Ayurveda. To learn more about it, read our guide to ashwagandha.

It is important to distinguish between traditional use and proven effect: the fact that a substance has been used for centuries does not mean its health effects have been confirmed by science.

What research says about shilajit

Scientific research on shilajit is still limited. There are laboratory studies and a few small human trials, but they are not enough to attribute specific health effects to it.

Researchers have looked, for example, at the role of fulvic acid, its relationship with energy and tiredness, and its traditional use in men's wellbeing. These are open lines of research with preliminary results that need to be confirmed in larger, more rigorous studies.

For this reason, there are no authorised health claims for shilajit in the European Union. Be wary of messages that promise guaranteed benefits for energy, memory, immunity or hormones: there is currently not enough evidence to say so.

How to take shilajit

The most common way to take shilajit is to dissolve a small portion of resin in a hot drink. This is the most traditional form and the one that best lets you check its texture and purity.

For example, VitalizeNature Shilajit Original + Ashwagandha combines shilajit resin and ashwagandha extract in a 30 g format. Its directions say to dissolve between 300 mg and 500 mg in hot water, milk or the drink of your choice, and to include it in your daily routine.

• Always follow the dose indicated by the manufacturer and do not exceed it.
• Use a clean, dry spoon or spatula to take each portion.
• Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
• Remember that a supplement is no substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Precautions and contraindications

Shilajit is not suitable for everyone, so check with a healthcare professional before taking it if you have any doubts. This is especially important in certain cases.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• If you take regular medication or have a chronic condition.
• If you have allergies or have had digestive discomfort with similar products.
• Children: always keep it out of their reach.

If you notice any adverse reaction, stop taking it and talk to your doctor. And if you are looking at shilajit because of persistent tiredness, stress or hair loss, it is best to have a professional assess the cause, as there may be factors that need medical attention. For more on the link between tension and hair, read our article on stress and hair loss.

Quality and purity: how to choose a good shilajit

The quality of shilajit depends on its origin and, above all, on its purification. Raw resin may contain impurities or contaminants, so it should never be consumed unprocessed.

When choosing a product, check that it states its origin, that the manufacturer carries out quality controls and batch testing, and that the label includes clear directions and warnings. Be wary of very low prices, exaggerated promises and products with no information about where they come from.

Frequently asked questions about shilajit

What exactly is shilajit?

Shilajit is a dark natural resin that forms in high-mountain rocks, especially in the Himalayas, from plant matter and minerals that have broken down over a long time. It contains fulvic acid, humic acids and minerals, and it has traditionally been used in Ayurveda as part of wellbeing routines.

How much shilajit can I take per day?

It depends on the product, so always follow the manufacturer's directions. For VitalizeNature Shilajit Original + Ashwagandha, the directions say to dissolve between 300 mg and 500 mg in hot water, milk or another drink. Do not exceed the recommended dose and ask a professional if you are unsure.

Does shilajit have proven health benefits?

Not at the moment. There are preliminary studies on fulvic acid, energy and men's wellbeing, but they are not enough to confirm specific effects. There are no authorised health claims for shilajit in the European Union, so it is wise to be wary of guaranteed promises.

Who should not take shilajit?

It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision. If you take regular medication or have a chronic condition or allergies, talk to a healthcare professional before taking it. Keep it out of the reach of children and stop taking it if any adverse reaction appears.

Why is shilajit combined with ashwagandha?

Both are classic Ayurvedic ingredients, and using them together is part of traditional wellbeing and self-care practices. This combination has commonly been included in daily routines, although research on its effects is still limited and does not allow specific health benefits to be attributed to it.

How can I tell if shilajit is good quality?

Check that the product states its origin, that the manufacturer carries out quality controls and batch testing, and that the label includes directions and warnings. The resin should always be purified. Be wary of very low prices, exaggerated promises and products with no information about where they come from.