Shilajit: Benefits, Side Effects, And More - Healthline

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9 Benefits of Shilajit

Medically reviewed by Ami Patel PharmD, BCPS — Written by Valencia Higuera — Updated on February 19, 2024

Alzheimer’s
Testosterone
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Aging
Altitude sickness
Anemia
Infertility
Heart health
Female bone density
Side effects
How to use it
Takeaway

Shilajit resin is a supplement common in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains antioxidants and may offer other health benefits for people with some health conditions, though more research is needed.

Shilajit is a sticky substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. It develops over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants.

Shilajit is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s an effective and safe supplement that can have a positive effect on your overall health and well-being.

Here’s a look at eight ways to use shilajit.

1. Prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, behavior, and thinking. Drug treatments are available to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

However, based on the molecular composition of shilajit, some researchers believe shilajit may help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

The primary component of shilajit is an antioxidant known as fulvic acid. This powerful antioxidant contributes to cognitive health by preventing the accumulation of tau protein. Tau proteins are an important part of your nervous system, but a buildup can trigger brain cell damage.

Researchers think that the fulvic acid in shilajit may stop the abnormal buildup of tau protein and reduce inflammation, potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, more research and clinical trials are needed.

2. Raise testosterone

Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone, but some men have a lower level than others. Signs of low testosterone include:

a low sex drive
hair loss
loss of muscle mass
fatigue
increased body fat

In one clinical study of male volunteers ages 45-55, half of the participants were given a placebo, and half were given a 250 milligram (mg) dose of purified shilajit twice a day.

After 90 consecutive days, the study found that participants receiving purified shilajit had a significantly higher testosterone level compared to the placebo group.

3. Treat chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term condition that causes extreme tiredness or fatigue. CFS can make it difficult to go to work or school, and simple everyday activities can prove challenging. Researchers think that shilajit supplements may reduce symptoms of CFS and restore energy.

CFS has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. This occurs when your cells don’t produce enough energy.

In a study from 2012, researchers gave lab rats shilajit for 21 days and then induced CFS by forcing the rats to swim 15 minutes for 21 consecutive days. The results found that shilajit helped reduce the effects of CFS. They think this was the result of the shilajit helping to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction.

Based on these results, naturally boosting your body’s mitochondrial function with shilajit supplements may help improve energy levels.

4. Slow aging

Since shilajit is rich in fulvic acid, a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, it may also protect against free radicals and cellular damage.

As a result, regular use of shilajit may contribute to longevity, a slower aging process, and overall better health.

5. Reduce altitude sickness

A higher altitude can trigger a range of symptoms, including:

pulmonary edema
insomnia
lethargy, or feeling tired or sluggish
body pain
dementia
hypoxia

Altitude sickness can be triggered by low atmospheric pressure, cold temperatures, or high wind velocity. Researchers think that shilajit may help you overcome high altitude problems.

Shilajit contains fulvic acid and more than 84 minerals, so it offers numerous health benefits. It can function as an antioxidant to improve your body’s immunity and memory, an anti-inflammatory, an energy booster, and a diuretic to remove excess fluid from your body.

Because of these benefits, shilajit is thought to help counteract many symptoms associated with higher altitudes.

6. Treat iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can result from a low-iron diet, blood loss, or an inability to absorb iron. Symptoms include:

fatigue
weakness
cold hands and feet
headache
irregular heartbeat

Shilajit supplements, however, may gradually increase iron levels.

A study divided 18 rats into three groups of six. Researchers induced anemia in the second and third groups. Rats in the third group received 500 mg of shilajit after 11 days.

Researchers collected blood samples from all groups on day 21. The results revealed that rats in the third group had higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells compared to rats in the second group. These are all vital components of your blood.

7. Treat infertility

Shilajit is also a safe supplement for male infertility. In one study, a group of 60 infertile men took shilajit twice a day for 90 days after meals. At the end of the 90-day period, more than 60 percent of the study participants showed an increase in total sperm count.

More than 12% had an increase in sperm motility. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm in a sample to move adequately, an important part of fertility.

8. Support heart health

Shilajit, as a dietary supplement, may also improve heart health. Researchers tested the cardiac performance of shilajit on lab rats.

After receiving a pretreatment of shilajit, some rats were injected with isoproterenol to induce heart injury. The study found that rats given shilajit prior to cardiac injury had fewer cardiac lesions.

You shouldn’t take shilajit if you have active heart disease.

9. Help improve bone density in females

During menopause, many females assigned at birth (FAAB) can begin to lose bone mass, making bones weaker.

According to a 2022 study, taking Shilajit supplements daily may help postmenopausal women with bone mass loss improve their bone mineral density.

This can help reduce the chance of conditions like osteoporosis and injuries like fractures.

Is it safe to take Shilajit every day?

Although this herb is natural and safe, you shouldn’t consume raw or unprocessed shilajit. Raw shilajit may contain heavy metal ions, free radicals, fungus, and other contaminations that can make you sick. Whether you purchase online or from a natural or health food store, make sure shilajit is purified and ready for use.

Because this is considered an herbal approach to health, shilajit isn’t monitored for quality, purity, or strength by the Food and Drug Administration. Carefully research your options of where to purchase it and choose a reputable source.

Who should avoid taking Shilajit?

Don’t take shilajit if you have sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis (too much iron in your blood), or thalassemia. It’s possible to be allergic to this supplement. Stop taking Shilajit if you develop a rash, increased heart rate, or dizziness.

How to use it

Shilajit is available in liquid and powder forms. Always administer supplements according to instructions.

If you buy the supplement in liquid form, dissolve a portion the size of a grain of rice or a pea size in liquid and drink one to three times a day, depending on the instructions.

Or you can take shilajit powder twice a day with milk. There needs to be more research to determine the optimal dose, so speak with your doctor before taking shilajit.

Takeaway

Found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas, Shilajit is a sticky substance that forms over centuries as plants decompose. It’s frequently utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and may offer many health benefits.

However, more research is needed to better understand the appropriate dose and how the substance works. If you are considering taking shilajit, speak with your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Andrade V, et al. (2023). Scaling the andean shilajit: a novel neuroprotective agent for Alzheimer's disease.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513872/
Bjørklund G, et al. (2022). Natural compounds and products from an anti-aging perspective.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9610014/
Joukar S, et al. (2014). Cardioprotective effect of mumie (shilajit) on experimentally induced myocardial injury.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-014-9245-3
Meena H, et al. (2010). Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2876922/
Mishra T, et al. (2019). Shilajit (mumie): current status of biochemical, therapeutic and clinical advances.https://www.afdpharma.com/userfiles/review-article-of-shilajit.pdf
Pandit S, et al. (2016). Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26395129/
Pingali U, et al. (2022). Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35933897/
Powers D. (2023). Shilajit safety: Side effects & interactions.https://botanicalinstitute.org/shilajit-side-effects/
Surapaneni DK, et al. (2012). Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112003893?via%3Dihub
Velmurugan C, et al. (2010). Shilajit in management of iron deficiency anaemia.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288266508_Shilajit_in_management_of_iron_deficiency_anaemia

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Medically reviewed by Ami Patel PharmD, BCPS — Written by Valencia Higuera — Updated on February 19, 2024

Tag » How Long Does It Take For Shilajit To Work

Shilajit: Benefits, Side Effects, And More - Healthline

1. Prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease

2. Raise testosterone

3. Treat chronic fatigue syndrome

4. Slow aging

5. Reduce altitude sickness

6. Treat iron deficiency anemia

7. Treat infertility

8. Support heart health

9. Help improve bone density in females

Is it safe to take Shilajit every day?

Who should avoid taking Shilajit?

How to use it

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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