What is Shilajit? Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
What is Shilajit?
Originating in the Himalayan mountains along the border between India and Nepal, shilajit is a dark, tar-like or powdery substance that has also been found among the mountain rocks of Russia, Afghanistan and even the high Andes of Chile. Shilajit has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic medicinal traditions of the Indian subcontinent and throughout Asia, valued for its various health benefits.1
But what is shilajit exactly? Science tells us that shilajit is a phytocomplex that is formed during the decomposition of certain plant species over great periods of time.1 For centuries this substance has been associated with adaptogenic and other healthy aging properties.2
Let’s consider some of the benefits of shilajit supplements.
Benefits of Shilajit
What is shilajit good for? The answer may surprise you, as this humble product of nature packs quite a punch when it comes to supporting wellness. The secret to many of its potent contributions is the high content of fulvic acid, a substance produced by microorganisms in soil and now used as a health supplement.1 A quick list of the most popular benefits of shilajit include:
Shilajit for antioxidant defense.
Shilajit contains a high level of fulvic acid (around 15-20%)3 which, in turn, provides powerful antioxidant defense.1 This can contribute not only to total-body wellness, but also to healthy aging.
Shilajit for bone health.
Bone remineralization is an important factor in supporting overall bone health—especially for postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that shilajit may contribute to the body’s natural remineralization process in a positive way.4
Shilajit for immune health.
The fulvic acid content in shilajit supplements has been associated with promoting a healthy immune response in a number of aspects of immune wellness.5
Shilajit for stress support.
Shilajit is classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can promote a healthy response to daily stressors.6
Who Should Take Shilajit?
Shilajit is considered safe for most adults to take, even on a long-term basis.7 Its benefits may especially support the bone health of menopausal women. However, as a general rule, we recommend that you discuss adding any supplement to your daily regimen with your doctor to ensure maximum benefit based on your personal needs and goals.
Shilajit Dosage
There is not currently an officially established dosage for shilajit supplements, but in many areas of research, a daily dosage of 250-500 mg per day was used safely.8
Side Effects of Shilajit
More research is needed to fully examine any possible side effects of taking shilajit as a dietary supplement. Discuss with your doctor to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of any prescription medications you may be taking before adding shilajit to your routine.
Shilajit has been valued by traditional cultures for many centuries, being associated with a variety of powerful health benefits. We invite you to consider how shilajit may contribute to your health goals by checking out the many shilajit supplements offered by Swanson.
You be well, now.
Swanson
This article has been medically reviewed and accepted.
About Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a Pennsylvania-licensed pharmacist and independent medical writer with over 14 years of experience in community and hospital pharmacy. She is dedicated to creating evidence-based health content that empowers individuals to take an active role in their healthcare. Areas of expertise include dietary supplements, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, vaccines, weight loss, cancer, eye care, and more. She has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
- Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Read source
- Shilajit: A Review. Phytotherapy Research. Read source
- Therapeutic Potential of Fulvic Acid in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Research. Read source
- 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. Phytomedicine. Read source
- In vitro evaluation of the antiviral properties of Shilajit and investigation of its mechanisms of action. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Read source
- Shilajit (Mumie): Current Status of Biochemical, Therapeutic, and Clinical Advances. Current Nutrition & Food Science.
- Safety and Efficacy of Shilajit (Mumie, Moomiyo). Phytotherapy Research. Read source
- The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels. Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine. Read source
